Counselling Agreement

This is the basic agreement I ask all new counselling clients to understand and sign with me. If there is anything in here that you are unsure of or wish to renegotiate, please let me know.

This sets up the boundaries of our working relationship, helping to ensure a safe space for us.

My commitment to you:

  • I work in a person-centred way; that is - I trust you to make the best decisions for yourself.

  • I will keep time boundaries to the best of my ability. If I am late for any reason, I will still provide you with our agreed amount of time if possible.

  • In the case of technical problems, I will communicate with you via your preferred method of communication to find a solution (that may be an immediate fix, rescheduling our session or something else).

  • I have and will keep membership with NCPS (or another professional body).

  • I have monthly supervision.

  • I will make sure that when we work together I am emotionally and physically well enough and working within the levels of my competence, training and capacity.

    • If issues arise that I consider to be outside my competence, I will inform you and assist you to find a suitable alternative.

  • If I need to cancel one of our sessions, I will give as much notice as I can and try where possible to reschedule it at your convenience.

Boundaries

I will maintain appropriate boundaries should our paths cross outside of the therapy space. For example, if I notice you outside of our sessions, I will not be the first to engage to allow you to decide what is comfortable for yourself in that moment.
A more detailed boundary policy is being written and will be available soon.

Confidentiality

I will maintain confidentiality and protect your data. This applies to any and all records in accordance with GDPR and confidentiality guidelines of NCPS.

Our sessions are confidential, with limits of confidentiality being set out in my confidentiality policy.

Record Keeping and online security

I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioners Office) as a data controller, and will remain GDPR compliant. I am currently writing my data policy, they will be available to view soon.

I ask you to:

  • Pay me what you can. I will not specifically be asking any questions regarding your financial circumstances and instead ask that you chose a price. 

  • Be on time for our sessions. I will not judge you for being late, but I will not be able to extend the time of our session.

  • Give at least 24 hours notice of cancellations. If you do not, I will still have to ask that you pay your fee.

  • Have our online session in an appropriate setting - secure, safe and private.

  • Understand that my email and phone number are for administrative purposes only. I am unable to offer support between sessions unless this has been agreed.

  • Assist me in maintaining appropriate boundaries should we encounter each other outside of therapy, as per my boundaries policy.

  • Make any necessary payment prior to each session.

  • Talk to me if you have any concerns or problems.

Concerns/
complaints

When needed, I will offer a free session to explore a complaint of an issue where I have practised unskillfully or oppressively.

If you feel there is an unresolved complaint that you were unable to resolve with me, you can contact my professional body, NCPS, for advice.