Terms: Working agreement for counselling sessions

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Your sessions are confidential and information with regards to your treatment will not be shared outside of business except in 1 exceptional circumstances.

I will keep notes pertaining to our sessions which will be electronically stored. If at anytime you wish to receive a copy of the notes held you may request this by completing an information release form.

As my role as a counsellor, I receive supervision and may sometime feel the need to discuss my clients with my supervisor. All information discussed will be anonymous and Soley to ensure I am giving the best support I can.

If should happen that I am no longer able to work with you, I will pout this in writing so you will have a clear understanding as to why. I will also support you in finding a more suitable service if possible.

I need to make it clear that I will need to break confidentiality if I feel that you are going to harm yourself or others.

For in depth information with regards to GDPR please visit gov.uk website. 

Length and duration of session

The time limit to the duration of the counselling sessions is 50 minutes and we can agree on the frequency however initially they will be weekly on the same day and at the same time. The sessions slot will be kept available until you reach the end of treatment or if you decide to end counselling.

You must be on time for sessions whether face to face via video link. If you are more than 10 minutes late (without notification) I will cancel that session – there will still be a charge for the full session.

Although there is no limit to the number of sessions you can receive, the minimal amount of sessions recommended is 6 . There will be formulation and review of SMART goals/targets to ensure treatment is beneficial and working for you. If you would like to end before the agreed end of treatment I would request that this is done in writing (via email to teburahs@outlook.com) with two weeks’ notice so we can agree an appropriate ending.

Cancellations of sessions

I need 48 hours’ notice of cancellation where possible. It may be possible to negotiate a later time or an alternate day. 

Cancellations without notification will incur a charge.

Please do not turn up to sessions under the influence of non-prescribed drugs of alcohol. I will cancel the session in these circumstances. 

I will always give as much notice as possible if I must change our sessions or if I will be away on holiday.

Professional Membership 

I am bound by the code of ethics and practice and the complaint procedures of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a registered member of both the BACP and NCPS.

Insurance

I carry full insurance – you can request a copy if required.

Other 

If we meet outside the session, I will wait for you to acknowledge me first. If you are comfortable with acknowledging me then I will be happy to say hello. If not, I will respect confidentiality. If any contact outside the session is causing/causes any concern, I would ask that you immediately bring it to the next session.