This is the agreement I ask all new counselling clients to sign and agree to. Please let me know if there is anything you are unsure of or wish to renegotiate.

This sets the boundaries of our work together, making sure it is a safe space.

My commitment to you

• I will keep time boundaries where possible. If I am unavoidably late, we will still work for the agreed time if possible.
• For online work, I will contact you via a video call. In the case of a technical problem before or during the session, I will ring you where possible, or otherwise send you a text message or email.
• I adhere to the NCPS Code of Ethics, have appropriate indemnity insurance, and bimonthly clinical supervision with Lisa Anthony
• 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 level, I will inform you and assist you to find a suitable alternative.
• I will come to a clear agreement with you over length of sessions, frequency of sessions and the duration of counselling.
  • Generally, sessions will last one hour but a shorter or longer time can sometimes be negotiated. Sessions are usually weekly, but can be more or less frequent. We will agree between us how many sessions you would like altogether, or if you would like open-ended counselling. We can if necessary agree review dates to see how we are progressing. The length and depth of counselling is up to you.

• I will give as much notice as possible if I need to cancel one of our sessions, and to try where possible to rearrange this at your convenience.

I will give you as much notice as possible if I need to end the counselling due to unforeseen circumstances

• Generally, ending the counselling will be agreed mutually.

• At least one month’s notice will be given except in exceptional circumstances, and all efforts would be made in this situation to refer you to another suitable counsellor if requested

Boundaries

• I will maintain appropriate boundaries should our paths cross outside of the therapy space. A detailed policy around this is here.

Confidentiality

• I will maintain confidentiality and protect your data. This applies to any and all records in accordance with GDPR and confidentiality guidelines of the NCSP.
• Our sessions are confidential, with limits of confidentiality being set out in my confidentiality policy here.

Record Keeping and online security

• I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office as a data controller, and will remain GDPR compliant. How I protect, store and use your data is set out here

In return, I ask that you commit to

• Attend agreed sessions or give at least 24 hours notice of cancellation where possible. Sessions are chargeable in full if you do not attend without reasonable (usually 24 hrs) notice.
• Be ready to start on time. If you are late for a session, the session will still need to finish at the usual time.
• Conduct our online or phone session in a secure, safe, and private place. If anyone else is present, including small children, or your location is public, we will need to reschedule.
• Understand that the telephone number and email provided are for admin purposes only, unless we have agreed to phone or email counselling. 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 ot 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 the NCPS for advice