Many problems in relationships occur due to unwritten rules. Boundaries are crossed; many times with parties being unaware. The purpose of these Terms and Conditions are to provide clear boundaries to ensure a clearly defined framework which provides a good foundation for a therapeutic relationship.

Timekeeping

Arrive on time. Consistent lateness will be questioned. Time will not be made up for late arrivals. This is about respecting your own time and my time. It is about setting boundaries and empowering yourself. Arriving on time also ensures that you get a full session.

Attendance

Regular attendance is required. Research has shown that too many interruptions dilutes the therapeutic healing. This also includes holiday periods. Extensive holiday periods also dilute the therapeutic process as do many ‘ad-hoc’ holidays. This shows commitment to yourself and to your work. Consistency enables you to understand, learn, heal and integrate a new way of being.

Altered States

It is important that clients attend therapy sessions sober. Please do not attend if you are in an altered state through drink or drugs. If you have to cancel due to this you will be charged. This is about respecting the work and ensuring that the session is used appropriately.

Payment for any absences

Clinic days are Monday to Thursday. 7 days notice is needed for any date/time changes or cancellations. Otherwise the full fee will be charged. If I am contacted at late notice and I have diary availability within the same week then the fee will only be charged for the session used - the session cannot be transferred to another week. Sessions can be converted to a remote session if needed. The regular slot is yours. This shows commitment to the work. It also respects my time.

Remote Sessions

Ensure that you are in a quiet and confidential setting as if you are physically in the therapy room, without distractions, for example; not in a car, or being interrupted by family members. My clinic is operated from the UK and governed by those jurisdictions. Overseas clients use the service at their own initiative and risk. As you are aware no technological service is 100% secure, however necessary precautions are taken my end to ensure that my system is protected and confidentiality maintained. This can also give you the flexibility in the event of an emergency to ensure that you continue with your commitment to yourself and your work.

Ending Therapy

Ensure that you are in a quiet and confidential setting as if you are physically in the therapy room, without distractions, for example; not in a car, or being interrupted by family members. My clinic is operated from the UK and governed by those jurisdictions. Overseas clients use the service at their own initiative and risk. As you are aware no technological service is 100% secure, however necessary precautions are taken my end to ensure that my system is protected and confidentiality maintained.

My holidays

I usually take several weeks throughout the year. No more than 2 weeks at a time. I work bank holidays with the exception of Christmas and New Year.

GDPR - Confidentiality and Ethics

The General Data Protection (GDPR) is EU wide and more extensive than the Data Protection Act. The personal data I collect will be used for psychotherapeutic purposes. My legal basis for processing the personal data is to track your treatment plan and ensure that progress is being made. The data is always held securely and not shared with anyone not involved in your treatment plan. The work I conduct is confidential. As a therapist I have a duty of care which I take seriously and in exceptional cases (i.e. if a client reveals intent to cause harm to self/others) I may find it necessary to take this information outside of the session. Any action is discussed with the client first. My therapeutic work is undertaken in accordance with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Consent

By consenting to working together you are giving me permission to process your personal data for psychotherapeutic purposes as named above. You may withdraw consent at any time by making a written request. Records are kept up to a maximum of 7 years.

Social Media

As therapy is based on privacy and confidentiality - I do not engage with clients (including past) socially or on any social media platforms.

I will cover this again in the first session and happy to clarify any further questions. I also work with insurance companies including BUPA.