Therapy Agreement

This Therapy Agreement outlines the terms on which therapy is offered and helps to provide a clear, safe, and ethical therapeutic framework. Please take time to read it and raise any questions you may have.

I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework. 

Session length and format

• Session length: Therapy sessions are 50 minutes.
• Format: Sessions are offered face to face or online via secure video.
• Frequency: Sessions are usually offered weekly, particularly at the start of therapy. Some clients may prefer or agree to work fortnightly, depending on their circumstances and the nature of the work. Session frequency will be agreed together and kept under review.
• Punctuality: Sessions begin and end at the agreed time. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time.

Fees and payment information

• Fee per session: £50 per 50-minute session.
• Payment method: Payment is made by bank transfer.
• When payment is due: Payment is due on the day of the session, before the session begins, unless we agree otherwise.
• Receipts/invoices: Available on request.

Cancellation policy

• A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session.
• Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will usually be charged at the full session fee, as the time cannot normally be offered to another client at short notice.
• If I need to cancel a session, I will offer an alternative appointment as soon as possible.

Confidentiality and its limits

Therapy is confidential. Information shared in sessions will not be disclosed without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

• If there is a serious risk of harm to you or to another person
• Where there are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult
• Where disclosure is required by law or by a court
• In professional supervision, as required by the BACP Ethical Framework, where identifying details are kept to a minimum

Where possible, I would aim to discuss any need to break confidentiality with you in advance.

Contact between sessions

Contact between sessions is limited to practical matters only, such as arranging, cancelling, or rescheduling appointments.

• Therapy is not provided by email or message.
• I aim to respond within 2 working days, during my normal working hours.

If you require urgent support or feel at risk, please contact emergency services or an appropriate urgent support service.

Ending therapy

Ending therapy is a meaningful part of the process.

• You are free to end therapy at any time. Where possible, I encourage discussing endings in advance so that therapy can be brought to a thoughtful and appropriate close.
• I may suggest ending therapy if I believe your needs would be better met elsewhere or if therapy is no longer helpful. Any such decision would be discussed with you and, where appropriate, alternative options considered.
• If sessions are repeatedly missed or fees remain unpaid, I may review whether it is appropriate to continue working together and discuss this with you.

Professional standards and insurance

I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to its Ethical Framework and professional standards.

I hold current professional indemnity insurance with Holistic Insurance Services, which covers my work in private practice.

Data protection and Privacy Policy

I hold personal data in line with data protection legislation and professional requirements. Information is stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary.

You have the right to access personal information held about you. Further details are available in the website Privacy Policy.

“You are welcome to save or print a copy of this Therapy Agreement for your records.”