Contract

BACP members have a contractual commitment to work in accordance with the Ethical Framework
for the Counselling Professions. The framework includes a contract which will set out the terms and
conditions of the therapy offered. I am subject to the BACP complaints procedure and a copy of their
ethical framework can be found on their website at http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework . It is
a requirement for all members of the BACP to be in professional monthly supervision, and to
undertake on‐going training and professional development. I take this commitment seriously and
undertake supervision and a minimum of thirty hours continuing professional development each
year.

1‐ Confidentiality
I maintain client confidentiality in accordance with the BACP (British Association of Counselling and
Psychotherapy) Ethical Framework for Good practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I keep brief
client notes, including contact details, and any notes made during sessions, which are kept in a
locked cabinet.

Confidentiality may be broken in some exceptional circumstances. I would always try to discuss this
with you if I felt we needed to involve someone else. Confidentiality may be broken if I felt you or
someone else was at serious risk of harm. I would need to break your confidence where there was
a legal requirement to do so. This could be because it has been ordered by the courts, or because
the law requires me to do so such as under the Terrorism Act 2000 or Drug Trafficking Offences Act
1986.

It is a requirement for members of the BACP to undertake regular supervision in accordance with the
BACP code of ethics. My supervisor is bound by the same standards of confidentiality as I am. All
discussion of my work with my supervisor is done with respect and the client identity is always kept
anonymous.

2‐ Counselling Process: what to be prepared for.
While the aim of counselling is to work with you through the difficulty, and to help you to develop
new ways of managing your life, some people find they feel worse for a short time before they start
to feel better. In these circumstances it is best to discuss these difficulties, rather than abruptly end
the counselling. This will give you the chance to discuss the decision and to complete the process
adequately. The client is always in charge of the decision to continue or to stop counselling. You will
never be put under any pressure to continue with sessions.

3‐ Session Length, Fees and Cancellations.
The counselling contract is usually short term between one and twelve sessions, but may be longer
by arrangement. It is helpful to attend regularly, and to keep absences to a minimum, as too many
gaps may slow down the progress of counselling.

Sessions will last for 60 minutes and are available weekdays, evenings and weekends to suit the
client. The cost of each session will be £45 and this is payable at the beginning of each session, by
cheque or in cash; or in advance of the session by online bank transfer.
Cancellation of sessions with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur the full charge for the session. Of
course there will be times in exceptional circumstances when this fee will be waived.

4‐ Contact Between Sessions.
If you need to contact me between sessions please call or text on 07866049001. If I am unable to
take your call please leave me a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible within my
normal working hours. I do not offer an emergency or crisis service. If you need support more
urgently please call your GP or attend A and E.
Your informed consent to the counselling

By signing below, you are agreeing to the terms of this contract and giving your consent to the
counselling to commence. More specifically, by signing this contract, you are agreeing that, if you
make an appointment, you either attend the appointment or cancel, and that you will pay for all
appointments attended.