Duration of sessions
All sessions are usually for 50 minutes, and are usually arranged for the same time, once a week. However, this is flexible and can be tailored to what you need. Initially, we will agree on a set number of sessions, which is usually six sessions. Towards the end of this, we will review our therapeutic work so far, and you can decide whether or not you are getting what you need and whether you would like to continue.
Please arrive punctually as appointment times cannot over-run.
Payment
I charge ___ for a 50 minutes individual therapy session, or ____ for a clinical supervision session.
You can either pay by cash, at the end of each session or by BACS, within 5 days of the session. If you prefer, I can provide you with a monthly invoice, and full settlement is within one week of receipt of invoice.
Cancellation policy
If you are unable to make an appointment, let me know at the first instance. This might mean that I am able to offer that appointment to someone else who needs it. Please give at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel a scheduled session. Please note: except in emergencies, all sessions cancelled without such notice will need to be paid for.
Contact outside of session
Unfortunately, I am unable to provide out of session or crisis support, if you think you will need this, I am happy to provide some helplines which you can call or text.
Clients come to therapy for a variety of reasons, in the off chance that we meet each other outside of session, I will look to you for guidance on how to approach (or not) each other or the situation.
Confidentiality
Your therapy will entail discussing some very intimate things with me, such as your thoughts, feelings and actions. Content discussed in the sessions will be treated with respect at all times.
Confidentiality will be maintained and this applies to any records, in accordance with Data Protection Act. The exception to this is if you threaten to harm another person or to cause severe harm to yourself and your therapist believes these threats to be serious. In situations such as this, I may speak to your G.P, care coordinator, having you placed in a hospital without your permission, or in some cases, the police. I may also be compelled in a Court of Law to submit my notes.
The practitioner is also legally required to report if they suspect that any child, elderly person or vulnerable person is at risk from abuse or neglect, or if there are suspected terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering acts.
I am in clinical supervision to ensure that I am practicing ethically. This involves discussions of my therapeutic work, however, all identifying information will be annonymised.
Termination of therapy
Some therapeutic contacts come to a natural end and others are pre-arranged. In both cases, these are planned in advance and time will be spent before the final session, to work on relapse prevention and to review the progress made in therapy.
Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of therapy, please speak to me at first instance and hopefully we arrive at a resolution. Otherwise, contact the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) and/or British Psychological Society (BPS), where I am professionally registered.