Welcome to my practice. This agreement outlines the terms of our professional relationship, what you can expect from our sessions, and the guidelines we will both follow. It is designed to protect your rights as a client and to ensure a safe, ethical, and supportive therapeutic space.

I practise in accordance with the Ethical Framework of the [e.g., British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) / UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)].

1. Sessions and Attendance

• Duration: Each counselling session lasts for [e.g., 50 minutes] (often referred to as the "therapeutic hour").
• Punctuality: Sessions will begin and end on time. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time to respect the next client's appointment.
• Frequency: We will generally meet [e.g., once a week / once a fortnight] at an agreed day and time, which we will review regularly.

2. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Your privacy is of the utmost importance. I operate in strict compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR. Any personal data or session notes I keep are stored securely and confidentially.

There are, however, a few rare and legally mandated exceptions under English law where I am required to break confidentiality:

• Safeguarding: If I believe there is an imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or to another person (where possible, I will always try to discuss this with you first).
• Legal Obligations: If I am legally required to disclose information under UK law, specifically concerning:
  • Acts of terrorism (Terrorism Act 2000).
  • Drug trafficking or money laundering (Proceeds of Crime Act 2002).
• Court Orders: If I am served with a legally binding court order from a judge.

Note: To maintain the highest professional standards, I regularly discuss my work with a qualified Clinical Supervisor. Your identity is always kept completely anonymous during these consultations.

3. Fees and Cancellation Policy

• Fees: The fee per session is £[Insert Amount], payable via [e.g., bank transfer (BACS) / credit card] [e.g., at least 24 hours before the session / at the end of the session].
• Cancellations: If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least [e.g., 24 or 48 hours] notice.
• Late Cancellations: If you cancel with less than the required notice, or miss a session without letting me know, the [e.g., full fee / a cancellation fee of £XX] will remain payable.

4. Emergencies and Crisis Support

• Routine Contact: You can contact me via email or phone at [Insert Contact Details] for administrative matters (such as rescheduling). I aim to respond within [e.g., 24 to 48 hours, Monday to Friday].
• Crisis Situations: I do not provide an emergency or 24-hour crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feel unsafe:
  • Contact your GP (General Practitioner) or your local NHS crisis team.
  • Call 111 (for non-emergency medical advice) or 999 (for an emergency).
  • Go directly to your nearest NHS A&E (Accident & Emergency) department.
  • Contact the Samaritans on 116 123 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

Client Acknowledgement & Agreement

By signing below, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms outlined in this counselling agreement.

Client Name (Printed): __________________________________________________

Client Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ____________

Counsellor Name (Printed): _______________________________________________

Counsellor Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ____________