The purpose of these terms and conditions are to provide clear boundaries and to ensure a clearly defined framework which creates a good foundation for a therapeutic relationship.

Introduction

Our sessions will be an opportunity to explore the depths of yourself in strict confidence. While therapy can be rewarding and growthful, please be aware that it can also be a challenging experience. As we go along we will take regular stock of how well the therapy is working. I usually suggest an initial four to six sessions or so to see how good the ‘fit’ is and let things unfold, we will then review how things are going.

Please note that I work in an open and transparent way, offering experience and research-informed perspectives on what you bring to therapy. On occasion, and where appropriate, I might offer to share short stories from my own work and personal journey. If this discomforts you, I might not be the right person with whom to undertake therapy. I will not take offence. 

Timekeeping, Attendance, Cancellations and Holidays

In order to create a healthy container for the therapy to take place please arrive on time. Sessions begin at the time booked and time does not extend for late arrivals. Therapy is a commitment and part of what makes the space feel safe is the regularity and rhythm of sessions. Too many interruptions tend to dilute the therapy. Consistency and commitment supports the therapy process, integrating a new way of being and allows the whole of you to be seen.

Should you be unable to attend an upcoming session, please let me know when we speak so we can look at our diaries together. If this isn’t possible, please message me as early as you can. Unless we are able to reschedule during the same week, sessions cancelled or missed by you with less than one week’s notice will normally be charged at the full rate.

I will give as much notice as possible of holidays and absences. Where I need to cancel for any reason, there will of course be no charge.

Telephone and Video Sessions

1. Whether we are on Zoom or on a phone call please ensure that you are in a quiet and confidential setting as if you are physically in the therapy room and without distraction wherever possible. 
2. Find a safe and private space you won’t be overheard. It is essential that you make sure you will not be disturbed for the duration of the session, that there is no one within easy earshot, and that the door to the room you are sitting in is closed. You may want to use headphones if you are in a shared home and to quieten out outside noise. 
3. Make sure there aren’t any loud noises like barking dogs, washing machines, kettle etc close by that may distract you, if possible.
4. Give yourself plenty of time beforehand to relax.
5. Allow yourself all the comfort you need – blankets, cushions, warmth. You may want a glass of water by your sides as well as a notepad, pen, diary, dream journal and tissues. 
6. Please check all technology is working in advance – WiFi, speakers, camera, Zoom. Delays caused by technical problems at your end will count towards the time of the session. If the issue is my end, I will normally offer either an extension or another time to make up for the missed time.
7. Ensure there is adequate lighting in the room. If you are sitting in front of a window you might want to close your curtains as if it’s too bright behind you it could affect me seeing you. 
8. Set your device at a sensible height so I can clearly see your face. It’s best if it is eye level so that we aren’t looking up or down on each other.
9. Please do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs before or during our session. If during the session it becomes apparent you have, I reserve the right to terminate our work with immediate effect. 
10. Recordings of the sessions are prohibited. This is because it is not possible to guarantee confidentiality when recordings are made. You also must not let anyone else listen in. 
11. Please set your phone and laptop on ‘Do not disturb’ or ‘Aeroplane mode’ so that you don’t have notifications or calls coming through that will distract you in the session. 

Violence and Abuse

The impact of the therapy process will need to be considered carefully if there is violence or abuse present. You will not harm anyone or cause damage to any property during the session.

Office Hours

My usual contactable office hours are Monday to Friday 8am-5pm. If something comes up and you would like to speak before your next session do feel free to contact me, we can arrange a phone call so it won’t conflict with my schedule and there is time to talk.

Payments and Invoices

At the beginning of every month you will receive an invoice with your sessions from the previous month and the total payment due in which you have 7 days to pay. Unless otherwise agreed, failure to make payment within 7 days from receipt of invoice can result in sessions being put on a hold until payment is made, charges and in some circumstances a full termination of therapy. Please see fees here https://nursethesoul.com/fees/.

Short and necessary telephone, text or email contact between sessions will generally not be charged. Conversations of more than five minutes, and sessions lasting more than an hour will normally be invoiced pro rata, unless otherwise agreed. I am happy to deal with appointments and payments outside of the session, but any other personal material needs as a rule to be discussed in session.

Ending Therapy

It is hard to estimate at the beginning of therapy how long it will last as it very much depends on what comes forward for exploration. A person’s process is highly individual and tends to evolve in its own way. Usually a minimum of four sessions notice is preferable before ending longer-term therapy. Short term counselling can be mutually agreed for a specific length of time.

GDPR, Confidentiality, Codes of Ethics and Practice

One of the things which helps to make psychotherapy effective is that it offers you a contained and private space within which you can gradually unfold and explore your life, challenges, dreams and potential. I seek to create and maintain a safe private space for this to occur. Our conversations are private and the work I conduct is strictly confidential. Your name and personal information will not be given to anyone expect under exceptional circumstances where I might be ethically or legally obliged to do so, for example:

• Where you or someone else is at risk of harm.
• Where there is a legal requirement to do so – e.g. terrorist activity.
• If compelled to do so by a court of law.
• If needed to facilitate the delivery of counselling, collection of fees or management of any complaint.
• Where clients are referred by other agencies there may be a requirement to confirm the beginning and ending of therapy.
• If changes occur that require other medical intervention.

I would never take this step lightly, and would always discuss it with you in detail first as far as is possible.

The personal data I collect is held securely and used only for psychotherapeutic purposes. I also keep simple electronic summary records of key points discussed during sessions. I may make handwritten notes during the session as a memory aid but I destroy these after I record the key points discussed onto your file. These are managed in accordance with provisions of relevant UK GDPR. Unless you ask me otherwise, I normally record these by initials. Your invoices will have your name on them.

You have the right to access your records within one month of making a request. You also have the right to request that any records be erased at any point in our work together. I will erase any information and notes seven years after the end of our work together. Contract and Civil Law requires they be kept for this time.

Usually I don’t write reports however if you request one I can produce one. Reports are restricted to details of attendance dates and number of sessions only.

As required by the UK Council for Psychotherapy which I am registered, my work is regularly supervised. In this process clients are not identifiable and personal details are not given. 

If I am indisposed and unable to continue to meet with you for any reason, I have a nominated executor for my professional will who will contact you and notify you of my situation and assist help in whatever way is appropriate and helpful. To this end, my executor will have access to your email address and telephone number. 

Thank you for reading the above terms and conditions. Please agree to the contract below.

By filling in your name and today’s date you are consenting to our work together and are acknowledging that you understand and agree with the above terms and conditions.