Terms and Conditions
Purpose and ethos
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1.1 The purpose of your therapy is to provide you with the space, safety, and time to talk about anything you want to talk about. My role as Therapist is to facilitate this in a confidential environment, free from judgement or preconception.
1.2 The sessions will adopt a pluralistic approach, which means we’ll draw on a variety of techniques from psychodynamic, person-centred, and CBT. Essentially, we’ll find the techniques that work best for you and your individual needs. Here’s a useful summary of the different types of therapy/counselling: https://ncps.com/find-a-counsellor/types-of-therapy
Format
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2.1 Your therapy sessions will be conducted online or by phone, at a pre-booked time and date.
2.2 Each session will last for 50 minutes, unless otherwise agreed.
2.3 Typically, therapy follows a consistent frequency of one session weekly or bi-weekly. The length of ‘course’ varies significantly, based on the particular needs of the client. It’s not uncommon for therapy to continue for 8 weeks, 12 months, or anything in between.
2.4 I will be available for the duration of our scheduled sessions. If you’re late for any reason, the session will still end at the scheduled time. So please make yourself available to start all sessions on time.
2.5 We use Google Hangouts to facilitate online therapy sessions. On booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing a link directly to your session, which you can add to your own calendar with one click.
2.6 If there’s a particular day and time that works well for you, you have the option to book a recurring appointment through our online booking portal.
Fees and payment
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3.1 The fee per individual, 50 minutes session, is £65 at the time of publication.
3.2 The fee is payable in advance of each session, at the point of booking, via our online booking system.
3.3 The fee is non-refundable.
3.4 You shall provide 48 hours’ notice to reschedule a session, which you can do quickly and easily via the link in our confirmation email.
3.5 We review our fees periodically, and will update published appointment prices at least 8 weeks in advance.
Confidentiality
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4.1 The content of our therapeutic sessions is confidential.
4.2 We will not share details of them, except in the following circumstances:
If we suspect harm or the immediate threat of harm to you or others
Where the law requires it
In the course of supervision, where we discuss our practice, confidentially (your details would be anonymised). This is standard practice in responsible, professional counselling
Where you agree to us referring you to another professional
Unless the law forbids it, we will always seek to discuss this with you first.
Privacy
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5.1 Please see Privacy Policy.
Contact between sessions
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6.1 In instances where you need to contact us between sessions, you can email us at info@empathco.com and we will endeavour to respond at the earliest opportunity.
6.2 However, we do not offer a crisis or emergency service. If you need to speak to someone immediately, please contact your GP, NHS 24 (08454 242424) or the Samaritans (08457 909090).
6.3 In respect of your privacy and ours, I will not acknowledge that we know or recognise you, should we by chance meet in a public place, unless you choose to acknowledge me.
6.4 It is important for the therapeutic relationship to be effective, that it remains distinct from, and does not overlap with, any personal relationship. I will therefore, not engage in any social activities with you - physically or digitally - in order to maintain an appropriate working therapeutic relationship.
Commitment
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7.1 Therapy can be a challenging process. For the process to help you in the greatest way possible, it’s important for you to commit to attending every Therapy session, especially those you may find it difficult to attend.
7.2 The effectiveness of your Therapy is also subject to the focus you bring to the sessions. If we suspect you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we maintain the right to end the session.
7.3 I will extend every courtesy and respect to you during your Therapy sessions, and expect the same to be reciprocated. Under no circumstances will I tolerate aggressive or violent behaviour.
Endings
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8.1 When you feel your requirement for Therapy is nearing conclusion, we’ll prepare for the end of our therapeutic relationship, during our later sessions.
8.3 If you or I feel that further support should be sought, I will endeavour to signpost you accordingly.
Complaints procedure, ethics and code of conduct
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9.1 As a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), - membership number NCS23-00685 - I conduct my practice in line with their Code of Ethics, which can be reviewed here: https://nationalcounsellingsociety.org/about-us/code-of-ethics.
9.2 If you are dissatisfied with the service provided, please discuss this with me as a first step. I will respond constructively and professionally to your feedback, and advise you to the best of my ability.
9.3 If we are unable to come to a satisfactory conclusion to your complaint, we will mutually conclude our therapeutic relationship, without further obligation on either party.