Terms and conditions 

• Online and Telephone Counselling

  Online and telephone sessions follow the same ethical standards as face-to-face work, but there are some additional points to note:
  - Please ensure you are in a private, quiet space where you will not be overheard.
  - Sessions should not be recorded by either of us without written consent.
  - If the connection drops, I will attempt to reconnect. If that fails, I will call you on the telephone number/email address provided.
  - At the start of each session, I will confirm your current location and phone number in case of emergency.

  *All online sessions are conducted either via WhatsApp or Zoom, whichever you prefer. 

• Session Details

  Session length: 50 minutes

  Fee: £50 per session

  Format: Online or telephone (as agreed)

  I offer counselling on an open-ended basis, meaning there is no fixed limit to the number of sessions you can have. You are welcome to continue for as long as you feel the work is helpful. To ensure our sessions remain effective and aligned with your needs, I find it helpful to review our work together after approximately six sessions. This gives us both the opportunity to reflect on your progress, discuss how therapy is feeling for you, and make sure we are moving in the right direction that supports your goals. If, during this review, I feel that an alternative form of support or a different service may be more beneficial, I will discuss this with you openly and sensitively. Any recommendations will always be made with your best interests at the Centre of the process, and we would explore these options together.

• Payment & Cancellation Process

  Payment: Required 48 hours in advance to secure your booking via bank transfer.

  Cancellation policy for clients: 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session. Sessions cancelled with less notice may be charged in full.  If clients attend sessions late then only the remaining minutes of that session will be available.

  I will endeavour to notify clients ASAP if I need to cancel appointments due to illness or personal reasons. A full refund will be given, and rescheduling will be undertaken.

• Confidentiality

  What you share in counselling is treated as confidential. The only exceptions, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework, are when:
  - There is serious risk of harm to yourself or others.
  - There is a legal obligation to disclose (e.g. terrorism, safeguarding).
  - My notes are required by a court order.
  If possible, I will always discuss any need to break confidentiality with you first.

• Emergencies and Crisis Situations

  I am not able to offer an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or unable to keep yourself safe, please contact:
  - Emergency services: 999
  - NHS 111 for urgent medical help
  - Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free)
  - or go to your nearest A&E department.

• Record Keeping and Data Protection

I keep brief, factual notes of our sessions to support our work together. These are:
- Stored securely in encrypted digital form.
- Retained for 6 years and then destroyed.
- Never shared with anyone else unless required by law or with your explicit consent apart from with my supervisor who I am required to have which is in line with the British Association of counsellors and psychotherapists.
You have the right to request access to your records at any time under the UK GDPR.

• Boundaries and Contact Outside Sessions

  Our relationship is a professional one. I do not normally communicate outside sessions other than for scheduling or emergencies. I do not connect with clients via social media.

• Ethical Practice and Supervision

  I abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. If you have concerns about my conduct, you can raise them with me first or contact the BACP directly at https://www.bacp.co.uk/complaintsHere’s a clearer, polished 

• To uphold the ethical standards of my profession, I engage in monthly supervision. This involves discussing client work, but always within a framework of strict confidentiality.

*If you have any questions regarding my terms and conditions, please don't hesitate to contact me at info@becoming-you-counselling.co.uk*