Terms and Conditions
Our contract for counselling
This is a written agreement between you (the client) and me, Claire Elizabeth Stickings (the counsellor) which outlines how we will work together during the course of your counselling.
I am a qualified counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (reg.no. 410869). I am also a data controller registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (Ref. ZB870899). My qualification is in psychodynamic counselling which focusses on how our past experiences form our current behaviours and relationships. I work on a face-to-face basis with individuals over the age of 18.
The Counselling Process
Our initial phone contact will be a chance for us (client and counsellor) to speak together and discuss why you are considering counselling. After our call, you can consider what we have discussed and decide if you would like to book an initial appointment.
If we agree an initial session, I will explain to you in more detail how we might work together. Initially, we will build a good therapeutic relationship. This is a key part of the work as it is important for you to feel safe and heard as the work progresses. During this initial session I will ask you to share personal information with me which will help me to develop an awareness of your current situation. You can find out more about the information I will collect and how long I will retain your data for in my privacy policy.
I see my role as someone who will listen, empathise and help you to understand your feelings and experiences. Through talking and bringing feelings into the conscious, we may be able to see patterns of behaviour that were previously unknown, and you may be able to start making sense of your experiences or issues that are troubling you.
Ongoing sessions last 50 minutes and are held weekly on the same day and at the same time.
It is difficult to put a time limit on the work. How long the work continues will be up to you. Should you decide to end therapy sooner than expected, we can discuss the reasons why and ensure you feel comfortable with the ending.
Confidentiality
Keeping your personal information safe is important to me. As a registered member of the BACP I adhere to their ethical framework. Part of this framework requires me to have regular supervision which ensures I am working in an ethical way and that I serve my clients in an appropriate way. During supervision, I may share details about our work with my supervisor. However, any information I share with my supervisor is held confidentially.
There may be circumstances where I need to break confidentiality, for example, if I believe you are a danger to yourself or others. If possible, I will discuss this with you in session and I may ask you to sign an ‘Authorisation for Sharing Information’ form. There are some circumstances where I do not require a client’s consent to break confidentiality. For example, in cases of terrorism, drug trafficking or child safety.
Cancellations
It is important that you attend your sessions regularly to give you a chance of getting the best outcome. For this reason, my cancellation policy is as follows:
More than 24 hours’ notice – 30% fee is payable which enables me to hold your space
Less than 24 hours’ notice – 75% fee is payable
Less that 12 hours’ notice – 100% fee is payable
If you fail to attend a session and do not give notice, full payment is required.
If you fail to attend two sessions without notice, I will be unable to offer further appointments, and full payment is required for the missed sessions.
I offer my clients 4 sessions per year where they can take a planned break. No payment is required in this circumstance if sufficient notice is given.
In a situation where I must cancel your appointment, payment will not be requested.
Payment terms
Please pay your agreed fee either on or before the date of your session.
Other Information
Please do not attend your session under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
My provision of counselling services is not intended as a ‘crisis service’. I am only able to communicate with you in between our appointments for necessary administrative purposes. Should you need additional help or support, including during the time between our sessions, please contact a relevant organisation such as The Samaritans on 116 123.
This contract can be ended at any time by either party.