Welcome to Lucy’s Therapy Space
Counselling provides a safe and supportive environment where you can gain clarity on your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Through therapy, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your challenges, values, beliefs, strengths, and vulnerabilities, helping you make informed choices that enhance your well-being. The goal is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life by gaining deeper insights into yourself.
The Counselling Agreement
This agreement is a contract between you and your counsellor. We encourage you to read through the entire document before signing it, as it contains important details about what you can expect from counselling and outlines your commitment to attending the sessions. It’s crucial that you fully understand the terms, as once signed, this agreement becomes legally binding.
Client Confidentiality
Your privacy is a top priority. Here’s how we manage your information:
- Contact Information: We store your contact details to schedule and manage your sessions and keep you informed.
- GP Information: In the event that we are concerned about your well-being, we may inform your GP so they can be involved in your care. We will always discuss this with you beforehand whenever possible.
- Emergency Contacts: If you provide emergency contact information, we may reach out to this person if necessary, either alongside or instead of contacting your GP. Again, we will aim to consult you first.
- Online Sessions: If you attend sessions remotely, we may record your location for safety reasons in case of an emergency.
In accordance with GDPR guidelines, we collect and use your data based on your consent when you sign this agreement. You have the right to access and control your data, and these rights are listed separately.
Your information is securely stored for 7 years, either in locked cabinets or encrypted databases. We will never share your information with anyone outside our service, except under certain circumstances, such as:
- If you request or give permission for us to share information.
- If the information you disclose suggests that you or others may be at immediate risk of harm, which would require us to break confidentiality to ensure safety.
- If we are legally required to disclose information, such as in the case of a crime.
Clinical Supervision
Counsellors are required to engage in regular supervision, as mandated by their professional associations (e.g., the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society). Supervision supports counsellors’ professional development and ensures safe and ethical care.
During supervision, counsellors may discuss client welfare, including potential risks of harm. If necessary, this might lead to sharing information with other professionals. We will always strive to discuss this with you first.
Main Terms and Conditions
Your Commitment to Counselling
Committing to counselling means attending your sessions consistently and regularly. Each session lasts 50 minutes, beginning at the agreed-upon time, and typically takes place at the same time and day each week, unless otherwise agreed.
It’s important that you arrive on time. If a session starts late, the counsellor will not be able to extend the session’s duration.
Counselling contracts are open-ended, meaning there is no fixed limit on the number of sessions.
Please attend sessions free from the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. If the counsellor believes you may be intoxicated, they reserve the right to end the session, and this will be discussed when considering the continuation of therapy.
If you are unable or unwilling to meet these commitments, we may not be able to continue providing counselling.
Payment and Cancellation
The cost for your weekly sessions will be confirmed by email.
You will be asked to pay for your session in advance.
Bank: [Insert Bank Name]
Account Name: [Insert Account Name]
Account Number: [Insert Account Number]
Sort Code: [Insert Sort Code]
If you need to cancel a session, please provide at least two working days’ notice.
Missed or cancelled sessions must be paid for unless:
- The counsellor cancels the session.
- Exceptional circumstances apply (assessed case-by-case).
If a charge is waived, a credit note will be issued, and payments made may be refunded or applied to future sessions.
Note: Failure to pay regularly or on time may result in suspended sessions. If your financial situation changes, please contact lucy@lucystherapyspace.co.uk as soon as possible.
If you know you’ll be away for a holiday or work, please give advance notice.
Remote Counselling Sessions
A video link for your session will be sent to you via email once your appointment is confirmed.
You’ll need a device with video capabilities (preferably a laptop or computer). It’s essential the counsellor can both see and hear you.
If sessions will take place while you are outside the UK, please inform your counsellor in advance for insurance purposes.
Personal Security and Safeguarding
For online sessions, ensure you are in a private, distraction-free, and confidential indoor space. Headphones are recommended. If you’re in a public or shared space, the counsellor may pause or stop the session. Interrupted sessions will still be charged.
Notify your counsellor if your location changes. Technical issues may occur. If the counsellor experiences issues, they will contact you via email or text. If you experience issues, please inform the counsellor. If connection cannot be restored within 15 minutes, the session may continue by phone.
Your counsellor is not available between sessions. Contact outside of sessions should be via email at lucy@lucystherapyspace.co.uk.
If you’re in distress or at risk of harm outside your sessions, contact your local A&E, your GP, Samaritans (116 123), or seek support from family and friends.
Texting is only allowed if pre-agreed and a work number has been provided.
We prioritise the safety of our counsellors. Abusive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated and may lead to immediate termination of your counselling agreement. The counsellor may end a session without notice under these circumstances.
Notifying Us of Changes
If you change your address, contact details, or register with a new GP, please email lucy@lucystherapyspace.co.ukpromptly.
Enquiries and Complaints
If you have concerns or wish to discuss any aspect of your counselling or support, please get in touch at lucy@lucystherapyspace.co.uk.
Disclaimer
This contract is governed by the laws of England, Scotland, and Wales. Any disputes related to this agreement will fall under the jurisdiction of the English courts.
