Please note that where the word ‘therapist’ is used for the person providing the therapy and the word ‘client’ refers to the person accessing the therapy.
Sessions
Each therapy session will normally last for one hour, at a fee rate agreed with the therapist. This fee is usually £85 per hour and is payable 24hrs before each session, (unless a block pre-payment fee has been agreed) by BACS bank transfer. If cash is being paid – it is to be paid at the previous session. Longer sessions may be possible, by arrangement. Any sessions/ work carried out that is outside the clinic will be subject to travelling time in addition to the hourly rate as agreed.
Etiquette
The therapist and client agree to treat each other with respect and courtesy at all times. For couples, there is also an expectation that you will treat each other with consideration, even if there are differences in opinion between you. In cases of family-based treatments, all individuals agree to a ‘non-blame’ frame for conversations, which the therapist will assist with.
Confidentiality
The content of all sessions is confidential, and this applies to any and all records, in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Please note, it may not be possible to maintain confidentiality in the following circumstances:
● where the therapist is compelled to produce records or submit reports by a court of law.
● where information disclosed by the client is of such gravity that confidentiality cannot reasonably be expected to be maintained (e.g. prevention and detection of serious crime; or prevention of serious harm to the client or others).
● where the therapist requires clinical supervision.
Therapeutic Responsibilities and Outcomes
The therapist will provide therapeutic interventions as discussed in the consultation and agreed upon and will endeavour to provide them with utmost concern and best intention for the client based on the therapeutic relationship in the sessions held in the clinic. However, the therapist is not responsible for any change that does not occur.
The client is responsible for practising outside the sessions any interventions / techniques that are recommended by the therapist. Failure to do these may affect the outcomes of the therapy for which the therapist is not liable.
Emergency/Risk Issues
Therapy conducted in the private sector does not usually have the supportive context of a multi-disciplinary team or out of hours/emergency service, as found in statutory NHS settings. If clients are at acute risk (e.g. serious self-harm or suicidal behaviour) it will be necessary for them/their (or their parent or carers, in the case of the client being a child or adolescent) to ring emergency NHS services (999) and/or attend the nearest accident and emergency department (A+E) where a formal risk assessment may be undertaken. Where clients have a history of such risk issues, please inform the therapist at the earliest opportunity, so that a risk management plan can be devised.
Reports for Court/Tribunals
For any client attending therapy with the prior or primary intention of submitting psychological evidence to a court or tribunal, it is imperative that the client tells their therapist about this (e.g. in matters of mental capacity, personal injury claims, domestic abuse, harassment at work, child contact disputes etc.) It may be possible to combine the role of therapeutic intervention and assessment for court/tribunal purposes, but this should be expressly agreed beforehand with the therapist. The cost of written reports is separate to therapy sessions and can be clarified upon request.
Recording of Sessions
Any audio or video recording of sessions by clients is not permissible. It is good practice however, for the client to keep a therapy journal, in the form of a written record of key matters discussed and insights gained. The therapist has a professional duty of care to keep a written record of sessions. All client records kept by the therapist are filed securely between therapy sessions, in a locked cabinet. Electronic files and communications are managed as per the therapist’s privacy statement, in keeping with GDPR. You may request a copy of this privacy statement.
Cancellations or Failure to Attend
Please give 48hrs notice before cancelling a session, where possible. Sessions cancelled with less than 24hrs notice are payable at the full rate. Sessions that are missed or not attended without notice, are also payable at the full rate.
Ending or Terminating Therapy
It is usually helpful to have a planned ending to therapy, negotiated between the therapist and client. Whilst it is not common there may be instances where the therapist or client feel the therapeutic relationship is not working, or practical issues obstruct further sessions, in which case either party may choose to terminate therapy. If the therapist deems the client may be at serious risk, having terminated sessions, he/she may be duty bound to inform the GP who can follow up any concerns.
