This document outlines the terms of the therapeutic relationship between you (the Client) and me, Jo Memory (the Therapist). My goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for our work together.

 

Confidentiality

Everything shared during our sessions will remain confidential, with the following exceptions:

If there is a concern for your safety or the safety of others.

If I am legally required to disclose information, such as under a Court order or in accordance with the Terrorism Act, where relevant disclosures must be made to authorities without delay.

I will, where possible, discuss any necessary breach of confidentiality with you first.

Our sessions will always be held in a private and confidential space. If we meet online, I will ensure the use of encrypted video software to protect your privacy. However, I cannot be held responsible for any breaches caused by technological failures.

I also consult with a clinical supervisor to ensure the highest standards of care. Your identity will remain confidential during these discussions, and only your first name will be used.

Session Notes and Record Keeping

I keep notes of each session for my reference and to help track the progress of our work. These notes are stored securely, either in a locked filing cabinet or in a password-protected system. They are kept anonymised and will be retained for 7 years after our work together ends, in line with professional standards. After this time, your notes will be securely destroyed. You have the right to request access to your notes at any time.

Recording of Sessions

To ensure your privacy and the integrity of our work together, recording or videoing our sessions is strictly prohibited. Any attempt to record will be treated as a breach of confidentiality and may lead to the termination of our therapeutic relationship.

Appointments

Each session is 50 minutes long, and we will meet on a regular basis at the same time each week unless otherwise agreed. Please arrive on time to make the most of our time together. To maintain your confidentiality and that of other clients, I kindly ask that you do not arrive earlier than your scheduled appointment time.

For online sessions, please ensure you are in a quiet, private space and that you log in promptly.

In case of technical issues during an online session, I will attempt to contact you by phone to continue the session. Please note that sessions cannot be extended beyond the agreed time.

Payments

The fee for each session is £55. Payment is due in advance to secure your appointment. Payment details are as follows:

Bank Name: Sandringham Therapeutic Counselling (or Mrs. Joanne Memory)

Account Number: 09791284

Sort Code: 08-71-99

Please ensure that payment is made by 9am of the morning of your scheduled appointment. If payment is not received, your session will be cancelled.

**Please ensure that you make payment within 24 hours of making the initial booking to secure your appointment. I cannot hold unconfirmed appointment slots open** 
**Please note no refunds are given unless in exceptional circumstances at my discretion. 
**If a concession has been applied, this will be confirmed via email and that rate will be applied instead of the £55 stated here. 

 

Cancellations and Rescheduling

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. If less than 48 hours' notice is given, or if you do not attend a session, the full session fee will be charged. Regular attendance is important for the success of therapy.

If you give sufficient notice, no charge will apply for cancellations.

Drugs and Alcohol

To ensure our work together is effective, it’s important that you attend sessions in a clear and focused state. If it is determined that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the session will be cancelled. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity of our therapeutic work.

Breaks in Therapy

To make sure our sessions are as effective as possible, it’s important to attend regularly. If you have any planned breaks, please let me know in advance so we can plan accordingly. I’ll do my best to give at least two weeks' notice if I need time off and ask that you do the same.

If an appointment is held open beyond a two-week period without sufficient notice, a £10 fee will apply for each additional week.

Ending Therapy

You will likely know when it’s time to end therapy, and we will work together to prepare for this transition. If you feel unsure or distressed about ending, I encourage you to talk with me. Sudden termination can sometimes leave prominent issues unresolved. I will not end therapy without prior discussion, except in exceptional circumstances, which will be addressed together.

Raising Concerns

If you have any concerns about our work together, please discuss them with me directly. I am committed to addressing your feedback constructively and professionally. If we are unable to resolve the matter together, you can contact the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) at professional_conduct@bacp.co.uk.

Emergency Contact

Outside of our scheduled sessions, I am not available for immediate contact except for cancellations or rescheduling. If you are in crisis, please contact emergency services (999) or The Samaritans (116 123) if you are feeling suicidal.

Legal Compliance

The laws of England and Wales govern this agreement. As a UK-based counsellor, I am bound by these laws and comply with all relevant data protection laws, including the GDPR. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) I work within their ethical framework.

By paying for your initial appointment, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement. It will remain in effect throughout our therapeutic relationship and can only be changed with mutual consent.