Couples / Relationship Counselling Agreement

 

1. What Couples Counselling Is

Couples counselling offers a safe, structured space to explore your relationship — including communication, conflict, connection, and strengths.

The focus is on the relationship, not on either partner individually. Del works neutrally and does not take sides.

 

2. The Couple as the Client - In couples counselling:

• The relationship is the client

• Both partners agree to take part respectfully and honestly

• Either partner may choose to end counselling at any time

 

3. Confidentiality

What you share in sessions is confidential, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework and the law.

Confidentiality may be broken if:

• There is risk of serious harm to you or others

• There are safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults

• Disclosure is required by law

 

- Important for Couples Work – No Secrets

Your therapist, Del, does not keep separate 'secret' files for individuals within the couple. Any information shared with her outside of the joint session (via email, What'sApp, text or phone) may be brought into the therapy room if it is clinically relevant to the joint work.

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- Confidentiality & joint records for couples therapy

Session notes for couples therapy contain personal data belonging to both individuals. To protect the privacy of both parties, Del cannot release any data to one partner without the express written consent of the other, or a court order.

Del is registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). She holds basic personal information and minimal handwritten session notes in accordance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

Her records consist of mostly basic administrative and brief clinical summaries focused on the therapeutic process during your work together.

Please see the privacy policy here for further information.

 

4. Individual Sessions

Occasionally, individual sessions may be offered to support the couples work.

Any information relevant to the relationship may be brought back into joint sessions, only after full discussion.

 

5. Safety and Domestic Abuse Screening

Couples counselling is not suitable where:

• There is characterological domestic abuse

• An ongoing affair 

• One partner feels afraid of the other

• There is significant risk of harm

If these concerns are present, couples counselling may be paused or not started, and appropriate individual or specialist support will be discussed. Your safety always comes first.

 

6. Emotional Impact

Couples counselling can involve strong emotions and difficult conversations. This is a normal part of the process.

You may ask to pause, slow down, or ground at any time.

 

7. Practical Details

• Session length: 50 minutes

• Fee: £80 per session

• Payment: Bank transfer

• Frequency: As agreed

 

8. Cancellations

Del completely understands that life happens and sometimes appointments need to change. To keep things fair and sustainable, she asks for 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

When less than 24 hours notice is provided the full session fee is charged.

Of course, if there's an emergency or something unexpected, please let her know as soon as you can and she can talk it through with you.

 

9. Location

Sessions take place:

• In person (therapy room or your home)

• Online via Zoom

 

10. Ending Counselling

Either you or Del, may end counselling at any time.

A conversation about endings is encouraged where possible.

Concerns can be raised with Del directly, or via BACP if needed.

 

11. Emergencies

Del is not available outside of session times.

In an emergency, contact your GP, NHS 111, or 999.

 

12. Consent

By signing below, you confirm that you understand and agree to this contract and consent to couples counselling.​