Individual Therapy Contract

Psychotherapeutic Counselling Agreement:

​

1. Nature of Psychotherapeutic Counselling​

Psychotherapeutic counselling is a confidential, collaborative process that supports the exploration of emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties. It may involve discussing past and present experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to increase self-awareness and promote change.

 

At times, the therapy may feel emotionally challenging. You are always welcome to ask for a pause or some grounding at any point during the session.

​

While counselling can be beneficial, there are no guarantees of specific outcomes.

​​

2. Voluntary Participation

• I understand that participation in counselling is voluntary.

• I may pause or end counselling at any time.

 

3. Client Responsibilities

I agree to engage as fully as I am able in the therapeutic process and to communicate any concerns, difficulties, or feedback to my therapist regarding the sessions or the therapeutic relationship.

​

4. Therapist Responsibilities

My therapist commits to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive therapeutic environment in accordance with professional and ethical standards.

My therapist will:

• Work within the BACP Ethical Framework

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

• Seek regular professional supervision to support safe and ethical practice

​

5. Confidentiality

Everything discussed in sessions is treated as confidential. Confidentiality may only be broken where there is a legal or ethical duty to disclose information, including:

• A serious risk of harm to myself or others

• Safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults

• Court orders or other legal requirements

Where possible and appropriate, any need to share information will be discussed with me in advance.

⟁ My therapist is LivingWorks ASIST trained (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).

 

6. Session Details

• Session length: 50 minutes

• Day / Date / Frequency of sessions: as agreed

• Fee per individual therapy session:  £60 

• Payment method: bank transfer ​

​

7. Cancellation Policy

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

• Less than 48 hours’ notice: 50% of the session fee

• Within 24 hours’ notice or non-attendance: 100% of the session fee

This policy is applied consistently to support fairness and sustainability.

Exceptional circumstances will be considered at the therapist’s discretion and in line with ethical practice.

​

8. Location of Individual Counselling

• In-person: Therapy Room at Wellness, Argyle Street

• Online: via Zoom

• Outdoors: Walk & Talk therapy sessions around the Wirral Peninsula

 

9. Record Keeping & Data Protection (GDPR)

• Brief session notes are kept as part of professional practice.

• Records are stored securely and retained in accordance with legal and professional guidelines.

• I have the right to access my personal data in line with GDPR legislation.

 

10. Informed Consent

• I understand that I have the right to clear and honest information about the counselling process, including the nature of the therapeutic relationship, the approach used, and any potential risks and benefits.

• This agreement forms my written consent and is required prior to commencing therapy.

• Please note: counselling is not a replacement for medical, psychiatric, or emergency care, and no medical diagnoses are provided.

 

11. Supervision

• My Therapist works under professional supervision as required by the BACP

• My identity is always protected when cases are discussed in supervision

​

12. Ending Therapy (Termination)

• Either I or my therapist may end the counselling relationship at any time.

• Where possible, a discussion about the reasons for ending and the implications for my progress is encouraged.

• Feedback is welcomed at any stage.

• Any concerns may be raised directly with my therapist or through the professional complaints procedure with the BACP.

​

13. Emergency and Crisis Situations

• In the event of an emergency, I understand that I should contact my GP, local mental health services, NHS 111, or emergency services (999).

• My therapist is not available outside scheduled sessions, except for matters relating to cancellation or rescheduling.

 

14. Consent

By ticking the box below, I confirm that:

• I have read and understood this information

• I have had an initial consultation and have had the opportunity to ask any questions

• I give my informed consent to engage in psychotherapeutic counselling​​​​​​​​