Counselling Agreement

Wellbeing Tree - Counselling & Psychotherapy Agreement

Counsellor: Michelle Maylor, a qualified and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Membership No. 00990534 MBACP

1. Introduction

1.1. The counsellor agrees to provide person-centred counselling services to the client, following the ethical framework and guidelines set forth by the BACP.

1.2. The client agrees to engage in counselling sessions in accordance with the terms outlined in this agreement.

2. Confidentiality

2.1. All information disclosed during sessions will be treated as strictly confidential, except in specific circumstances where the counsellor may be required to break confidentiality.

2.2. The counsellor may need to break confidentiality if:

• There is a serious risk of harm to the client or to others.

• The counsellor is required to do so by law, including situations involving safeguarding concerns (e.g., child protection, terrorism, or vulnerable adult protection).

• The client discloses information about involvement in a serious criminal activity.

2.3. The counsellor will make every effort to discuss the need to break confidentiality with the client before taking any action unless doing so would increase the risk of harm or is otherwise not feasible.

2.4. The counsellor may discuss aspects of the sessions with a supervisor to maintain professional standards; however, the client's identity will remain anonymous.

2.5. Any exceptions to confidentiality will be discussed with the client at the outset of the counselling relationship.

3. Sessions and Payment

3.1. Each counselling session is 50 minutes.

3.2. Sessions will be held weekly or as otherwise arranged with the counsellor.

3.3. The first introductory session will be conducted via a phone call and will be free of charge, providing the client with an opportunity to be introduced to the counsellor and discuss their needs.

3.4. If the client wishes to continue with counselling after the first session, the next session will be booked and payment for this session must be made in advance.

3.5. Subsequent sessions must be booked and paid for in advance. A session cannot be booked until payment is received.

3.6. Payment can be completed using bank transfer or cash.

3.7. The fee for each online session is £45.00.

3.8. The client may cancel a session with a minimum of 48 hours' notice. Refunds for cancelled sessions are at the discretion of the counsellor. However, in most cases, failure to provide 48 hours' notice will result in no refund being issued.

3.9. Both parties have the right to end counselling at anytime with no fee or cost.

4. Ethical Standards

4.1. The counsellor is a registered member of the BACP and adheres to its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

4.2. The counsellor will provide counselling in a manner that respects the client’s autonomy, values, and rights, promoting their well-being and self-empowerment.

5. Record Keeping

5.1. The counsellor will keep brief, factual notes on sessions, stored securely and in accordance with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR).

5.2. The client may request access to their records, and any such request will be managed in compliance with legal obligations.

6. Termination

6.1. Either party may terminate this agreement at any time by providing one week's notice.

6.2. The counsellor may terminate the agreement if it is deemed that counselling is no longer beneficial, or if ethical or safety concerns arise.

7. Complaints

7.1. If the client has any concerns about the counselling services provided, they are encouraged to discuss these with the counsellor in the first instance.

7.2. If the issue remains unresolved, the client may lodge a formal complaint with the BACP.

8. Governing Law

8.1. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

8.2. Any disputes arising from this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

9. Acknowledgment and Acceptance

To accept this counselling agreement, please complete the submission form below and click submit.

By accepting below, both parties agree to the terms of this counselling agreement.