Fees
Fees are charged per session and each session lasts for 60 minutes. Fees are payable in cash on the day, preferably at the start of the session. If a session is unpaid for then this means that the fee is outstanding and payable at a next session, which will be mutually agreed between us. Continued non-payment could put future sessions at risk and may contribute to therapy ending prematurely.
Discounted rates
If you are a student or on low-income/unemployed, then a discounted rate can be discussed that suit your needs. If your circumstances change during therapy, then we may review your income status and negotiate accordingly. Discounted rates only apply to counselling.
Cancellations and missed sessions
If you need to cancel an appointment then please do so 48 hours or more in advance of the start time of your arranged session, otherwise the session will need to be paid for. Where possible, I offer an alternative slot for later in the week so cancelled session payments are not wasted. Missed session (DNAs) are charged fully and any alternative sessions are seen as additional and payable sessions. I like to be clear about the boundaries that I work within and I find this works best for both myself and my clients, especially where paying for missed or cancelled session is concerned. We can discuss planned holidays or pre-arranged appointments at the assessment stage and these missed sessions will be exempt so you don't lose any sessions where arranged holidays prevent you from attending. Therapy works best if the attendance is regular and frequent; continued missed appointments are likely to prevent a strong therapeutic relationship from developing so it will most likely be discussed between us so we can arrange, mutually, a better alternative for working together. This may mean changing your appointment day, rethinking the time of your appointment, or ending the relationship early.
Late sessions
If, for any reason, you are running late and arrive past the start time of your session, the session will only continue until the pre-arranged finish time. It is useful to know if you are running late or have been held up, so please do contact me to let me know - depending on the circumstances we may be able to reschedule but this would depend on a number of factors. Shorter sessions because of late arrivals are still payable at the usual session rate.
Confidentiality
Anonymity
Differing from confidentiality, your personal details such as name, contact details and other identifying information about you, is kept securely with me. I do not share any identifying information with my supervisor. Unless I am obliged either legally or from a Health and Safety aspect, your anonymity will be kept safe and securely with me only.
Right to refuse
As with any business, I reserve the right to refuse my services especially if I feel under threat or in danger or if I feel that the client is under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other substances that may impair his/her judgment or affect the session in any way. The session may still be chargeable in these circumstances, so please do consider the above information and if you think there might be a problem with drugs/alcohol consumption, contact me to discuss the best way forward regarding session attendance. I also reserve the right to turn down potential clients if I feel that I may not be the right therapist to serve your interests. I review client progress or status as part of the therapeutic process with clients on a regular basis; part of this review also includes whether I think continuing therapy is viable for the client and so reserve the right to end the relationship where appropriate.
Terms, Conditions and Boundaries
It can be a little daunting to think that entering into a therapeutic relationship may come with 'terms and conditions', but the relationship is a contract between you and the therapist and like all relationships it will benefit from having boundaries in place. Some conditions and boundaries are set and some can be negotiated.
Below is an outline of what some of those terms, conditions and boundaries may
mean for you and your therapeutic journey.