Psychotherapy Contract

Psychotherapy is a confidential, collaborative process aimed at supporting psychological health and wellbeing. We will agree goals together and review progress regularly. Psychotherapy differs from coaching and does not provide medical, legal or financial advice. If clinical or safeguarding concerns arise, I will discuss appropriate pathways with you (for example, contacting your GP or crisis services).

Some clients also seek coaching focused on professional or personal development. Coaching is a separate, non-clinical service delivered under my EMCC membership and is not psychotherapy or a substitute for mental health treatment.

• We will not switch between psychotherapy and coaching within the same engagement without explicit discussion and mutual agreement. If you request coaching, we will create a separate Therapeutic Coaching Agreement with distinct scope, records, fees and boundaries.
• Coaching does not involve diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders. Where therapy is more appropriate, I will discuss options and, if you wish, signpost you.
• Information shared in coaching or psychotherapy is kept confidential and recorded separately to respect the different purposes of each service.

I abide by the UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. What you discuss is confidential. Confidentiality may be broken only where required by law or where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or others. Wherever possible, I will seek to discuss this with you first. I may share anonymised themes in professional supervision to support safe and competent practice.

I receive regular clinical supervision in line with professional standards. Supervision helps ensure safe, reflective and ethical psychotherapy.

I collect and process only the minimum personal data needed to provide psychotherapy and manage appointments. Data are stored securely, accessed only when necessary, and retained no longer than necessary. You have rights over your data (access, rectification, erasure, restriction and portability) subject to lawful bases and safeguarding/record-keeping obligations.

For more on UK GDPR principles see the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidance.

I keep brief, factual notes of sessions and basic contact/administrative details in keeping with my professional responsibilities.

I do not write letters, reports or complete third-party forms on behalf of clients (for example: fit notes, housing letters, legal or insurer reports), unless I am under a clear statutory duty or court order to do so. Where needed, I can provide proof of attendance or invoices. Any statutory requests will be handled in line with legal requirements and professional ethics.

• Fees are those quoted at the time of booking. Concessions (if any) are agreed in advance.
• Payment by BACS (or secure card link if provided) is due at least 48 hours before each appointment unless otherwise agreed.
• Where a third party funds treatment, you remain responsible for any unpaid fees.

• Please give at least 48 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel. Late cancellations and missed sessions are chargeable.
• Session times are fixed; arriving late may reduce your time so that the next client is not delayed.

For online sessions, please ensure a private, quiet space with a stable internet connection. Do not record sessions without written consent. If technology fails, we will attempt to reconnect or continue by phone where appropriate.

I am not an emergency service. If you are at immediate risk or feel unable to keep yourself safe, contact 999 or go to your nearest A&E. For urgent but non-emergency help contact NHS 111, your GP, or the Samaritans (116 123). We will use appointments to plan ongoing support and safety.

Feedback is welcome at any time. If you wish to make a complaint, please raise it with me in the first instance. If unresolved, you may contact the UKCP Complaints and Conduct Process for further guidance.

With your consent, I can inform your GP that you are engaging in psychotherapy and, if needed, liaise for coordinated care.

By signing, you confirm that you are over 18 and that you have read, understood and agree to the terms above. You consent to the processing of your personal data for the purposes of psychotherapy as described.