Welcome to Roz’s Counselling Corner

Counselling provides a safe and supportive environment where you can gain clarity on your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Through therapy, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your challenges, values, beliefs, strengths, and vulnerabilities, helping you make informed choices that enhance your well-being. The goal is to empower you to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life by gaining deeper insights into yourself.

The Counselling Agreement

This agreement is a contract between you and your counsellor. We encourage you to read through the entire document before signing it, as it contains important details about what you can expect from counselling and outlines your commitment to attending the sessions. It’s crucial that you fully understand the terms, as once signed, this agreement becomes legally binding.

Client Confidentiality

Your privacy is a top priority at Roz’s Counselling Corner. Here’s how we manage your information:

• Contact Information: We store your contact details to schedule and manage your sessions and keep you informed.
• GP Information: In the event that we are concerned about your well-being, we may inform your GP so they can be involved in your care. We will always discuss this with you beforehand whenever possible.
• Emergency Contacts: If you provide additional emergency contact information, we may reach out to this person if necessary, either alongside or instead of contacting your GP. Again, we will always aim to consult you first.
• Online Sessions: If you attend sessions remotely, we may record your location for safety reasons in case of an emergency

In accordance with GDPR guidelines, we collect and use your data based on your consent when you sign this agreement. You have the right to access and control your data, and these rights are listed separately.

Your information is securely stored for 7 years, either in locked cabinets or encrypted databases. We will never share your information with anyone outside our service, except under certain circumstances, such as:

• If you request or give permission for us to share information.
• If the information you disclose suggests that you or others may be at immediate risk of harm, which would require us to break confidentiality to ensure safety.
• If we are legally required to disclose information, such as in the case of a crime.

Clinical Supervision

Counsellors are required to engage in regular supervision, as mandated by their professional associations (e.g., the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society). Supervision is a crucial aspect of a counsellor’s professional development, providing them with opportunities to reflect on their practice and ensure they are offering safe and ethical care.

During supervision, counsellors may discuss concerns about the welfare of clients, including potential risks of harm. If necessary, this might lead to sharing information with other professionals. In such cases, we will strive to discuss this with you first.

Main Terms and Conditions

Your Commitment to Counselling

Committing to counselling means attending your sessions consistently and regularly. Each counselling session lasts 50 minutes, beginning at the agreed-upon time, and will take place at the same time and day each week, unless otherwise agreed.

It’s essential that you attend your sessions consistently and arrive on time. If a session starts late, your counsellor will not be able to extend the session’s duration.

Our counselling contracts are open-ended, meaning there is no fixed limit on the number of sessions you can have.

For your safety, we ask that you attend sessions free from the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. If your counsellor believes you may be intoxicated, they reserve the right to end the session, and this will be addressed when considering the continuation of your therapy.

If you are unable or unwilling to meet these commitments, we may not be able to continue providing you with counselling.

Payment and Cancellation

The cost for your weekly sessions will be confirmed by email.

You will be asked to pay for your session before it has taken place to the following account.

Bank: Mettle

Account Name: Roz’s Counselling Corner Ltd

Sort Code: 04-03-33

Account Number: 40042413

If you need to cancel or miss a session, we kindly ask that you provide at least two working days’ notice from the scheduled start time of your session.

Please note that missed or cancelled sessions will still need to be paid for, unless the following conditions apply:

• If your counsellor cancels the session, you will not be required to pay
• Exceptional circumstances that prevent attendance will be assessed on a case-by-case basis
• If you are charged for a missed session and we agree to waive the fee, a credit note will be issued, and any payments made for that session will be refunded or applied to future session

Please Note: Failure to make payments regularly or on time may result in the suspension of your sessions. If your circumstances change and you are unable to keep up with payments, please contact us as soon as possible.

If you know in advance that you will be away, whether for a holiday or work commitments, please notify your counsellor ahead of time.

Remote Counselling Sessions

A video link for your session will be sent to you via email once your appointment is confirmed.

You will need a suitable device with video capabilities, preferably a laptop or computer. It is crucial for the counsellor to be able to both see and hear you during sessions.

If your counselling sessions need to take place outside of the UK, please inform your counsellor in advance of any international travel to ensure insurance compliance.

Personal Security and Safeguarding

For online sessions, you must ensure that you are in a private space where you cannot be overheard, and there are no distractions or interruptions. We recommend using headphones for additional privacy. Sessions should take place in a secure, confidential, indoor environment. If you are in a public space or with others when the session starts, your counsellor will need to pause or stop the session until confidentiality can be restored. Any interrupted session will still be charged.

During online sessions, it is important that both you and your counsellor know where you are located. If your location changes, please notify your counsellor. Both parties will rely on technology, so issues like poor Wi-Fi or phone reception may occasionally arise. If your counsellor faces technical difficulties before the session, they will contact you via email or text. Similarly, if you encounter problems before your session, please notify your counsellor as soon as possible. If the session is interrupted by technical issues, the counsellor will try to reconnect immediately. If communication cannot be restored within 15 minutes, the session will continue by phone as an exception.

Your counsellor will not be available between sessions. Any contact outside of sessions should be made via email at talk@rozscounsellingcorner.co.uk.

If you are in distress or at risk of harm outside of your sessions, please reach out to your local Accident and Emergency Department, your GP, Samaritans (116 123), or family and friends for support.

Texting between counsellors and clients is only allowed if previously agreed upon, and if the counsellor has provided their work phone number.

We take the safety of our counsellors very seriously. Any abusive or threatening behavior will not be tolerated, and your counselling contract will be terminated immediately. Your counsellor also has the right to end the session without notice in these circumstances.

Notifying Us of Changes

If you change your address, contact details, or register with a new GP, please inform us promptly by emailing talk@rozscounsellingcorner.co.uk.

Enquiries and Complaints

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss any aspect of your counselling or support, please reach out to us at talk@rozscounsellingcorner.co.uk.

Disclaimer

This contract will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England, Scotland, and Wales. Any disputes or differences relating to this agreement shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.