Please Read This Important Information
If you are seeking my services then before booking a session then please read through this important information to familiarise yourself with my terms and conditions regarding confidentiality, emergencies and attendance.
Your well-being is paramount in the therapeutic relationship. I always aim to practise ethically and effectively. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, in line with our professional codes of conduct (see BPS and HCPC). I will keep your case confidential and only share information with others with your consent where I feel it may be helpful (for example, your GP or people to whom I am referring you).
In rare circumstances, there are some instances where psychologists and therapists need to break confidentiality. These are usually around risk - either to yourself or to others. So if for example, I am concerned that my client may harm themselves or others, I very occasionally might need to break confidentiality or inform someone (for example; GP or Crisis Team). I would always try to gain your consent where possible, safe and feasible to do so. The other time may be if I was legally bound to do so (for example; if your notes or information about your case was called by the courts). This is very rare but it is important clients are aware of the limits of client confidentiality when they take part in psychological therapy.
Your therapy should be a safe, stable and secure 'space' and relationship in which to explore difficulties and sometimes find solutions or a different 'way of being'. It is not an emergency service and if you find yourself in crisis, your therapist will not be able to respond urgently. There are a number of sources of urgent help, these include:
It depends on the nature of the problem as to whom you should turn to for help. If you feel that you do sometimes reach crisis levels, this can be explored and planned for ahead within your therapy sessions to help you cope when it does happen.
If you are unable to attend a session we have arranged, please email or leave a message/text on my mobile phone number as soon as possible. There will be a full charge for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours of notice. Appointments that are not attended without any notice of cancellation will be charged the full price.
It would be very rare for the therapist to cancel an appointment, and this would only be due to unavoidable circumstance or illness. I would email you and telephone you to inform you and of course there would be no charge and I would aim to re-arrange as soon as possible. In the case where I am unable to contact you, I have designated professional colleagues who would make contact with, and support you if needed, in my absence.