Counselling Agreement

Jonathan Smith, Integrative Counsellor

Counselling involves a process in which the client and the counsellor work together, according to what the client needs. I have written the following information to guide this process, and I invite you to refer to it when you need to, and to ask me about anything that is unclear.

The Counselling Relationship

The relationship between you and me is a professional one, in which I work with you in my role as a trained counsellor. I intend to work with you for as many sessions as you would like, and you can end the counselling with me whenever you choose.

I will give you as much notice as possible of any planned breaks or other absences from my work. Outside the counselling room, the only contact between us is usually to rearrange appointments if necessary.

My Professional Practice

I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This means that I adhere to BACP's Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, which you can read here. I meet each month with a supervisor, an experienced counsellor who is trained to oversee the work of other practitioners.

I keep brief notes after each counselling session, which I am happy to show you at your request. I store these securely, and I destroy them when they are no longer required, in order to comply with the Data Protection Act (2018). I will only disclose counselling notes to any person other than my client if a court of law issues a subpoena, ordering me to release them.

Confidentiality

Most of what clients tell me is confidential. However, the law may require me to breach confidentiality if a client discloses information about terrorism, drug trafficking, or money laundering.

If I believe that you are at risk of harming yourself or another person, I will discuss with you how we can best manage this situation. I may wish to discuss with you whether to approach others who may be able to help.

In exceptional circumstances, I may need to breach confidentiality in the interest of your safety. Likewise, if vulnerable people – especially children – appear to be at risk of serious harm, I may need to breach confidentiality in the interest of their safety.

The Quality of my Work

I am always open to receiving feedback and thereby improving my practice. If you are dissatisfied about any aspect of my work, I would encourage you to raise this with me, so that we can discuss your concerns. Since I am a registered member of BACP, you may access their complaints procedures if you need to.

Fees and Cancellations

My current fees are indicated on the practicalities page of this site.

Each counselling session starts at an agreed time, and ends fifty minutes later. If you arrive after the start time, I will not be able to extend the session beyond the end time, and I will ask you for the full fee.

If you miss an appointment without giving me prior notice, I will ask you for the full fee.

If you give me less than 24 hours' notice to cancel an appointment, I may ask you for the full fee if the appointment can not be rearranged.

Please discuss with me any aspect of the counselling agreement whenever you need to.

Thank you

Jonathan Smith

Integrative Counsellor

41 Bridge Street

Hereford HR4 9DG

jonathansmithcounselling@gmail.com

07756 093803

Client's Name:

I have had an opportunity to read and ask questions about the Counselling Agreement, and I have been provided with a copy.

I will engage in counselling with Jonathan Smith in accordance with the Counselling Agreement.

Signed by Client:

Signed by Jonathan Smith:

Date of Signatures: