Therapy Agreement

1. SESSION RULES

• Before starting therapy, a psychological consultation (1–3 sessions) takes place to identify the client’s issues, therapy goals, session frequency, estimated duration, and collaboration rules.

• Therapy sessions are held regularly, usually once a week.

• Each session lasts 50 minutes and is paid according to the current fee schedule.

• Outstanding payments prevent scheduling the next session.

• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, the client is charged 100% of the session fee, regardless of the reason for absence.

• Rescheduling a session is possible without additional fees if done at least 24 hours in advance; otherwise, it is treated as a missed session.

• Late arrival does not extend the session time.

• If the client has infection symptoms (e.g., fever, cough), they should cancel the session or switch to online therapy.

• Contact between sessions (by phone, SMS, or email) is for scheduling or rescheduling appointments only and does not replace psychotherapy.
  
  

2. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS

• Before the session, the client must silence their phone and smartwatch.

• The client is also responsible for ensuring a stable internet connection and properly functioning equipment for online sessions. In the event of technical difficulties, the session may be shortened.

• For online sessions, the client is responsible for ensuring appropriate conditions, particularly maintaining privacy. No other individuals may be present in the room during the session, and the client should use a space that allows for a private and confidential conversation.

• The client has the right to:

  • Ask questions about the therapist’s qualifications, education, and experience.

  • Disagree with the therapist’s opinion.

  • Refuse to answer certain questions or participate in specific therapeutic techniques.

3. THERAPIS RESPOSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS

The therapist is obliged to:

• Maintain professional secrecy and full confidentiality regarding therapy sessions and the client’s personal data.

• Confidentiality may only be broken in cases of threat to the client’s or others’ health or life, or as required by law.

• Conduct therapy ethically and use effective therapeutic methods.

• Regularly undergo supervision of their work.

• Inform the client about necessary session rescheduling and agree on a new date.

The therapist has the right to refuse therapy in cases of:

• Serious violation of the therapist’s personal well-being by the client, e.g., insults or breaking contract rules.

• Insufficient competence to help the client. In such cases, the therapist should suggest another therapist or a suitable place for support.

• When collaborating with other professionals (e.g., psychiatrists), the therapist shares only necessary information and with the client’s consent.

4. TERMINATION OF THERAPY

The termination of the psychotherapy process is an important part of therapeutic work and should take place in a planned manner, discussed jointly by the client and the psychotherapist.

The decision to interrupt or terminate therapy should be communicated during a therapy session, so that there is time and space to discuss it and to summarize the work completed to date.

Typically, the termination of therapy involves 1 to 3 concluding sessions, the purpose of which is to:

•  summarize the therapeutic process and the goals achieved;

•  discuss the changes that have occurred during therapy;

•  strengthen the effects of the therapeutic work;

•  discuss further recommendations or possible forms of support.

The client has the right to end therapy at any time if they consider it necessary. In such a case, the client is asked to inform the psychotherapist of this decision as early as possible—preferably during a therapy session—and to attend at least one session dedicated to closing the psychotherapy process.

5. ETHICS

• The Code of Ethics for Psychologists is an integral part of this Therapeutic Contract.