Counselling Agreement

I am a qualified counsellor bound by ethical frameworks for good practice. I currently am a member of both the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and  the National Counselling Society (NCS).  My commitment means that I will:

• Work with you, valuing you as a unique person and treating you fairly regardless of our similarities and differences

• Work lawfully and ethically to promote wellbeing

• Respecting your right to autonomy, be willing to discuss how we work together and respect your right to end counselling when you consider it to be right for you

• Behave in a trustworthy way, generally work to professional standards

My qualifications and insurance support me working with you in person (in person at the same location) or at a distance (for example, over video conferencing platforms or telephone).

I will check that you are happy with the way that we are working together so that I can support you in the best way possible.  I hope that you will be able to discuss any concerns you may have about our work with me.  However, if you feel that you are unable to complain to me directly, the BACP and the NCPS have complaints procedures, available at www.bacp.co.uk and https://nationalcounsellingsociety.org.uk.

Confidentiality 

The information that you share verbally with me is confidential.  There are some exceptions to maintaining confidentiality to which I am ethically and/or legally bound:

• If you share information to indicate that a child, young or vulnerable person may be at risk.  In these instances, the safety and wellbeing of the young person must be a prime consideration

• If I believe that you intend to cause or have caused serious harm or injury to another person or to yourself

• If there is an issue of national security or if a serious crime has been committed

If issues relating to safeguarding arise in our conversations, I will explore the issues with you so that we can work out an appropriate next step.

[Information about how I use, store and process information from our work is detailed in the Privacy statement]

Record keeping 

As part of ethical practice I am required to make some notes and to attend Clinical Supervision to support my working with you to professional standards.  In doing so, we both comply with GDP Regulations.  Therefore any information that you share with me is treated as sensitive and I will protect it respectfully.  If you have any questions about this, please feel free to discuss this with me.

Information I ask from you 

I do need some personal information, such as your address and various contact details.  I will only ask for information that will help me in working with you for example to ensure accurate record keeping. 

I also request your doctor’s information.  This is so that, in the unlikely event of an accident or incident, I am able to use the information in dealing with emergency services or situations.  I ask for an ICE contact for the same reason.  

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About our meetings 

Our meetings are always to be organised in advance.  The services I provide does not include crisis support.  (If this is a concern for you, please discuss this with me as I am willing to arrange sessions at short notice, either face-to-face or on the telephone.)

Meetings are usually 60 minutes unless otherwise discussed and fees are charged accordingly.

   

What happens if either of us is unable to attend? 

Where possible, please give 24 hours’ notice that you need to cancel/rearrange the appointment, preferably by text (07494 782825) or email (samantha.crapnell@number11counselling.co.uk). 

Likewise, I will notify you as soon as possible if I find that I am unable to attend a meeting that we have arranged.

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Communications between us outside of our sessions

There are a few things to note here.

1. We have lots of ways in which we can communicate.  The ethics require that I try to use appropriate methods of communication for the conversation that we are having.  For example, there are certain things that are inappropriate to share over text, however, changing or arranging the time and dates of our sessions may be easier by text than another method.  Any communication between us, other than arranging dates and time of a meeting, may need to be recorded in my notes.  If you have any questions whatsoever about this, please discuss it with me.

2. Please do not be offended if I do not engage in social media with you.  Again, there are ethical considerations that I have to take into account and my decisions are not likely to reflect anything about my personal feelings about you or our relationship.

3. Another thing to note is that whilst I do my best to respond quickly to text messages, telephone calls and emails, it is likely that I may not be able to respond immediately: when I am in a meeting with someone; after 9pm in the evenings; weekend or holidays.  Please know that I will respond as soon as I am able.  If you have any concerns about this, again, please discuss this with me.