Therapy Agreement
Gabriel Best, Counselling Psychologist
This agreement sets out the practical arrangements for our work together. It is intended to make things clear from the beginning so that we can concentrate on your therapy.
1. Our work together
Before starting therapy, we will have an initial conversation to discuss what you would like help with and whether I am the right person to work with you.
We will agree together on the approach to therapy and review this as we go. This may include EMDR or other psychological approaches, depending on your needs.
You are welcome to ask questions or raise any concerns about the therapy at any time.
2. Appointments
Sessions will normally last 60 minutes and will take place at an agreed regular time.
Appointments are reserved specifically for you. If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please give me as much notice as possible.
I ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or changes.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notice, may be charged at the full session fee. I will use my discretion where there is a genuine emergency or other exceptional circumstance.
My current fee is £120 per 60 minute session. Payment is by arrangement but should normally be made no later than two days after the session.
3. Online therapy
Our sessions will normally take place online using Zoom.
Please make sure that you have a private and suitable space where you can speak freely and will not be overheard or interrupted.
If the connection fails during a session, we will normally try to reconnect. I will also have a telephone number for you so that we can contact each other if there is a technical problem. Where appropriate, we may use WhatsApp video as an alternative if the Zoom connection cannot be restored.
4. Confidentiality
What you discuss with me is confidential, subject to the usual professional and legal limits to confidentiality.
There may be circumstances where I need to share information if I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where I am legally required to do so. Where possible, I would normally discuss this with you first.
I may discuss aspects of my clinical work in professional supervision. This is done in a way that protects your identity and confidentiality.
5. Communication between sessions
Email can be used for practical matters such as arranging or changing appointments.
Email is not intended to replace therapy or provide ongoing therapeutic support. I will normally respond during my working hours, but I may not be available at evenings, weekends or during holidays.
Please do not rely on email to obtain urgent psychological or medical help.
6. Emergencies
I am not an emergency or crisis service and I am not available 24 hours a day.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please contact the appropriate emergency or crisis service rather than waiting for a therapy appointment or contacting me by email.
7. Records and privacy
I keep appropriate clinical records of our work together in accordance with my professional and legal responsibilities.
Your personal information and clinical records are stored securely. Further information about how your information is collected, used and protected is provided in my Privacy Policy.
8. Professional relationship
Our relationship is a professional therapeutic relationship. I will treat you with respect, professionalism and compassion, and I ask that you do the same.
If something about our work together does not feel right, please tell me. We can discuss it and consider how best to proceed.
9. Ending therapy
You can decide to end therapy at any time. Where possible, I encourage us to discuss the ending and plan a final session together.
I may also recommend ending therapy if I believe that therapy is no longer appropriate or that another form of support would better meet your needs. Where possible, I will discuss this with you and help you consider alternative support.
10. Concerns and complaints
If you have a concern about your therapy, I encourage you to raise it with me directly. I will listen and take your concerns seriously.
If you wish to make a formal complaint, I will provide you with information about the complaints process.
Agreement
By signing below, you confirm that:
you have read and understood this agreement;
you have had the opportunity to ask questions about it;
you understand the arrangements for appointments, cancellations, fees and communication;
you understand the limits of confidentiality and the arrangements for emergencies; and
you agree to work within these arrangements.