Terms and conditions

I will require you to read and confirm that you have understood the following terms and conditions before we start working together:

Code of ethics
I adhere to the guidelines set out in the Code of Conduct and Ethics of the British Psychological Society and the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.

Duration of sessions

The initial telephone consultation is free and an opportunity to briefly discuss your current difficulties to determine whether I am the most appropriate to help you.

The initial session is an assessment. All sessions will be 60 minutes. We will discuss and agree the frequency and number of your sessions in your first appointment and revisit this as necessary as therapy progresses.

Fees

Fees are payable via bank transfer and I will provide you with the payment details.
I require payment prior or on the day of therapy.

Cancellation of sessions

At least 24 hours notice is required if you need to cancel a session. Non attendances or cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment time will incur the full fee.

Sharing of information

In some instances it may be helpful to liaise with your General Practitioner (GP) or other party regarding your care. I will discuss this with you during our initial appointment. I will, however, need to communicate with your GP in instances of perceived risk to either yourself or others.

Confidentiality

I take confidentiality very seriously. I am dedicated to providing a high quality service and so to ensure this I receive regular clinical supervision to maintain high standards. Your name will not be used.

You understand that confidentiality may only be broken for the following reasons:

Circumstances relating to harm of yourself
Circumstances relating to harm of others
Identified risk(s) to children or vulnerable adults (this includes historical abuse disclosures and risk to others)

If I feel that for any reason confidentiality needs to be broken, then wherever possible, this will be discussed with me.

Record keeping and data protection

I process all client data in line with the guidelines set out by the Data Protection Act 2018. This means that:

I have registered my practice with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
I will obtain your permission to contact you via telephone, email and/or SMS.
All electronic client records and/or the devices on which they are kept are encrypted and/or password protected.
Notes taken in session are kept in a locked cabinet.
My mobile phone is secured with a passcode.
You can request a copy of all data that I hold about you. I will respond within 40 days of the request.
I take measures to ensure your data remains secure and that no one can access it without your specific consent. In the unlikely event of a data breach, I will contact you and inform the Information Commissioner’s Office within 48 hours.
On completion of our work together, I will hold your records for 7 years in line with professional practice guidelines. After this your data and all electronic communications will be destroyed/erased.

Crisis

I cannot offer an emergency service. Please contact emergency services on 999 or go to your nearest A&E. If you live in the Berkshire area, you can contact Common Point of Entry weekdays 9am-5pm on 0300 365 0300. Alternatively the Crisis Team on 0300 365 9999 outside working hours. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 and for urgent medical advice call NHS 111.