Informed Consent

As we get started it's really important that we agree how we are going to work together online. Informed consent runs through some basic information about how I work and what to expect when engaging in online therapy. If you are unclear or unhappy about any aspect of how I work online please do contact me and I'll be happy to explain more. 

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Professional Standards:

• I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and I adhere fully to their codes of practice and ethics.

• I am registered as a controller of sensitive data under the Data Protection Act (http://www.ico.gov.uk) and follow their recommendations for storing sensitive data.

• I am insured to work both face to face and online with clients. I don't work with clients who reside in American or Canada due to legal restrictions. So far, I have never had any claim made against me either for online or face to face work.

• My counselling work is supervised as per BACP guidelines.​

Communications:

• Counselling is provided by video using Zoom. If there is a technical problem I will call you unless we have arranged another method of communication, which you are happy with.

• If you have an emergency/ crisis situation, contact the Samaritans at www.samaritans.co.uk Telephone 08457 909090 or www.befrienders.org

• I am not able to respond to emergencies via phone, IM, email or video conferencing,

Process of Online Counselling:

• Your initial online consultation is an opportunity for us both to get to know each other and decide if we are a good fit to work together. It also is a time for me to gather some basic information about you, what brings you to therapy at this time and how we might work together. I'll also ask some specific questions about your experience of online work.

• During your consultation we will agree together how many sessions you would like, when you would like to meet online.

• It is in your best interests for effective therapy to avoid alcohol or drugs (other than prescribed drugs) whilst engaging with online therapy.

Confidentiality:

• All online communications are mutually confidential. You should not copy, distribute or disclose to other parties.

• Original client records are kept in accordance with BACP guidelines and are the property of the therapist.

• Sessions adhere to the BACP Code of Ethics on confidentiality. The only exceptions would be: disclosure of abuse / neglect of a child or vulnerable adult taking place; danger to yourself or others or where there is a legal obligation to disclose e.g. Terrorism Act 2000. In these circumstances, confidentiality may be broken. However, this would usually be discussed with you where you would be encouraged to make the disclosure yourself and support in doing so would be offered. There may be legal reasons why this is not always possible.

Referrals:

• If during the course of counselling, I feel that you would be best served by a different counsellor or other mental health professional, I will discuss this with you and assist you in finding a suitably qualified therapist.

Social Networking:

• Counselling remains a confidential relationship and it will not be possible to connect with any social networking sites.

Fees:

• Payments will be made direct by Bank Transfer prior to the agreed session.

  Please give 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend your online appointment.  If 24 hours notice is not given, I charge a £10 admin fee which is added to your next booked session.

• If I am unable to provide the online therapy you have paid for due to unforeseen circumstances e.g. sickness I will offer an alternative arrangement or refund any fees you have prepaid.