These terms cover therapy, supervision and coaching. They exist to keep the work safe, clear and fair for both of us.
1. You
You confirm that:
- You are over 18 years of age
- You are who you say you are
- Any therapy, current or previous, is divulged at the first session — it is not ethically acceptable to be engaged in another talking therapy at the same time as working with me or another practitioner
- You will advise me of any previous therapy or psychiatric care
- You are not at risk of harming yourself or others, and you will advise me if this situation changes. For safety reasons, should you divulge a serious intent to harm yourself or others, I will inform the appropriate services to protect you, me and others
- Any medications taken, drug or alcohol dependency or abuse, or any other addictions will be advised to me
- Your sole purpose of counselling is for your personal and confidential counselling use only — this may include attainment of a counselling qualification for which you have a therapy requirement
- You accept that, with prior approval, I may sound-record sessions for supervision purposes only
- Your participation within the counselling process is entirely and absolutely for personal, therapeutic use
2. Ongoing regular therapy
Psychotherapy is normally undertaken with a commitment to regular therapy; a minimum of six sessions is the basis for my practice, ordinarily weekly or every two weeks.
As my client, you are responsible for payment of these sessions whether attended or not, until you have given clear notice that you wish to conclude therapy. You do not pay for sessions that I cancel, bank holidays or my holidays.
If you are unable to attend a session and give me a minimum of 48 hours’ notice, I will endeavour to offer another session in the same week or at a mutually convenient time.
Conclusion of a contract without notice will require a figure equivalent to the remaining sessions agreed — e.g. if you attend only two sessions of the six agreed, a termination figure of four sessions is payable.
Payment is at the session. Ongoing therapy appointments are scheduled for what is known as a 50-minute hour. Sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes and start and conclude at the scheduled time — not 50 minutes after a late start.
3. Supervision
Supervision is undertaken in a contractual manner in support of the practice of the therapist, with the safety of the therapist and client paramount. Supervision contracts are generally attended bi-weekly or four-weekly, dependent upon the requirements of specific institutes. Six-session contracts are the minimum contractual requirement, with a review as to ongoing supervision provision thereafter, giving a minimum of two sessions’ notice.
4. Coaching
I provide personal and company coaching for individuals at all levels within an organisation. Utilising the GROW model, a minimum of six sessions — usually bi-weekly or four-weekly — will take the approach of developing a goal strategy to meet the needs of the client, with a review and evaluation of the outcome. Further sessions may be appropriate and are agreed in two-session blocks.
5. Additional support
If you require support between sessions — either therapy or supervision — via telephone, this can be arranged and is chargeable at the normal hourly rate.
6. Confidentiality
Sessions, whether face-to-face or by telephone, are confidential, though I reserve the right to break confidentiality in specific circumstances: that you are personally at risk of harm from yourself or others; that others are at risk of harm from you; or that your mental health state is such that you are not able to think clearly and take care of yourself.
I will always inform you of the reason for my decision and advise you of any action I may consider taking, which may include contacting your GP or the emergency services.
7. Supervision for Julia Tolley
I may discuss aspects of the work we do together with my supervisor. This is usual within the profession and ensures the high standard of my work. I would not reveal your identity to them.
8. Code of ethics
I abide by the codes of ethics of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and the Institute of Transactional Analysis.
9. Geographical setting
My practice is located in the West Midlands, close to the town of Halesowen — 10 miles from Birmingham city centre and 10 miles from Wolverhampton. We are close to the train stations of Cradley Heath and Old Hill, and the bus route from Dudley (Merry Hill) to Halesowen operates at the end of my road.
Access to the motorway is four miles away at junction 3 of the M5, and we are close to junction 1 of the M42; the nearest M6 link is West Bromwich.
10. Dispute
Julia Tolley and you, the client, agree that any dispute arising out of this service shall first be resolved by mediation.