Working together

The following ground rules are the basis for how we would work together. They are here to provide clarity and a sense of safety around our work, and I'm always happy to discuss or revisit them with you.

Professional practice
I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), membership number 00913417, and work within their professional ethical framework. I also have regular clinical supervision to support my practice. You can find out more about the BACP at www.bacp.com.

Timing
Please arrive at our agreed time. If you are late, I will wait for you and honour the full session, but unfortunately I won't be able to extend the session beyond our agreed finishing time.

Payment
Payment is due after each session and can be made by bank transfer, cash or debit card.

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Cancellations
If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, I ask for at least 48 hours' notice. If less notice is given, payment for the session will normally still be due, unless there are exceptional circumstances or an emergency.

Confidentiality
The content of our sessions is confidential, within the limits of my professional and ethical responsibilities. There may be occasions when I need to share information without your consent, for example 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 always discuss this with you first.

Our relationship
Our relationship is a professional client/therapist relationship and is contained within my practice. If I see you in public, I won't acknowledge you first, in order to protect your privacy. You are, of course, free to acknowledge me if you wish.

Difficult moments
It's completely normal to find therapy — and sometimes our work together — frustrating, confusing, uncomfortable or difficult. I would encourage you to bring these feelings into our sessions. They can often be an important part of the work.

Notes and records
I keep brief, handwritten notes (nothing digital) to support my work with you. These are stored securely and separately from your personal contact details. I do not keep detailed records of the content of our sessions.

If I need to cancel
I will only cancel an appointment due to illness or an emergency, and will always give you as much notice as possible.

If we lose contact
If we lose contact, I will try to reach you once by email and text. If I don't hear from you, I will assume that you have decided to end our work together.

Urgent support
I am not an emergency or crisis service. If you need urgent support outside our sessions, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services as appropriate.

I'm always happy to talk about any aspect of how we work together. If something doesn't feel right, or you have a question or concern, please do your best to bring it into our work together.