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Almost there, Sarah!

Please review and sign your agreement

Counselling Agreement

This agreement is between Dr. Emma Thompson ("the Therapist") and Sarah Mitchell ("the Client"). Please read carefully before signing.


1. The Therapy

The Therapist is a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist who is a member of an accredited professional body (such as BACP, UKCP, or NCS) and adheres to their ethical framework. The Therapist engages in regular clinical supervision.

Sessions are 50 minutes and take place as agreed. Sessions may be held in person at the Therapist's practice or online via a secure video platform, as agreed between both parties.


2. Fees and Payment

The fee is £80 per session. Payment is due before or at the time of each session unless otherwise agreed. Fees may change at any time with at least 4 weeks' notice.


3. Cancellations

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide as much notice as possible:

  • More than 48 hours' notice — no charge
  • 24–48 hours' notice — 50% of the session fee
  • Less than 24 hours' notice or non-attendance — full session fee
If the Therapist cancels, you will not be charged and an alternative time will be offered where possible.

4. Confidentiality

Everything discussed in sessions is strictly confidential. The Therapist will not disclose information about you without your written consent, except where:

  • There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others
  • There is disclosure of harm or risk to a child or vulnerable adult
  • Disclosure is required by law or court order
  • Required under the Terrorism Act 2000 or Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
The Therapist discusses their work in clinical supervision to maintain professional standards. Your identity is protected and no identifying details are shared.

Where possible, the Therapist will discuss any potential breach of confidentiality with you first.


5. Data Protection

Your personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

What we collect: Your name, contact details, appointment records, payment records, and brief session notes relevant to your therapy.

Why we process it: To provide therapy services, manage appointments, process payments, and comply with professional and legal obligations. The legal bases are: your explicit consent (for health-related data), performance of this contract, and legitimate interests in providing quality care.

How it's protected: All data is stored securely using bloom, a practice management platform registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Data is encrypted, password-protected, and stored on UK-based servers. The Therapist is the data controller; bloom acts as data processor.

Retention: Records are retained for 7 years after your last session, or until you reach age 25 if you are under 18 (whichever is longer), in line with professional body guidance. Records are then securely deleted.

Your rights: You may request access to your data, correction of errors, erasure (subject to legal retention requirements), restriction of processing, or data portability. You may also withdraw consent or object to processing. Contact the Therapist in writing to exercise these rights.


6. Online Sessions

Where sessions take place online, please ensure you are in a private location where you will not be overheard or interrupted. Sessions may not be recorded without mutual written consent. If technical issues prevent the session from continuing, we will attempt to reconnect or reschedule.


7. Professional Boundaries

To maintain the therapeutic relationship, the Therapist cannot engage in social contact or accept social media connections with clients. Contact between sessions should be limited to administrative matters (e.g., scheduling). The Therapist cannot provide crisis support between sessions.

If you attend a session under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the session may be ended early and the full fee will apply.


8. Crisis Support

If you are in crisis or at risk of harm, please contact:

  • Emergency services: 999
  • NHS 111 (urgent medical advice)
  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24 hours)
  • CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight)
  • Your nearest A&E department
Please also reach out to a trusted person in your life.

9. Ending Therapy

Either party may end therapy at any time. Where possible, please discuss your intention to end so there is an opportunity for a closing session. The Therapist may also suggest ending or referring you elsewhere if they believe this would better serve your needs.


10. Complaints

If you have concerns about your therapy, please raise them with the Therapist directly. If unresolved, you may contact the Therapist's professional body (details available on request).


11. Agreement

By signing this agreement, you confirm that you:

  • Have read and understood the terms above
  • Consent to the processing of your personal data as described
  • Agree to the cancellation policy and fee structure
  • Have had the opportunity to ask questions