BACP Ethical Framework
The BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) is a professional membership body that sets high standards for ethical practice and ongoing training in the counselling and psychotherapy fields. As a registered member and having completed BACP-accredited training, I am committed to adhering to their Ethical Framework. This ensures my services are always ethical, respectful, and in my client’s best interests.
For more details on the BACP Ethical Framework, [click here]
Data & Information Retention
As a fully insured BACP member, I am required by legal and professional standards to retain some of your personal information for up to six years following our last session. This is necessary for business operations, safeguarding, and risk management.
After six years, your data will be securely deleted.
All information is stored digitally in an encrypted, password-protected system that complies with GDPR to ensure security and confidentiality.
For more on confidentiality, please refer to the relevant section.
Your data is not shared with any outside agencies or individuals.
Clinical Supervision
As part of my professional responsibility, I regularly engage in clinical supervision, a requirement of my BACP membership. This process helps me enhance my skills, reflect on my practice, and ensure I provide ethical and effective support. Discussions in supervision focus on improving the therapeutic process while maintaining client confidentiality.
For instance, I might seek guidance on: A client seems hesitant to open up about past trauma—how can I create a safer, more trusting environment to encourage them to share?
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is central to our work together. What you share in our sessions is kept private and respected. Your trust is paramount, and I strive to create a safe space for you to express yourself freely.
However, there are specific circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken. These include situations where there is a risk to your safety or the safety of others or in cases involving illegal activities such as terrorism or money laundering, as required by UK law.
If confidentiality must be breached, we will discuss it in session, and I will work with my clinical supervisor to determine the best course of action. Breaches are rare and handled with the utmost care, as both legal and ethical obligations guide my practice to ensure your safety and well-being.
Contracts:
In the same way that any service has agreements, Counselling and Psychotherapy also require a contract to ensure a clear understanding between us. It sets the expectations for how we’ll work together and helps ensure our sessions are safe, respectful, and effective.
I see the contract as a living document, meaning it’s flexible and can evolve with our work. We can update it together if anything changes, such as session times or methods. This could be done verbally or by email, and it will not always mean doing a whole new contract.
Some areas the contract covers include:
- Session dates/times and location
- Data processing and confidentiality
- Payment methods and schedules
- Cancellations and ending the service
- Communication between sessions
- Any medical information or considerations
The contract also allows us to address legal and ethical requirements; any changes will always be discussed openly.
Click here to see what the BACP say about contracts.
Payment
Payment for your next session is due at the time of booking. I offer secure payment options, including an online card and a self-service booking platform called Konfidens that will send a payment link. The self-service option, in particular, empowers you to manage your payments conveniently. This flexibility is designed to accommodate your needs and make booking as smooth as possible.
If you prefer to book a block of sessions in advance, this can be arranged, and we can discuss the details.
Rest assured, I can provide receipts and invoices upon request, ensuring a clear record of your transactions and maintaining transparency in our process.
Payment Made by Someone Else or an Employer
If a third party, such as an employer or another individual, is making payment on your behalf, they must engage in a payment agreement. This contract will specify how payments will be made, identify the point of contact, and outline any confidentiality considerations related to the arrangement.
My payment process is designed to ensure clarity and transparency while maintaining the highest professional standards. This commitment to professionalism is part of my dedication to providing you with secure and reliable service.
Cancellation & Lateness
Payment for your session is required in advance. If you need to cancel, the following time frames outline the payment terms:
• At least 5 days’ notice: You will receive a full refund, or we can reschedule for a more convenient date and time.
• Between 3- and 5-days notice: 50% of the session fee will be charged.
• Less than 3 days’ notice (72 Hours): The full session fee will be charged.
Being late to a session may impact the flow of our work and the therapeutic relationship. Unfortunately, due to scheduling constraints, the time will not be added to the end of the session. Please ensure you arrive on time to maximise our time together.
If I need to cancel, I will inform you as soon as possible, and we can reschedule without charge.
Session Types
Days & Times
Once we’ve agreed to work together, it is usual for sessions to be at the same time each week. However, it is down to you and your timetable to book this session; if you would like me to book it at the end of your current session, please let me know. Sessions are typically held weekly, but we can adjust the schedule to bi-weekly or monthly if that suits your needs. Each session lasts 50 minutes unless we decide on a different duration. If any changes are needed to the schedule or session length, we can discuss them together, ensuring you have full control over your sessions.
In-Person Sessions
Banbury: I will meet you in the reception area at the agreed time for in-person sessions.
Culworth: Please avoid arriving too early, as no reception area exists. You must wait in your car until your scheduled session time. You can park on the road.
Online Sessions
For online sessions, please ensure you have a private space where you won’t be disturbed. I will also be in a confidential room, with no one else present. If we experience any technical issues, I will contact you by phone. Online sessions are typically held through Whereby unless we decide on a different platform. The room link will be sent to you via email beforehand, along with instructions on how to join the session, to ensure you feel prepared and comfortable.
Outside of Sessions
If we see each other outside our sessions, I will not initiate contact to protect your privacy and confidentiality. You may be with someone unaware of your counselling, and I want to respect that. However, if you acknowledge me first, I will respond with a simple greeting, keeping the interaction brief and respecting your boundaries.
Communication Between Sessions
I can communicate between sessions via text, phone, or email, but please note that this is not intended for ongoing therapy. I’m happy to provide brief support or answer any logistical questions if you need to reach out. However, we can schedule another session if you need a more in-depth therapeutic discussion.
Please be aware that it may take me up to 2 days to respond to messages or calls outside of our sessions.
In an emergency, if I’m unavailable and/or unable to respond immediately, please contact 999 or seek support from other professionals.