Counselling and therapy agreement and terms

Before we begin working together it is important we have a working agreement so we know what is required of us.

This is our Online Counselling Agreement. we ask that you please take some time to read it carefully as it will help to assist in our work together. If there is anything that you are not sure about, or if you have any questions please contact us via the above form.

 

About us

Segment counselling works in a Person-Centred way so we will not advise you or tell you what to do but  will help you explore the areas in your life which you choose to bring to counselling. We will support you in making your own decisions and help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your situation. Segment counselling will offer a non-judgemental space for you to explore your issues in your own time and at your own pace.

 

This includes Online Counselling:

Webcam sessions on Zoom or google meets 

Phone sessions

(All forms of counselling is for people aged 18 and over. We do not offer counselling to anyone that has or is suffering form any from of severe suicidal thoughts, or mental psychosis we suggest speaking to your GP in this case.)

 

 

Confidentiality

Any therapeutic exchanges we have remain confidential and no content shall be used for any other purpose. The only time confidentiality does not apply is if the counsellor is concerned about your own or someone else’s safety, or if you express intent to break the law in which case they may need to pass this information on to relevant parties only. We would however where possible discuss this with you first.

Counsellors may discuss aspects of our work with their supervisor to assist your work together and develop our practice but your identity shall remain anonymous.

Records of your sessions will be kept no longer than 2 years after counselling has ceased. We are registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) as a controller of sensitive data and work to their standards for storing any information about you.

 

We recommend you use a private and quiet space in which to carry out your online counselling which will feel safer for you to explore any difficult issues.

As this will be a professional relationship  we are unable to accept friend requests on social networking sites. Also, could we please ask that you refrain from sharing any content of our counselling sessions on any public networking sites. Recording of sessions is not premitted, from counsellor or client. 

 

How it works:

Online sessions last for 50 mins, we agree on a set day and time to ‘meet’ on-line via Zoom or Google meet. This secure platform provides a high level of end-to-end encryption.

Online counselling sessions take place the same time each week usually over a 8-10 week period however, this is offten reviewed and additional sessions can be addded if required. 

 

Payment

 Low cost sessions are booked in blocks of four, payment can be made by bank transfer, PayPal– preferably five days before you begin your counselling sessions. Or we can arrange for invoices to be paid upto two days before session time.

Details will be sent to you once we have agreed to work together for invoice arranged payments.

 

 

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to keep your appointment please let us know with at least 48hrs notice. Please note that refunds for cancellations are not possible, any no shows will be charged at full fee. As we run a full waiting list appoinments may not always be able to be rearranged for a later date. You will not be charged by any cancellations made by Segment counselling. 

 

Unforeseen Circumstances:

If for any reason we have technical difficulties or the counsellor is ill, we will send you a brief text message by mobile phone or telephone you (only if this is your preferred method of communication) or email to let you know. We will try to make an alternative arrangement.

Similarly, if you experience any technical difficulties or illness please get in touch as soon as possible to let us know. 

 

Referral:

During our work together we may regularly evaluate how the counselling is going and if it is the most suitable form of support for you at this time. If you feel that our online counselling relationship is not working, if you require a counsellor with specific expertise, or if online work is not suitable for you then the counsellor may/will suggest, you find a different counsellor to best suit your needs.

If the counsellor feels that they  are not able to provide you with the level of support you require (such as if they feel your presenting issues are out of their area of expertise). They have the right to discontinue your work together, at any point. This would be done with your own best interests at heart and carried out as sensitively as possible. We would help you to find alternative support where possible.

 

Complaints:

If you have any complaints about  our  work please let us  know and we can hopefully work through and resolve these together. Complaints can be made via email to info@Segmentcounselling.com We would be happy to discuss any issues you might have regarding any counselling practice and hopefully we can resolve these together.

 

Emergency:

As your counsellor is not available for emergency contact we highly recommend you get in touch, with your doctor or emergency services in your area if you feel particularly distressed at any time. Alternatively you can contact Samaritans online or by telephone 08457909090

If you are resident outside the UK – Befrienders Worldwide is a very useful crisis support website which can direct you to a helpline in your country – http://www.befrienders.org/

 

 

I am 18 years of age or over, I have read the above contract for online counselling with Segment counselling. 

 

 If you agree to the agreement,  you can book your initial session.  Booking with us means you agree to the terms above. You will receive a copy of the agreement via email.

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