Terms & Conditions of Therapy

Terms & Conditions: 1. Assessment and Suitability An initial assessment will normally take place during the first 1–2 sessions to determine current suitability for therapy and the most appropriate therapeutic approach. The therapist may recommend: •a course of therapy in the clinic •therapeutic approaches other than those offered within the clinic, or •referral to another professional. ________________________________________ 2. Online Therapy Sessions Online sessions will take place via TEAMS, a secure video conferencing platform. Clients agree to: •attend from a private environment, •use secure internet access, •minimise interruptions. Clients are expected to attend sessions able to engage safely in therapy. Sessions may be ended or rescheduled if attendance occurs under significant intoxication, acute crisis, or conditions preventing safe therapeutic work. While reasonable steps are taken to maintain confidentiality, absolute digital security cannot be guaranteed. ________________________________________ 3. Crisis Management, safeguarding and Risk Limits in Online Therapy The Croft CBT Clinic does not offer a crisis or emergency service. In emergencies clients should contact: •GP •NHS 111 •Local Crisis Team •Emergency Services (999) Clients agree to: •provide GP and emergency contact details at commencement of therapy, •provide current physical location at each online session, •inform the therapist of significant risk changes. If serious risk is identified, the therapist may contact emergency services, GP, or emergency contact without prior consent where necessary for safety. The therapist may pause online therapy, recommend in-person sessions, or alternative support if remote work becomes unsafe. If technical disruption occurs during online sessions, the therapist will attempt reconnection and may initiate welfare contact if deemed necessary to wellbeing. ________________________________________ 4. Communication & Contact Between Sessions Communication may occur via email, phone, or messaging for administrative purposes. Contact between sessions is limited to administrative matters such as scheduling. Consent for administrative communication is assumed unless withdrawn in writing. Therapy is a professional relationship. The therapist will not engage in social, financial, or dual relationships outside therapy. Social media contact or online interaction is not appropriate. ________________________________________ 5. Confidentiality Information shared in therapy is confidential except where disclosure is required by ethical or legal obligations. Confidentiality may be broken where: •there is serious risk of harm to you or others (as described above), •safeguarding concerns arise, •disclosure is required by court order or law, •professional supervision is undertaken (discussion using initials only). ________________________________________ 6. Records, Privacy and Data Protection (UK GDPR) As a Practitioner Psychologist registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and a CBT therapist accredited by the British Association of Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP), I am bound by these organisations’ professional codes of conduct and am committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of your personal information. Personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Please see privacy policy for details. ________________________________________ 7. Recording Sessions Sessions must not be recorded without explicit mutual agreement. Any agreed recordings remain confidential therapeutic material and must not be shared publicly or with third parties without consent. With explicit consent, the therapist may share recorded therapy material with their clinical supervisor as required by their accrediting body for the purposes of re-accreditation. _______________________________ 8. Professional Supervision The therapist undertakes regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional standards and as required by the accrediting body. The clinical supervisor is appropriately trained to provide supervision for the therapeutic approach being undertaken and bound by the same professional standards as the therapist. Identifying information is not disclosed during supervision, other than the use of initials, and in the case of consensual sharing of clinical recordings, as outlined above. ________________________________________ 9. Fees and Payment Session Fees: •£125 per hour (online sessions). •£140 per hour (in-person sessions) Payment terms: •Payment is due at least 24 hours in advance of each session. •Accepted payment method: bank transfer. Receipts are available upon request. Financial Hardship and Difficulty Paying If financial circumstances change and this may impact on ability to pay, clients are encouraged to discuss this as soon as possible. At the therapist’s discretion, adjustments to the planned course of therapy or payment arrangements may be made, including: •reduced session frequency, •short-term payment arrangements, or •planned ending, with signposting to alternative services. Adjustments are not guaranteed and will be confirmed in writing. Non-Payment of Fees: Sessions may be suspended where fees remain unpaid. Persistent non-payment may result in termination of therapy. Late Payment and Debt Recovery: The therapist aims to resolve payment issues collaboratively. Where payment is overdue: •A reminder will normally be issued. •Clients are encouraged to communicate regarding difficulties. •Sessions may be paused until payment is resolved. Where fees remain unpaid without communication, the therapist reserves the right to pursue lawful debt recovery, including invoicing and small claims procedures, as a last resort. Only necessary personal information will be shared for debt recovery purposes. ________________________________________ 10. Cancellation Policy A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellation or rearrangement. Late cancellations or missed sessions are charged at the full fee unless exceptional circumstances apply. ________________________________________ 11. Therapist Cancellation If the therapist must cancel due to illness, emergency, or professional reasons, alternative appointments will be offered where possible. The therapist is not liable for indirect losses resulting from cancellation. ________________________________________ 12. Ending Therapy Where possible, endings will be planned collaboratively and where appropriate, alternative support signposted. You may end therapy at any time; however, a closing session is recommended to ensure a safe ending. The therapist may end the therapy when: •goals are achieved, •therapy is no longer clinically appropriate, •attendance or engagement is inconsistent, •fees remain unpaid, •the working relationship is no longer beneficial. ________________________________________ 13. Complaints Procedure Concerns should first be raised directly with the therapist. Clients may also contact the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) regarding professional conduct. ________________________________________