Client-Therapist Contract
This contract is between you and your therapist. It outlines the practical details of engaging in online psychotherapeutic counselling with Counselling-Time. It is written for the young person engaging with counselling and should also be read by the parent/carer.
By attending your first session, you agree to these terms and the operational practices of Counselling-Time. If you have any questions or concerns, please raise them with your therapist before or during your first session.
About Therapy
Psychotherapy or counselling is offered to young people for many different reasons. Growing up isn’t easy, and everyone struggles with their emotions at some point in life. Adolescence, in particular, brings many challenges, such as navigating friendships, developing a sense of identity, and thinking about adulthood. These experiences can sometimes lead to anxiety, low mood, or a sense of being overwhelmed by worries or distress.
In psychotherapy or counselling, there is no fixed agenda. Instead, you are encouraged to talk about whatever is on your mind. This can feel difficult at first, but counsellors and psychotherapists are experienced in helping young people express themselves in ways that feel right for them. Sometimes, images and creative arts can support this process and make it easier to communicate thoughts and feelings.
Confidentiality
What is said in the sessions is kept confidential between you and your therapist. The only exception to this arises if the therapist thinks you are at risk (from yourself or someone else) or are a risk to someone else. In such a situation there will be a discussion between you about who else might need to know to help keep you and others safe. Wherever possible, this will be done with your knowledge and involvement.
Therapists at Counselling-Time adhere to professional codes of conduct as defined by our accrediting organisation, (BACP, UKCP or HCPC). This includes a commitment to confidentiality in line with GDPR regulations. Confidentiality means that your personal information and what you share in counselling will be treated with the utmost respect and in accordance with the BACP ethical guidelines.
Erasing your information:
When we have finished working together, your therapist will hold on to written / electronic notes that are relevant to the therapy for up to six years. This is so they have a reference of your work in situations such as you returning to therapy or if there is a legal request for the information. After this time, your records will be deleted from the GDPR compliant data storage site.
Regular clinical supervision is an ongoing requirement of your therapists accrediting body (UKCP, BACP, HCPC) and helps ensure safe and effective practice. To protect your privacy, your therapist’s supervisor will not know you personally or professionally. Any discussion in supervision will be confidential, and they will refer to you by your first name only, and only verbally.
Parents/Carers
Alongside your session, your parent or carer might be offered some meetings. These are to help them to understand your behaviour and feelings and think about their difficulties in helping you. The content of your sessions are not shared.
Schools/College
A link to school or college may sometimes be helpful and will be arranged if appropriate with your permission. The content of your sessions are not shared.
Ending
Ending therapy is an important part of the therapeutic process. It allows time to reflect on your journey,
recognise what has changed and bring a sense of closure. Saying goodbye can feel difficult, but it is a meaningful and valuable part of the work. To support a healthy and thoughtful ending, we recommend giving 2 to 4 sessions’ notice. This helps ensure there is enough time to reflect, prepare, and end the work in a supportive way.
Timing
After your first consultation, you will be able to book in regular sessions with your therapist, each one lasting 50 minutes. The initial weeks are opportunities for you to decide whether you feel this sort of help is what you want. After around 4 weeks, we review and plan the next course of actions. Sessions take place each week at a regular time. We will discuss whether you will have sessions during school/college holiday times.
Phone calls, texts and emails
We aim to keep calls, messages and emails to the minimum and limit the sharing of names or confidential information in order to protect your personal data and to contain the work to weekly sessions. If you need to speak outside of session times, calls will be scheduled and charged at an agreed rate.
Rates
We operate a standard rate of £80 per 50minute session, which will be paid in advance on our online booking system. Once regular sessions are agreed 36hrs notice is required for cancellation and 24hrs for re-scheduling, otherwise sessions will be charged for. Sessions are paid for via stripe.
Your Sessions
Your counsellor will start the video call at the agreed session start time. They will keep the window open for 15 minutes, during which time they will contact you via email. If you remain uncontactable after 15minutes, please email your counsellor if you wish to proceed and they will continue to wait. If you do not attend, it will count as a missed session, and the session cannot be refunded.
For your remote sessions please:
- Avoid sharing sensitive information in written form e.g. emails.
- Ensure conversations cannot be overheard by others. Using headphones is recommended.
- Be in a quiet, distraction-free environment to maintain confidentiality.
- If your counsellor observes that you are in a public or inappropriate space (e.g., a street or shop), they may stop the session to protect your confidentiality. Charges will still apply.
Cancellation Policy
Sessions can be re-scheduled up to 24 hours prior to your session. If you cancel or re-schedule your session within the 24hrs window, your original session will be chargeable. Weekly sessions can be cancelled 36hrs prior to your session – after that they can be re-scheduled 24hrs prior to your session.
Emergencies
Counselling-Time is not a crisis service. If you are in a mental health emergency or need urgent support, please use the following resources:
- NHS Urgent Mental Health Help: Click here
- NHS 24: Call 111
- Local A&E
- Your GP
- Samaritans: Call 116 123
- Breathing Space: Call 0800 83 85 87 (Scotland only)
