Contracting starts at the first communication and becomes part of the process throughout. It clarifies and supports the all important therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor. Though contracting is ongoing and individual, there are some basic essentials that need to be more formally agreed. I have included a pro forma Working Agreement for you to look at and see if it raises questions and how you feel about it. This can be part of our initial conversation and the written working agreement can be drawn up to include specific individual needs.
What to expect
To have a regular known time and place where there is the opportunity for you to be the focus of your learning. Your counsellor should work cooperatively and encouragingly alongside you to listen to your story and explore and identify your personal goals with understanding, integrity and respect.
Time
50 minute sessions at the same time once a week.
A minimum of 48 hours notice will be given beforehand if a session is cancelled for known reasons unless it is impossible to do so due to an emergency.
Without minimum notice from the client, a missed session will be charged the full fee.
The counsellor will not charge for a session that they cancel.
Space
The sessions will take place on Zoom. It will be a private and confidential space. It is your space at this time for you to be free to be able to talk safely about yourself.
Confidentiality
You have a right to confidentiality. However, where there is concern over the risk of harm to yourself or others, it is your counsellor’s duty to seek assistance. If possible you will be informed before such action is taken.
All counsellors are professionally required to take their work to supervision. Supervsors respect confidentiality.
Ethical Practice
Our work together will be conducted in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am a member of the BACP.
GDPR
What data I am going to collect and what I will use it for:
Your name, email address and phone number.
Information about why you are attending counselling sessions.
Notes from sessions.
Paper copies of client details and notes are kept securely within the counsellor’s home.
Consent is given by the client to receive phone call messages and emails.
These would only be related directly to our counselling work.
This information will be retained for a period of 6 years.
Fees
The rate we have agreed is £X per session.
This will be paid by bank transfer prior to the session to:
Account Number: TBC
Sort Code: TBC
Account Name: TBC
We will need to discuss the following things:
You need to give your location - it is a requirement for remote therapy so that help can reach you if needed.
Client’s Name:
Signed:
Date:
Counsellor’s Name: Susan Smith
Signed:
Date: