CLIENT-THERAPIST CONTRACT

Confidentiality

The sessions are confidential to the people attending them. However, in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, there are certain areas in which complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed for both legal and ethical reasons:

- When there is an indication that the client may pose a threat to themselves or others.

- When there is an indication that the client is at risk of being harmed.

- When there are indications of criminal behaviour.

- When information given by the client indicates that minors (under 18) may currently be at risk.

Fees

The fee for each session is €60. Sessions are 60 minutes approx. in duration. Cash payment is OK and so is Revolut. However, if you wish to pay via bank transfer please note that payment must be received within 3-4 working days.

Cancellation Policy

Clients can cancel or reschedule an appointment, as long as they provide 24 hours’ notice. If you cancel an appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice, or ‘no-show, you will be assessed a €60 late cancellation fee. Please note that it is up to the client to keep track of any appointments they have scheduled with me.

Contact outside the sessions

It is unusual for there to be contact between a client and counsellor/psychotherapist between sessions. However, circumstances can arise where contact is necessary e.g. changes in appointments, provision of requested information via email, mental health emergencies etc.

As a general rule it is OK to communicate, when necessary, via text message. However, if you prefer to make contact by phone call or email that’s also OK.

Please be aware that I communicate with clients on a mobile device specifically reserved for my work. While I will attempt to respond to texts, emails and phone calls as quickly as possible, please be aware that I cannot always be available.

Data Privacy

I keep written notes on each session. For the purposes of General Data Protection Regulations these notes are not identifiable by name and are stored securely. In accordance with The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) guidelines, I retain all records for adult clients for a minimum of 7 years.

It is my standard to discuss my work with a clinical supervisor. This helps me to work as well as I can with my clients. My supervisor is bound by the same, or a compatible, code of ethics and confidentiality as myself.

I do not make digital recordings of my meetings with clients. I do not consent to clients making digital recordings of sessions, either for their own use or for any other purpose.