Terms & Conditions

This contract is a guide to our agreement to working together as Acorn Counselling Scotland. The contact is voluntary and you can end this agreement at any time. I retain the right to terminate this contact at my discretion.

The aim of our sessions will be exploring your thoughts and feelings where, I will not tell you what to do. I am an integrative counsellor with training in the following approaches - psychodynamic, person centred and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). The counselling space is for you to talk, reflect and to be heard without judgement or expectation.

Use of the Website

1. Site is for general information only, not emergency support.
2. Users must be over a certain age (e.g. 18) to use any contact forms for therapy enquiries.
3. No copying or re‑using your content without permission.
No Medical / Crisis Advice
1. The site does not give medical, psychiatric, or crisis advice.
2. If you feel you need support immediately please contact your GP, NHS 111/999, or local emergency services in crisis.
3. Samaritans please dial 116 123.

Confidentiality

As your therapist I must maintain confidentiality for my client’s information and discussions. As a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I work within their Ethical Framework. Therefore, I seek to offer the highest level of confidentially consistent with the law and BACP codes. My BACP number is 01015415.

There are exceptions where confidentiality might be breached, like serious risks or harm to yourself or another, child or elder abuse, or threats. I would seek guidance and support from my clinical supervisor and/or a support service. I will speak with you, ahead of any action to be taken.

For professional development and ethical requirements, I may bring our work to my supervisor but if so, this will be done by always keeping your anonymity. An important part of BACP Ethical Framework is that a therapist must be supported by a clinical supervisor with whom they discuss their work to ensure the therapist is working ethically and serving the client in the best way possible.

I am registered with ICO - Information Commissioners Office and no personal details will ever be passed to other agencies expect as required by law. For further information about your rights, please contact www.ico.org.uk.

The signed original contract will be stored in a locked file. All notes will be anonymous and securely held on locked a computer. Notes and contracts are kept for 7 years and will then be shredded or digitally disposed. It is your right to request a copy of these notes.

Session Duration and fees

Sessions are 50 minutes weekly (unless otherwise agreed).

Initial session model will be 12 sessions, when we reach the sixth session we will review the therapy process and again at session 11, where you can determine if you wish to finish at 12 sessions or continuing with our sessions.

If you feel the sessions are not helping, please discuss this with me in your session.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies

In the situation that you have to cancel your session please allow as much notice as possible by emailing: acorncounsellingscotland@proton.me or calling me on: 07747 464 897 – please leave a message if there is no answer. I require at least 24 hours’ notice of the cancelled session otherwise you will be charged the full session fee.

If I must cancel a session, I will aim to give you 24 hours’ notice and you will not be charged for the session. I will also aim to offer alternative session time.

If you fail to attend 2 consecutive sessions without notice, no further appointment will be offered.

Lateness

If you are running late, please contact me. If you have not arrived within 10 mins of your scheduled session start time, I will contact you via your contact telephone number. The full fee will be applicable.

Holidays

Please let me know of any scheduled holidays as soon as possible with a minimum requirement of 2 weeks’ notice. I will aim to give you 2 week’s notice of any holidays I will take.

Boundaries and Limitations of the Counselling Relationship

This contract limits our contact between sessions, solely for the purpose of administrative planning between us. We can agree a preferred mode of communication for this – phone call, text or email. I am only contactable within office hours Monday to Friday. This contract does not provide the client with a ‘crisis service’. If you are in crisis, please consider calling NHS 24 on 111 or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

If we cross paths outside of your therapy session, in order to protect the confidentially and quality of our therapeutic relationship I will not acknowledge you as per my client or engage in conversation. This will be led by the clients’ actions.

As your therapist I will offer a nonjudgmental space, offering support but not to be confused with friendship.

Complaints

If you have complaints about my work, please feel free to discuss with myself and you can also contact BACP if you do not feel comfortable with discussing with me.