Counselling contract:

 

Counselling requires a commitment from both client and counsellor.  

I offer clients a written contract bringing clarity to the process right from the start.  Here is the wording of my basic contract:

 

 

I am a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy and The Society of Holistic Practitioners, and subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice of both societies.  My integrative approach means that I draw upon a set of theories that are grounded in humanistic and existential traditions and philosophies.  I aim to provide a safe therapeutic environment in which we both make a commitment of time and energy to each other in deciding to work together.

 

Confidentiality and Records

What we talk about in session is confidential with the following qualifications:

Ø  I discuss my work with a clinical supervisor using only your first name.

Ø  In compliance with UK law, I may need to break confidentiality where there is serious risk to you or others.

Ø  With your prior informed consent, I may contact other health professionals.

Ø  I may make brief notes after each session. You will not be identified on these records.

 

 

Sessions/Contracts/Fees

Assessments - I offer an initial consultation after which we both have the opportunity to decide if and for how long we wish to work together.  I offer two types of sessional contracts each with 50-minute weekly sessions. 

 

1. 6 or 12 weekly time-focused counselling sessions.  With this contract, the sessions can be followed by a mutually agreed 1 or 2 follow-up sessions approximately one month after the end of therapy.

 

2. Open-ended longer term psychotherapy.

 

              It may be possible to arrange more frequent sessions (up to 3 a week) on a temporary basis. 

              All Sessions begin and end on time.

          

 

              Fees:  Currently £45 for individuals and £50 for couples, for weekday sessions held between 10.00 and 20.00

Ø  Fees are payable by cash or cheque at the end of each session.

Ø  I charge for sessions that are missed (except agreed holidays as outlined below)

Ø  I require 4 weeks’ notice of termination.

Ø  Fees are reviewed each year and I will inform you in advance of any changes.

Ø  Holidays – it is agreed that either party shall offer the other a period of one month’s notice of  personal holidays and that during the period of contract No.1 up to a maximum of 2 consecutive sessions missed due to personal holidays may be exempt from payment, and during contract No.2 up to a maximum of 4 Periods of 2 consecutive sessions (i.e. 8 sessions in total) missed due to personal holidays may be exempt from payment during a calendar year.

 

 

I ..............………………………….…………. agree to meet with James Alexander for a series of …..…… consecutive weekly sessions of therapeutic

counselling commencing on ………………and meeting at  …………….. each ………………..

 

Venue:  Complementary Medicine Centre, 11a Park Circus, Glasgow, G3 6AX

  

My signature below indicates that I have read, understood and agree with the contents of this contract.

 

 

……………………………                                                                                    ……………………………

Client                                                                                                               James M Alexander (Counsellor)

 

Date…………………………                                                                                Date………………………...