Counselling Contract / Client Agreement

This agreement is between Counsellor and the client named below. Please read carefully and ask your counsellor if you have any questions.

Client Name

Counsellor Name

Date of Agreement

The Counselling Service

[Counsellor name] offers person-centred counselling for adults and young people aged 16 and over. Sessions are 50 minutes in length and take place [weekly/fortnightly – delete as appropriate]. An initial block of [6] sessions will be agreed, after which we will review together whether further sessions would be beneficial.

Fees and Payment

The fee for each session is £[amount]. Payment is due 48 hours before each session by bank transfer. A reduced fee may be available in cases of financial hardship – please discuss this with your counsellor.

Cancellations and Missed Sessions

If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, please give at least 48 hours’ notice via email, call or text. Late cancellations (less than 48 hours) or missed sessions without notice will be charged at the full session fee. Your counsellor will also give you 48 hours’ notice if they need to cancel.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed in sessions is confidential, including the fact that you are attending counselling. Your counsellor may discuss your work anonymously in clinical supervision – this is a professional requirement and ensures the quality of the service you receive.

There are limited circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be broken. These are:

•        Where there is a serious risk to your life or the life of another person

•        Where there is a safeguarding concern involving a child or adult at risk

•        Where a court of law orders disclosure

•        Where there is a legal requirement to report (e.g. terrorism offences)

Your counsellor will always try to discuss this with you first unless doing so would increase the risk.

 Ending Therapy

You are free to end counselling at any time. Where possible, we encourage you to attend a final session to bring the work to a planned close. Your counsellor may also suggest ending or pausing therapy if they believe it is in your best interest, for example if a referral to a more specialist service would be appropriate.

Data Protection

Into The Greenhouse is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Your personal data is processed in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Brief session notes may be kept and stored securely. For full details, please refer to our Privacy Notice, a copy of which is available on request.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, please raise this with your counsellor in the first instance. If you would prefer to make a formal complaint, please contact hello@intothegreenhouse.com. You may also contact our professional body, NCPS directly.

Professional Membership

Your counsellor is a registered member of NCPS, membership number [insert]. They are bound by the ethical framework of their professional body and attend regular clinical supervision.

Agreement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read and understood this agreement. I consent to counselling on the terms set out above.

Client Signature: ________________________________    Date: ________________

Counsellor Signature: ___________________________    Date: ________________

For clients aged 16–17, parent/guardian signature (where applicable):

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________    Date: ________________

Parent/Guardian Name (print): ________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________ 

3. Informed Consent Form

Please read each statement and tick to confirm your understanding and consent.

Client Name

Date

Counsellor Name

☐  I understand that counselling is a professional relationship and is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychiatric care.

☐  I understand the limits of confidentiality as explained to me and set out in my counselling contract.

☐  I understand that my counsellor attends clinical supervision, where my case may be discussed anonymously.

☐  I consent to my counsellor keeping brief session notes, which will be stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection Policy.

☐  I understand that I can end counselling at any time.

☐  I have been given the opportunity to ask questions about the counselling process.

☐  I understand the cancellation policy and fee arrangements.

☐  I consent to my counsellor contacting my GP in an emergency or where there is a serious risk to my safety (as discussed).

☐  I consent to my emergency contact being contacted if my counsellor is unable to reach me and has serious concerns about my safety.

For clients aged 16–17:

☐  I understand that additional safeguards apply because of my age, and I have had these explained to me.

☐  I understand that my counsellor may need to involve a parent/guardian or other appropriate adult if there is a serious concern about my safety.

Client Signature: ________________________________    Date: ________________

Counsellor Signature: ________________________________    Date: ________________