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Terms & Conditions

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Lorraine’s Counselling and Wellbeing Terms and Conditions

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Therapeutic Relationship
The strength of the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in achieving successful outcomes, regardless of the modality of counselling used.

It’s important that you trust your therapist to fully engage with the process and achieve the best results. As a registered member of the NCPS, I am committed to being trustworthy and placing your best interests at the forefront of our work together.
My focus is always on your wellbeing, and we will collaborate on your treatment plan. Any procedures or steps will be fully explained, with your consent being essential.

Therapeutic Contract
By agreeing to work together, we both enter into a therapeutic contract. This contract establishes the expectations and boundaries of our work to ensure a safe, respectful, and effective therapeutic relationship.

Commitment to Clients
As a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I am dedicated to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. I agree to:

  • Prioritise your wellbeing – Your mental health and emotional safety are my primary focus.
  • Adhere to professional standards – I follow the NCPS ethical framework and maintain up-to-date training.
  • Respect your boundaries – Confidentiality, trust, and respect form the foundation of our work together.
  • Maintain transparency – I will communicate clearly regarding the therapeutic process, fees, and expectations.

Limitations
Please be aware that while counselling and psychotherapy can improve wellbeing, they are not substitutes for medical or psychiatric treatment.

Boundaries and Professional Conduct
I will always maintain appropriate professional boundaries to ensure a safe and supportive environment. This commitment includes honesty, transparency, and mutual respect during our sessions.

Appointments and Sessions

  • Scheduling: Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and occur weekly or fortnightly at a mutually agreed time. Regular attendance is encouraged for continuity and progress.
  • Cancellations by the client: If you need to cancel a session, please provide at least 72 hours’ notice (excluding weekends). Cancellations made with less than 72 hours’ notice will incur the full session fee. If it’s possible, please consider switching the session to an online platform instead of cancelling.
  • Cancellations by me: In the rare occurrence I might need to cancel an appointment, there will be no charge. I will give notice of any planned vacations in advance.
  • Late arrivals: If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time.
  • Ending therapy: You can end therapy at any time, but it’s generally beneficial to agree on an end date to provide closure. However, there is no obligation to continue if you feel you have met your goals.
  • Duration of therapy: The number of sessions varies. You may have a set number in mind but decide to explore further. I will support you for as long as you need.
  • Face-to-face sessions: Sessions take place in my therapy room in Worth. Full details will be provided upon booking.
  • Walk and Talk sessions: The initial session will take place online or in person, where we will discuss confidentiality and safety outdoors.
  • Online sessions: Before the session, I will send a secure link. You can choose to use your camera or the chat facility. Online therapy is best conducted in a private space free from disturbances. If connection issues arise, we may switch to another form of communication (email, text, or phone).
  • Antisocial or abusive behaviour: Authenticity and self-expression are important in our sessions, so I encourage you to be yourself, even if that includes swearing or expressing strong feelings. However, I ask that you refrain from any physical aggression, including throwing objects or acts of violence. While I am non-judgmental and open to all beliefs and perspectives, I cannot tolerate abusive behaviour or allow sessions to proceed if you attend under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In such cases, the session will be cancelled, and further therapy may be refused.
  • Contact between sessions: You may contact me via email or text between sessions for appointment-related matters, such as rescheduling or cancellations. Please note that I do not use WhatsApp for business communication. Additionally, therapy will not be provided outside of scheduled sessions.

Confidentiality
Everything discussed during our sessions is confidential, with the following exceptions:

  • If I believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
  • If I am legally required to disclose information.
  • If there is a safeguarding issue concerning a child or vulnerable adult.
  • If subpoenaed by a court.

I will discuss any necessary disclosures with you, where possible, before taking action.

Supervision
In line with ethical best practices, I attend regular supervision to ensure I am working effectively. Your identity and personal details remain confidential during supervision.

Fees

  • Payment: Fees will be agreed upon before starting therapy and are payable in advance. Appointments are not confirmed until payment is received. If payment is not made at least 72 hours prior to the session, the appointment will be cancelled. Payments can be made via bank transfer, online, or by payment link.
  • Fee adjustments: You will receive at least three months’ notice of any fee changes.
  • Financial difficulties: If you are facing financial challenges, please reach out to discuss possible arrangements to ensure fees are not a barrier to you receiving therapy.

Digital Policy
I provide online and telephone counselling via secure platforms. To ensure confidentiality, sessions should take place in a private, quiet space. I recommend using headphones to protect your privacy in shared environments.

Social Media Statement
Social media offers a way to connect, share, and engage with others. While I use social media both personally and professionally, I am committed to maintaining professional boundaries. I never share client details or specifics about our therapeutic relationship.
If you follow my professional page, please be aware of your own privacy, as any interactions may be visible to others.

I will not accept friend requests from clients on personal accounts, and while I can respond to messages on social media, therapy cannot take place through these platforms.
If something I post resonates with you, feel free to bring it up during your sessions.

Access to Information
You have the right to access the personal information I hold about you and to request corrections if the data is inaccurate. If you request deletion of your data, I will do so unless required to retain it for legal, auditing, or business purposes.

Contact
If you have any questions, comments, or access requests, please contact Lorraine Smith, Data Protection Officer, at lorraine@lorrainesmith.co.uk.

Complaints
If you have concerns or complaints about your therapy, please raise them with me directly, and I will do my best to resolve any issues. If we cannot resolve the matter, you may contact the NCPS, whose complaints procedure is available on their website.

Website Legal Disclaimer
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While I strive to keep the content accurate and up-to-date, I make no guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any reliance on this information is at your own risk.

If you follow an external link, please ensure you are happy with the privacy policy of that website.
I am not liable for any loss or damage, including indirect or consequential loss, arising from the use of this website.

Your Acceptance
By using this website, you agree to the collection and use of your information in line with the privacy policy.

Your Rights
Personal data submitted via this website is handled in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR 2018. For more information, visit the Information Commissioner’s Office at https://ico.org.uk/.

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