Contract

This is a copy of the contract you will be sent to sign.

Contract

Thank you for choosing to work with me. Please review this contract before our first session, where you can ask any questions.

What I Offer

I provide a safe space to process strong emotions and difficult experiences. Sessions are tailored to your needs and goals. My practical approach includes sharing techniques and psychological insights. Suggestions are for consideration, rather than forming advice. I am a relaxed counsellor and operate from my home annex.

Integrating other techniques to support you

I am also able to use coaching techniques, mindfulness based approaches, creative approaches and EFT in your sessions, where relevant and aligned with your goals. We will discuss your preferences as therapy progresses.

Background and Qualifications

Qualified counsellor, EFT and mindfulness teacher
30+ years’ experience working with children and young people
Accredited registrant and member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Fully insured and DBS enhanced checked
Registered with Information Commissioner’s office for handling of private data.

Sessions and Costs

Sessions last 50 minutes, usually weekly at a set time, via video, phone, or in-person. Please ensure you have privacy and a stable connection for remote sessions. I may be unavailable for a week every six weeks and will only be able to offer online sessions if away.

Face to Face or hybrid sessions cost: £60 for each 50 minute session.
Pure online sessions (no face to face offered) is £55 per 50 minute session. This is a lower rate as offers my practice more flexibility and has less costs for heating etc. The lower cost is only offered for pure online weekly sessions.
If paying by BACS, payment must be made at least 24 hours in advance to reserve the slot. Price increases will be given a minimum of 4 weeks' notice. Cash payments can be made on the day (bring the correct denominations wherever possible).
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged at least 50%, depending on circumstances and 100% if more than 2 sessions are cancelled at short notice.

Confidentiality and Supervision

Sessions are confidential, but I may breach confidentiality if there is significant risk to you, others, animals, or as required by law (e.g., terrorism, drugs, fraud, criminal activity the police are unaware of). I consult a clinical supervisor for ethical guidance and supervision. I may also need to share information with my insurer, ethical body, or legal authorities whenever required. If confidentiality must be breached, I will inform you when possible or allowed. Neither of us may record any part of any session, without prior written consent.

Records & GDPR

Minimal session notes are securely stored for 7 years (or until a child turns 25). You may request access for a fee, subject to verification. You are responsible for the security of the records after receipt. CCTV covers the driveway, front door, and garden for security. You can see my privacy policy by clicking here. My ICO registration number is ZB844611.

Safeguarding, Risk Assessments and Emergencies

Risk assessments and safeguarding procedures are reviewed annually. Copies can be requested by email. We may agree on a crisis plan in our first session. If I feel there is significant and immediate risk of harm to you (or any risk to children or vulnerable adults) your information may be shared with emergency services, such as the police or medical services, either with or without your permission. Your next of kin would only be contacted in a medical emergency, arising in session. For those under 18, I would also contact the person who has signed this contract in emergencies.

Counselling is not crisis support or a substitute for medical advice.

My agreement to work with you is based on you agreeing that you will always contact your GP or crisis/emergency numbers if you feel you reach crisis. For urgent help, contact your GP, the Samaritans (116123), or your local crisis helpline. Worcestershire crisis number is 01905 763333 or 0808 196 9127 (24/7/365). Call 999 in an emergency. Please make me aware if you are at or reaching crisis point in our sessions as this will help me to work safely with you.

Clinical Will

If I become seriously ill or pass away, my supervisor will notify you and refer you to another counsellor. My supervisor would hold your details, as required by my insurers, for the required term, also holding and destroying them according to GDPR.

Limitations

I may terminate therapy for any personal, professional, or ethical reasons, or if fees remain unpaid, or due to inappropriate behaviour at any time, without notice. I might also end therapy if I do not feel I am the best therapist for you. I will then offer to signpost to the sort of therapist I think would be best placed to meet your needs. This is called an ethical referral and is a normal part of counselling practice because therapists specialise in certain areas and types of therapy. Your best interests will always be part of decision making.

You can also end therapy at any time without further cost. It is not necessary for either of us to share reasons why we wish to end therapy as sometimes this may compromise our own personal privacy or that of someone else e.g. if I realise there is a conflict of interest I would not always be able to share that.

I can only offer online sessions when I spend time away from Malvern, which is usually every 6 weeks or so for a week. You can miss the session, without cost, if you do not want online. If sessions are hybrid or face to face the higher fee is charged. If sessions are only online the lower session is charged. I usually take at least 2 weeks additional holiday three times a year. I do offer sessions in that period online where clients feel they want that for part of the period to avoid large gaps in therapy.

Feedback, Comments, and Complaints

Please communicate any concerns early. We review our progress after three sessions.

I also want to hear your views as we go… We can discuss concerns in or out of sessions, by email or phone if you prefer. This is not chargeable. If after our discussions and a written communication from you if you are still unhappy, you still feel that the contract has been breached or if you feel I have personally caused you harm as a result of breaching this contract, the NCPS complaints procedure can be followed. I am a registered accredited member of the NCPS - NCS23-00264.

Client Responsibilities

You are responsible for your own growth, decisions and progress. Please:

Attend sessions regularly and punctually, giving as much notice as possible. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are payable at least 50%.
Pay for sessions 24 hours prior to session (BACS) or at the start of each session (if cash).
Limit communication outside sessions to only scheduling or to raise any concerns you have over process/complaint
If you are in crisis, please be honest and make me aware, as well as your GP.
If working online ensure you are not distracted and are in a private safe space.

Additional Information

Therapy is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a doctor if needed and share any relevant medical details with me.
I may share links to websites or information that I find useful or hope will be useful to you. I take no responsibility for any information shared – please weigh it carefully to see if you feel it is helpful and has any usefulness to you. It is not advice. All documents and materials on my website are copyrighted. Breach of terms will lead to action.
These terms are updated periodically. I usually review these annually but any changes will be shared with you in session.
Our contract together is reviewed usually after 12 weeks to see if we are happy with the existing contract or need to make changes. We can both request changes at any time and if not possible to agree, we have the right to terminate the contract without notice.
The address of my premises will be given on booking as will bank details.

A note about my dogs

As I work from home, my two small elderly dogs are sometimes in or near the therapy space or in the garden as you arrive or leave. Many clients find their (usually sleeping) presence reassuring and enjoy their company. They’re very friendly dogs and very well-behaved, but I understand that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. If you have allergies, a fear of dogs, or would simply prefer them not to be present, just let me know and I will do my best to accommodate either with an appointment when they can be out or we can also explore working together online as an alternative if we cannot find a suitable time. While I take care to create a safe and calm environment, I can’t take responsibility for any reactions, trips, or unexpected dog licks that might happen if you agree that they can be present.

Please indicate your preference below so we can determine if we have common convenient time to meet should you wish the dogs to be off site during your appointment.

I am happy to visit when dogs are on site
I prefer to visit when dogs are not present

Please indicate your preference above by deleting or ticking.

By signing, you agree to these terms and accept that decisions you make and their consequences are your own responsibility. I cannot be held liable or responsible for any decisions that you make.

Consent

Signed (Therapist): Dionne Powell

(Dated as per email)

Signed (Client): Name (type)

Dated:

Please take a photograph of this signed contact and keep it for your reference.

Parents: Please also read and sign below

I consent to entering this agreement for Dionne to work with my child. I confirm they understand the nature of counselling and are in agreement with receiving support.
I understand my child cannot be left alone on the premise and that I will be required to wait in the waiting area or be with my child at all times that my child is on site.
My signature is my formal consent for Dionne to work 1:1 in a room with my child whilst I remain in a different, separate room that is close by*. *Delete if necessary.
I confirm I have valid legal authority to sign on behalf of my child, for whom I am a legal guardian, and that another parent’s signature is not required.

Signed (Parent if client is under 18): Name:

Dated: