Counselling Agreement 

Thank you for considering working with me. 

I believe that relationship counselling is most effective when we have a shared understanding of how we will work together. This agreement outlines the practical arrangements and professional boundaries that help create a safe, respectful and productive counselling relationship. 

The Counselling Process 

Relationship counselling provides an opportunity to explore the issues that are causing concern within your relationship and to develop a greater understanding of yourselves, each other, and the patterns that exist between you. 

My role is to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where these conversations can take place. I will offer my knowledge, experience, observations and, where appropriate, practical tools and psychoeducation. Any decisions or choices you make as a result of counselling remain your responsibility. 

We will work collaboratively to establish your goals and will review our work together regularly. 

My focus is your relationship. I do not take sides, assign blame, or judge who is right or wrong. Rather, I aim to support greater understanding, communication and connection, helping you work towards the goals that are important to you. 

Individual Sessions 

Sometimes, I may feel that it would be beneficial to meet with each partner individually for a session. This would only take place with the agreement and engagement of all partners in the relationship. 

Relationship counselling differs from individual counselling in that my commitment is to the relationship and to the therapeutic process as a whole. 

For this reason, I work with a no secrets policy. This means that if information is shared with me individually and is relevant to the counselling process, I will encourage and support its disclosure within the relationship. I cannot agree to keep significant information secret from one partner whilst continuing to work with both/all of you. If information cannot be shared, I may need to review whether it is appropriate to continue working with the relationship. 

My Commitment to You 

I will: 

  • Provide a safe, respectful and confidential environment 

  • Listen to both/all of you with equal care and attention 

  • Work without blame, judgement or partiality 

  • Respect your values, beliefs and individual experiences 

  • Be honest and transparent in my work with you 

  • Start and finish sessions at the agreed time 

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries 

  • Work in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions 

My role is not to save relationships, encourage separation, or decide outcomes for you. My role is to support you in understanding yourselves, each other, and the choices available to you. 

Sessions and Appointments 

Sessions are available in 60, 75 or 90-minute formats. 

Where possible, I recommend that the initial session lasts 90 minutes, allowing sufficient time to explore your concerns, goals and hopes for counselling. 

Sessions are usually held weekly, although alternative arrangements can be discussed where appropriate. 

You are free to end counselling at any time. However, wherever possible, I encourage clients to discuss this within a session so that we can bring our work to a thoughtful and supportive conclusion. 

Fees and Payment 

Current fees are available on my website and will be agreed before counselling begins. 

Payment is required in advance and should be received at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. 

Cancellations and Missed Sessions 

If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, please provide as much notice as possible. 

Cancellations will be charged as follows: 

  • more than 48 hours notice - no charge 

  • 24 -48 hours notice - £10 (£20 for sessions over an hour) 

  •  less than 24 hours notice  -full fee 

If only one partner attends a scheduled couples session, the session will normally be regarded as cancelled unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance. 

If I do not hear from you and two consecutive sessions are missed, I will assume that you no longer wish to continue counselling and our work together will come to an end. 

Respect and Safety 

Relationships can involve difficult emotions, including frustration, hurt and anger. These feelings are welcome within the counselling process and can often provide valuable opportunities for understanding and growth. 

However, I cannot work in situations where aggression, threatening behaviour, intimidation or abuse is directed towards any partner or myself during a session. 

Counselling cannot take place if any partner attends under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs. 

Communication 

Generally, all communication from me will be sent to each person in the relationship and I will expect that any communication to me will equally be shared with all, in line with my No Secrets Policy. 

Confidentiality 

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the counselling relationship. 

All personal information is stored securely and managed in accordance with current data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. 

I will not share information about our work with third parties without your consent except in the circumstances outlined below. 

As required by professional practice, I discuss my work with an accredited supervisor. This helps ensure that I am working safely, ethically and effectively. Your identity will not be disclosed. 

There are certain situations in which confidentiality may need to be broken. These include: 

  • Where there is a serious concern about your safety or the safety of another person 

  • Where disclosure is required by law, including in relation to terrorism, money laundering or other serious criminal matters 

Where possible, I will discuss any concerns with you before taking action. If consultation is required, I may first seek guidance from my supervisor. 

Online Sessions 

If we agree to work remotely, I will take reasonable steps to ensure confidentiality on my side of the session. 

You are responsible for ensuring that you attend from a private and confidential space where you can speak freely and will not be overheard or interrupted. 

Agreement 

By confirming your first paid appointment, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this Counselling Agreement. 

I look forward to the possibility of working with you.