Terms and Conditions of Therapy

    1. I am bound by the Codes of Ethics and Practice of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP). A copy of the code of practice and ethics are available on request, or may be viewed on the BABCPs website (opens in a new tab).

    2. You can contact me by email at [email protected] or on facebook www.facebook.com/CognitiveVitality or by phone 07935 393640.

    3. The normal duration of each session is 60 minutes, although I reserve the right to amend that time for therapeutic reasons. If you do not show for a session I will telephone you on the number provided on your intake form 5 minutes after the start of the session. I will phone again 10 minutes and 15 minutes after the start of the session time. If I do not hear from you within the first 15 minutes of the session time I will assume you no longer wish to have the session and I will contact you at the end of the session time to make payment for the session. If for any reason you are late for a session, I will work with you for the remainder of the session but will be unable to go beyond the agreed session time.

    4. It is understood that sometimes sudden events, such as emergencies, happen, that may make it necessary for clients to cancel their appointment last minute or fail to attend and are unable to provide notification. On these occasions if you fail to give less than 24 hours notice of your intention to cancel or postpone an agreed therapy session there will be a charge in full for that session.

    5. The cost for each session for an individual is £85 and £95 for couples. The first session is paid for in advance by bank transfer to confirm the session appointment date and time. Future sessions are paid for by bank transfer on the day of therapy. If I have not received payment within 48 hours of the session I will contact you to confirm the payment was made. I will not proceed with therapy if a session has not been paid for. The cost of therapy includes any written materials I may supply, but excludes the cost of any books that I might suggest you read.

    6. I work in a private, confidential, quiet and uninterrupted space and I request you do the same.

    7. I use Zoom which is a secure platform. Please create a free account. I will then send you a meeting invitation. You can access Zoom via desktop/laptop, by phone or tablet. Sessions are 60 minutes and so whichever device you use please be comfortable and not holding it in your hands for the hour. Please make sure you have a good WIFI connection and your battery is fully charged. Video conferencing can use more power than a phone call. It is a good idea to bring a drink and a notepad and pen for any notes you’d like to make.

    8. If the technology fails for one of us, problems with the app or with internet signal, I will phone you on the number you provided on your intake form.

    9. I will ensure to keep up to date all platforms, operating systems and ask you to do the same. This ensures that security measures are up to date.

    10. As part of my code(s) of practice I am required to carry out continuing professional development, and to engage in regular on-going clinical supervision. This is to ensure an ethical and professional service to clients. I may discuss your case in supervision but would not use any identifying details.

    11. If I wish to record a session for supervision I will ask your permission first. If you would like a copy of the digital recording please ask. If you wish to record a session please ask permission first before doing so.

    12. Confidentiality will be maintained within the codes of ethics and legal requirements. Confidentiality does not apply where it would mean that I, as your therapist, might break the law or where withholding information means I would breach the codes of ethics. Confidentiality may be breached if I consider there is a risk you may harm yourself or others. In such exceptional circumstances, where there is concern for your well being or that of others, it may be necessary to seek help outside the therapeutic relationship. In such an event where I am considering breaching confidentiality, you will normally be consulted first.

    13. In the case of a disclosure concerning acts of terrorism, vulnerable adult or child protection issues or drug trafficking, confidentiality will be breached and such disclosures will be passed onto the relevant authority without delay. Due consideration should be exercised before disclosing anything of a previously unreported criminal nature, as I am obligated to contact relevant authorities.

    14. Our therapeutic relationship will remain a professional one at all times. Please only contact me in between sessions to arrange/postpone/cancel our next session or to provide information you wish to discuss in the next session. I will acknowledge receipt of this information but will not discuss it until our session. Due to professional boundaries I am unable to accept personal social media requests to connect. You are welcome to connect with my business account Cognitive Vitality Ltd on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

    15. Notes may be taken during and after each session, which will be kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act (2018). These notes will be securely stored. I will discuss the disposal, retention or otherwise of any such notes at the end of our engagement. They are disclosed to no one other than the clinical supervisor, unless required under a court of law subpoena. You have the right to inspect your records should you so wish, and this request will be fulfilled during a therapy session.

    16. At times CBT can be demanding, frustrating, and emotional. You may find the process difficult and feel the need to end therapy. Your feedback on the therapeutic process will be asked for at the end of each session and if you feel unhappy with any aspects of the treatment being offered please communicate this to me either verbally during the session or by email after the session. This gives us the chance to address and resolve any issues.

    17. I will not suddenly or without warning terminate our contract, except in exceptional circumstances. This would be fully discussed at that time. Please note any threats or acts of violence will invalidate this agreement and CBT treatment will immediately cease. Sessions will not take place if you are under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed medication.

    18. You will be notified of any holidays to be taken by myself well in advance. However, there may also be occasions when sessions may be cancelled because of illness or because of attending training sessions or meetings. I will try to give you as much notice as possible of any cancellation, and will offer an alternative time. Therefore, please notify any change in contact details.

    19. In the event of you being unhappy with the service you receive, please discuss this with me. If you feel unable to do so or do not receive satisfactory resolution, then you have the right to complain to my professional body, the BABCP.

    Client Consent Form