Dundee Counselling: Client Contract and Agreement

Welcome to Dundee Counselling. This document outlines the professional agreement between you (the client) and your counsellor. Please read this information carefully to ensure you understand our policies, the nature of the therapeutic process, and your rights as a client.

The Therapeutic Relationship

Counselling is a collaborative process designed to provide you with a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Our goal is to support your personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and self-awareness. While your counsellor will provide tools and perspectives, you are the expert on your own life, and the outcomes of therapy often depend on your engagement with the process.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed within our sessions is strictly confidential. Information will not be shared with third parties without your explicit written consent, except in specific legal or ethical circumstances. These exceptions include:

• If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.
• If there is a legal requirement to disclose information (e.g., a court order).
• If there are concerns regarding the protection or safety of a child or vulnerable adult.

If such a situation arises, your counsellor will make every effort to discuss this with you before any disclosure is made, unless doing so would place you or others at further risk.

Sessions and Attendance

Each counselling session lasts for 50 minutes. We recommend that sessions are held at the same time and day each week to maintain continuity. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, or failure to attend an appointment without prior notification, will be subject to the full session fee.

Fees and Payment

Fees are agreed upon during the initial consultation. Payment is due at the time of the session, either by bank transfer or by an agreed-upon method. Any changes to fees will be communicated to you with at least one months notice.

Ending Counselling

You have the right to end counselling at any time. We recommend discussing your intention to stop with your counsellor, as a "closing session" can be highly beneficial for reflecting on the progress made and providing a sense of closure. If you decide to terminate, we kindly ask for a one-week notice period to wrap up the work effectively.

Clinical Supervision and Professional Standards

To ensure the highest quality of care, your counsellor engages in regular professional supervision. During supervision, cases are discussed anonymously to ensure that the counsellor is working ethically and effectively. No personal identifying information (such as your full name or contact details) is shared during these meetings.

Data Protection

Dundee Counselling complies with current data protection legislation (GDPR). Any notes taken during sessions are stored securely and are used solely for the purpose of maintaining clinical standards and tracking the therapeutic journey. You have the right to request access to your records at any time, subject to legal requirements.

Emergency Support

Please note that Dundee Counselling does not offer an emergency crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact your GP, call NHS 24 on 111, or attend the nearest Accident and Emergency department. You may also contact professional crisis support services such as Samaritans (116 123).

Agreement

By proceeding with your first session, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined in this contract. We look forward to working with you.