THERAPEUTIC & COUNSELLING CONTRACT This agreement is a contract between Jimmy Smith Therapy The Therapist :jimmy and Client: __________________________________ Please read this carefully before our first session. It ensures our work together is safe, ethical, and transparent. 1.Professional Framework & Ethical Standards •BACP Membership: I am a Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. •Adult-Only Practice: My practice is strictly limited to working with individuals aged 18 and over. •Professional Supervision: In line with BACP requirements, my practice is regularly supervised by a qualified supervisor. Client identity is strictly anonymised during these consultations. 2. Practical Arrangements & Fees •Session Structure: Sessions last for 50 minutes. They will occur weekly at an agreed day and time. •Fees: The fee per session is £60. •Payment Terms: Payment is generally made via Bank Transfer at least 24 hours before the scheduled session. However, for long-standing clients, payment can be made in person by cash or card at the start of •the session by prior agreement. Fees are reviewed annually, and you will receive at least 2 months' notice of any changes. 3. Delivery Method: Face-to-Face & Online We will agree in advance whether a session will take place face-to-face or online. •Face-to-Face Sessions: •These take place at (36 leg of mutton road Glastonbury , BA6 8HQ) •Online Sessions: These are delivered via a secure video platform [ Teams]. I will email you a secure link prior to our session. •Online Confidentiality: For online sessions, you must ensure you are in a private, secure, and quiet space where you cannot be overheard by others. • •Technical Failures: If our online connection fails, I will attempt to reconnect twice. If video remains unavailable, I will call you on your mobile phone to complete the session or reschedule. • 4. Cancellations, Lateness, and Attendance •Cancellation Notice: If you need to cancel or reschedule, you must provide a minimum of 24 hours' notice. •Late Cancellations: A lack of notice of less than 24 hours will incur the full payment of £60 for the session. •Lateness: If you arrive late (or log on late), the session will still end at the scheduled time to protect subsequent clients. •Intoxication: Sessions will not proceed if you appear to be under the influence of alcohol or substances. The full £60 fee will still apply. 5. Confidentiality and Its Limits: Everything discussed within our sessions remains strictly confidential. However, under BACP guidelines and UK law, there are legal, statutory, and ethical exceptions to confidentiality: •Safeguarding and Children at Risk: Even though I only work with adults, if you disclose information or knowledge indicating that a child (under 18) is currently at risk of significant harm, abuse, or neglect, I have a professional and ethical duty under safeguarding frameworks to report this to the Local Authority Safeguarding Lead or the police. •Harm to Self or Others: If I believe you are at serious, imminent risk of harming yourself or another adult, I may need to contact your GP or emergency services. •Statutory Legal Obligations: I am legally required by UK statute to break confidentiality—without your consent or prior warning—if I become aware of information regarding acts of terrorism, money laundering, or drug trafficking. •Subpoena: If explicitly ordered to release my clinical notes by a court of law. [ Wherever safety and the law permit, I will always endeavour to discuss a potential breach of confidentiality with you first before taking action. 6. Data Protection, GDPR, and Notes •Record Keeping: I keep brief, factual case notes after each session. These notes do not contain your name or identifying details. •Storage: In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), your data is stored securely. •Retention & Access: Notes are securely kept for [e.g., 7] years after our final session, after which they are permanently destroyed. You have the right to request access to your notes at any time. 7. Endings and Termination •Planned Endings: You have the right to end therapy at any time. However, notice of [e.g., 1 or 2] sessions is recommended so we can navigate a structured closing process. •Therapeutic Will: In the rare event that I become suddenly incapacitated or unable to practice, a designated Professional Executor (also bound by strict confidentiality) will access your basic contact details to inform you and offer support options. 8. Contact Outside of Sessions •Communication Boundaries: Contact between sessions is strictly restricted to administrative matters (e.g., changing appointment times) via email or text. •Social Media: To maintain professional boundaries, I do not accept social media connection requests from current or past clients. •Crisis: I do not offer an emergency crisis service. If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or contact the Samaritans UK on 116 123. Client Information & Emergency Contacts •Client Name: ______________________________________ •Date of Birth (Must be 18+): ___________________________ •Phone Number: ______________________________________ •GP Practice Name & Phone: _______________________________ Emergency Contact •(Name & Relationship):_____________________ Signatures & Consent By signing below, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and that you understand and agree to the terms laid out in this contract. Client Signature: __________________________ Date: _______________ Therapist Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________