Sample Contract
The Psychology Counselling Contract
This mutual agreement is negotiated between the Psychologist (Helper) and the Client (Participant) prior to the commencement of counselling. It outlines the responsibilities of both the Psychologist (Helper) and the Client (Participant) within the therapeutic relationship they are about to undertake together.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the counselling relationship. All information disclosed in counselling sessions is maintained with the utmost confidentiality*. As a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), the Psychologist (Helper) adheres strictly to its Code of Ethics and Good Practice. The Helper is committed to working under regular supervision. Occasionally, the Helper may need to discuss some details from our sessions with a qualified supervisor, but always within a strictly confidential and professional framework, ensuring the Participant’s identity remains anonymous.
*Confidentiality will only be breached if there is a clear risk of harm to the Participant or others. In most situations, the appropriate services will be contacted after an effort has been made to inform the Participant. However, if there is an imminent threat, the Psychologist (Helper) may take immediate action without prior consultation with the Participant. Participants are requested to inform the Psychologist (Helper) at the start of their sessions about any medical treatments they are currently receiving for emotional difficulties.
Sessions
Sessions are usually 50 minutes long and held on a weekly or fortnightly basis*, although this can be negotiated to suit the specific requirements of the Client (Participant). For EMDR therapy, sessions can be up to 75 to 90 minutes long, and fees will be adjusted for the additional time agreed.
If the circumstances of the Client (Participant) change and the session time and day are no longer suitable, the Psychologist (Helper) will attempt to offer alternatives more convenient for the Client (Participant).
Fees
Fees will be agreed upon prior to the initial meeting. Counselling sessions are generally £125 per session, with a sliding scale in operation at £75 for students or for individuals on a reduced income. EMDR sessions are charged at £150 per session (75 minutes). Fees for organisations are higher. Please note these fees are for individuals directly paying for their own fees.
Payment options
Payment for each session is to be received via bank transfer 48 hours in advance. This ensures that both the Psychologist (Helper) and the Client (Participant) can manage and plan their finances and schedules with certainty. Detailed instructions for the bank transfer, including the account to which payments should be made, will be provided by the Psychologist (Helper) prior to the commencement of counselling sessions.
By confirming their understanding and agreement of these terms, the Client (Participant) helps maintain a smooth administrative process, allowing the therapeutic work to remain the focus of each session.
Cancellations and Holidays
Cancellation of sessions with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur the full fee. The Psychologist (Helper) will always aim to give the Client (Participant) as much notice as possible of any holidays, training workshops, conferences, or illnesses that might prevent her from being available at the time/day of the scheduled session. In such cases, the Psychologist (Helper) will always aim to offer an alternative arrangement.
Sessions will not take place if the Client (Participant) is under the influence of any misuse of alcohol or substances. This guideline ensures that the therapy sessions are conducted in a safe and respectful environment conducive to effective therapeutic work.
Duration of Counselling/ Psychology
The duration of the therapeutic process will depend on the type of difficulty or problem the client is facing. Some people prefer to work with an open contract, whereas other people prefer to work with a fixed number of sessions followed by a review.
Session Conditions
In all cases, every six sessions the psychologist and client will review the therapeutic process together. This helps to assess whether the client’s needs are being met and, this will also help (if required) to carry out the necessary adjustments and/or establish new goals for the process.
End of the Contract
The therapeutic journey may come to a close when certain signs and indications emerge, suggesting that the Client (Participant) has recovered their inner balance, gained greater confidence in themselves, developed the capacity to make decisions and face situations that previously felt overwhelming, and become in touch with their own resources and strength. Although the Client (Participant) may not have met all of their initial goals, the increased confidence to achieve them individually and an overall improvement in well-being often signal a natural conclusion to the process.
However, there might be instances where the Client (Participant) feels that therapy is not contributing positively to their well-being. In these cases, it’s strongly encouraged to communicate openly about these difficulties. Abruptly ending therapy could result in a feeling of sudden loss, which might not provide an opportunity for understanding and resolution. To ensure a thoughtful and clear conclusion, the Psychologist (Helper) requests that the Client (Participant) provides two week’s notice before deciding to end therapy. This allows both parties to discuss the decision thoroughly and to bring closure to the process in a meaningful way.
It is paramount to remember that the Client (Participant) is always in control of their decision to continue or discontinue therapy, free from any pressure. The aim is to ensure that the ending, like all other aspects of the therapeutic process, supports the well-being and growth of the Client (Participant).
Contact outside the sessions
The contact details provided – are intended strictly for scheduling matters such as cancellations or changes, or for urgent situations that may arise.
Please be aware:
Messages are regularly monitored but not continuously.
In an emergency, it is crucial to contact the appropriate emergency services immediately.
This may mean calling the hospital, dialling for an ambulance, and/or reaching out to your local GP as needed.
The Psychologist (Helper) will make every effort to respond to all messages as soon as practically possibly (excluding weekends and evenings).
Counselling Contract
This contract is between:
Jasminder Bahia (CPsychol) your Psychologist, EMDR Therapist and
Client’s (Participant’s) full name:
We agree on the following:
The sessions will be held: (list dates and times)
Location:
The session format will be individual one to one support
The fee per session will be £
Payment method:
Please read this contract carefully. Please note if you wish to negotiate any changes, these can be discussed and easily put into place before signing.
Please note all information is treated in the strictest confidence.
Client (Participant’s) signature:
Therapist (Helper’s) signature:
Date: