Counselling Contract and Agreement

8 Sandbed, Hawick, TD9 0HE, Scottish Borders E. info@apositivestart.org.uk T. 01450 367422 Company Reg: SC581017

This form explains how counselling works and helps ensure clarity, safety, and shared understanding before sessions begin. Please read each section carefully and tick the boxes at the end to confirm your consent.

Counselling offers a confidential, supportive space to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. Sessions may take place online (via secure video) or in person, depending on what has been agreed. The format may change over time and can be discussed with your counsellor. Counselling is a form of psychological or talking therapy that offers you the opportunity to explore difficulties, develop insight, and work towards positive change. The length of the therapeutic process varies depending on individual needs. Some people prefer an open-ended agreement, while others choose a fixed number of sessions followed by review. We will review the therapeutic process every six sessions to ensure your needs are being met and to adjust goals if required.

Everything shared in counselling is treated as confidential. Confidentiality may only be broken if: - There is a serious risk of harm to you or another person - There is a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult -Disclosure is required by law or professional duty Where possible, this will be discussed with you first.

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. If information shared suggests that: - a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk, or - there is a serious and immediate safety concern the counsellor may need to seek advice or make a safeguarding referral. This will be done with care, proportionality, and transparency wherever possible.

For Online Counselling: - Sessions take place via a secure platform (#myclienthub) - You are encouraged to use a private, quiet space where you feel safe - Technical difficulties may occasionally occur; if this happens, the counsellor will attempt to reconnect or contact you by telephone. Online counselling is not a crisis or emergency service.

For in-person counselling: - Sessions take place in a private, professional setting - Clear boundaries around time, space, and safety are maintained. - If you feel unwell or unable to attend, please make contact where possible

Counselling is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please contact: -Emergency services (999 UK) - Your GP, local crisis team, or Samaritans: 116 123 (UK) Support outside of agreed session times cannot be provided.

Sessions are held at an agreed time. If you are unable to attend, please let us know where possible. If you do not attend and no contact is made, a brief check-in message may be sent to ensure your wellbeing. There is no obligation to explain missed sessions.

Fees are agreed during the initial consultation and are based on individual circumstances. Upton 12x Free, low-cost or donation sessions are currently available via our student placement service. Payments are made online in advance of the appointment via #myclienthub and are required via the agreed payment method agreed unless otherwise arranged.

The counselling relationship is professional and boundaried. Contact outside sessions is limited to - Appointment scheduling - Practical arrangements - Brief wellbeing check-ins if a session is missed. Therapeutic support is provided within sessions, not via messaging or social media.

You are encouraged to: - Engage at your own pace - Share only what feels safe - Ask questions if anything is unclear - Let your counsellor know if something doesn't feel right, You are always in control of what you bring to counselling.

You may end counselling at any time. Where possible, a planned ending session is encouraged but not required. The counsellor may also end counselling if it is no longer appropriate or safe to continue, with care and signposting where possible.

We keep minimal records, including personal details, relevant background information, confidential case notes, and this counselling agreement. You may request access to information held about you in writing. If you have any questions about record-keeping or confidentiality, you are welcome to discuss these with your counsellor.

Your personal information is stored securely and handled in line with GDPR. Information is used only for: - Providing counselling - Administration related to your support You may request access to your data at any time in line with GDPR regulations.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice incur the full session fee. This helps protect the time reserved for your session and ensures the sustainability of the service. If something unexpected happens, please feel free to reach out so we can talk through options.

Counselling sessions cannot go ahead if a client is under the influence of alcohol, other substances, or if there is any aggressive behaviour. This is to ensure safety, emotional wellbeing, and a supportive environment for both you and your counsellor.

A completed copy of the contract, including your counsellors details will be forward to you.

60 minutes