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The counselling space exists to support emotional understanding, regulation, and healthier coping, alongside the accountability processes already in place through probation and specialist programmes. Therapy does not excuse harmful behaviour. It supports responsibility, growth, and safer future choices. The aim of this work is to: - Increase emotional awareness and self-regulation. - Understand personal patterns linked to distress and coping - Strengthen internal restraint and choice - Support identity repair and healthier relationships - Reduce risk of future harm

The therapists role is to provide trauma-informed emotional support and psychological containment. This therapy does not replace: - Legal supervision - Probation requirements - Specialist offence-focused treatment programmes Where appropriate, this work sits alongside these supports.

The safety of children, vulnerable people, and the wider community is a priority in this work. This means: - Therapy will not include exploration of illegal sexual material or explicit content. - Behaviour that places others at risk will not be supported or normalised. - If information is shared that indicates current or future risk of harm, safeguarding procedures will be followed. Where possible, this will be discussed openly and transparently. Safeguarding is about protection, prevention, and responsibility - not punishment.

What you share in counselling is treated with respect and confidentiality within legal and ethical boundaries. Confidentiality may be broken if: - There is risk of harm to a child or vulnerable person - There is serious risk of harm to yourself or others - There is a legal requirement to disclose information The responsibility exists to protect safety and wellbeing.

Engaging in counselling means accepting responsibility for personal behaviour and choices. This includes: - Being honest about emotional struggles and urges - Taking ownership of actions without minimising or blaming others - Actively engaging in change - Practising agreed coping and regulation strategies - Seeking support rather than hiding difficulties Growth requires participation, not just attendance.

This counselling space is built on mutual respect. You agree to: - Treat the therapist and therapeutic space respectfully - Avoid abusive, threatening, discriminatory or sexually inappropriate behaviour - Engage in sessions in a way that supports safety and professionalism Strong emotions are welcome. Harmful behaviour is not.

To maintain safety and clarity: - Contact outside scheduled sessions will follow agreed professional boundaries. - The therapeutic relationship is not social, personal or informal. - Dependency on the therapist as the sole source of support is discouraged. This work supports healthy independence and wiser relational support.

Where appropriate and with your awareness: - Information may be shared with relevant professionals involved in your care - This supports joined-up safeguarding and consistent support

By continuing counselling you agree to: - Engage with honesty and openness - Practise emotional regulation skills - Work toward healthier coping strategies - Remain accountable for your behaviour - Prioritise safety - for yourself and others. This work is about building a safer future.

The therapist commits to: - Providing a trauma-informed, non-judgemental approach - Maintaining professional boundaries and safeguarding responsibilities - Supporting emotional growth and regulation - Working with integrity, clarity and transparency.

To support fairness and the sustainability of this service, a minimum of 24 hours, notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. - Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice, or missed appointments without notice, may be charged at the agreed session rate (min £20 - Exceptions may be considered in genuine emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. - If you are struggling to attend, you are encouraged to communicate this as early as possible. This policy exists to protect therapist time, support service sustainability, and allow appointments to be offered to others who may be waiting for support.

This service operates on a fair access and sliding scale model to support both sustainability and accessibility. You are invited to select the fee level that best reflects your current circumstances:

- Fees are payable before each session unless otherwise agreed - Payment links are sent via #myclienthub - Please communicate openly if your financial situation changes - Missed sessions or late cancellations may be subject to the organisation's cancellation policy Open communication helps maintain fairness and sustainability for everyone.

I understand the purpose, boundaries, and responsibilities of this counselling relationship and agree to engage in this work with honesty, accountability and commitment to safety.

By entering into this agreement, you are confirming that you understand and agree to the following:

Counselling sessions are confidential. Information shared will not be disclosed to others except where there is a concern about serious harm to yourself or others, a safeguarding concern involving a child ore vulnerable adult, or where disclosure is required by law. Wherever possible, this would be discussed with you first.

A Positive Start CIC has a duty to act where there are safeguarding concerns. Any action taken will be proportionate, respectful, and focused on safety and wellbeing.

Student counsellors work under regular professional supervision. Sessions may be discussed anonymously in supervision to support safe and effective practice. No identifying information is shared unnecessarily.

Student counselling is typically offered for up to 12 sessions initially. At session 12, the work will be reviewed and next steps discussed. Continued sessions are not guaranteed and depend on suitability and availability.

Attendance is important. If sessions are missed without notice or repeatedly cancelled, student counselling may be withdrawn. Wherever possible, 24 hours' notice is requested if you need to cancel or rearrange a session.

Sessions are provided by carefully selected counselling students in advanced training and fully supported through professional supervision. This service offers accessible, trauma-informed support.

You are free to end counselling at any time. Where possible, a planned ending session is encouraged to support reflection and closure, though this is always your choice.

If you have any concerns about your counselling, you are encourage to raise these with your counsellor in the first instance. If this does not feel possible, you may contact A Positive Start CIC directly for support or guidance.

Brief counselling notes are kept securely and in line with GDPR requirements. Notes are used to support safe practice and continuity of care and are not shared without your consent, except where required by safeguarding or legal obligations.

By agreeing to student counselling, you confirm that you have read and understood the above and have had the opportunity to ask questions.