Counselling Terms and Working Agreement

Last Updated: 8 July 2026

Welcome to Alice Gough Therapy

Counselling provides a safe, supportive and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences without judgement. It offers an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, make sense of the difficulties you may be facing, and work towards meaningful and lasting change at your own pace.

The aim of therapy is not to tell you what to do, but to support you in exploring your experiences, recognising patterns, and discovering your own strengths and resources.

The Counselling Agreement

This agreement outlines how we will work together and what you can expect from counselling with Alice Gough Therapy.

Please read it carefully before beginning therapy. If there is anything you are unsure about, you are encouraged to ask questions before agreeing to these terms.

By proceeding with counselling, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms outlined within this agreement.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is one of the foundations of counselling, and every reasonable effort will be made to protect your privacy.

Contact Information

Your contact details are held securely for the purpose of arranging appointments and communicating with you regarding your counselling.

GP Details

You will be asked to provide your GP’s details. In situations where there are serious concerns about your safety or wellbeing, your GP may be contacted where appropriate. Wherever possible, this will be discussed with you beforehand.

Emergency Contact

You will also be asked to provide an emergency contact. This person would only be contacted if there were significant concerns about your immediate safety or welfare, and every effort would be made to discuss this with you first whenever possible.

Online Counselling

For online sessions, your current location may be requested at the start of each appointment so that appropriate emergency services could be contacted if necessary.

In accordance with UK GDPR, your personal information is collected and processed only for the purpose of providing counselling and managing your care.

Your records are stored securely and retained in accordance with current legal, ethical and insurance requirements.

Confidentiality will only be broken where:

You provide your explicit consent.
There is concern that you or someone else is at serious risk of harm.
Disclosure is required by law or court order.
Information is discussed anonymously during professional clinical supervision.

Clinical Supervision

As a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I undertake regular clinical supervision.

Supervision is an essential part of safe and ethical practice, providing an opportunity to reflect on my work and ensure I continue to offer the highest standard of care.

Client information discussed during supervision is anonymised wherever possible and treated confidentially.

Your Commitment to Counselling

Counselling works best when sessions are attended consistently.

Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually arranged on the same day and time each week unless otherwise agreed.

Please aim to arrive on time, as sessions cannot usually be extended if you arrive late.

Counselling is offered on an open-ended basis, meaning there is no fixed number of sessions. We will regularly review your progress together and decide when therapy feels complete.

For everyone’s wellbeing, sessions should be attended free from the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. If I believe you are unable to engage safely due to intoxication, I may end the session and review whether counselling can continue.

Fees, Payment and Cancellation

Your session fee will be confirmed before counselling begins.

Payment is requested before each scheduled appointment unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed.

If you need to cancel a session, I ask for two working days’ notice before your appointment.

Appointments cancelled with less than two working days’ notice, or missed without notice, will normally be charged in full.

Charges will not apply where:

I need to cancel your appointment.
Exceptional circumstances are considered appropriate at my discretion.

If a cancellation fee is waived after payment has already been made, the payment may either be refunded or credited towards a future appointment.

If your financial circumstances change, please let me know as soon as possible so we can discuss your options.

If you know you will be away due to holidays or work commitments, advance notice is always appreciated.

Remote Counselling

If your sessions take place online, a secure meeting link will be provided before your appointment.

You will need a reliable internet connection and a device with both camera and microphone capabilities.

If you intend to attend sessions while outside the UK, please let me know beforehand, as this may affect professional insurance arrangements.

Privacy, Safety and Safeguarding During Online Sessions

To maintain confidentiality, please attend online sessions from a private indoor space where you are unlikely to be interrupted or overheard. Using headphones is recommended where possible.

If confidentiality cannot be maintained, I may pause or end the session until a suitable environment is available.

Technology occasionally fails despite everyone’s best efforts. If a technical problem interrupts a session, I will attempt to reconnect immediately.

If reconnection is not possible within approximately 15 minutes, we may continue by telephone where appropriate.

Contact Between Sessions

Counselling support is provided during scheduled appointments only.

If you need to contact me between sessions, please do so by email:

alice@alicegoughtherapy.co.uk

If you are experiencing an immediate crisis or believe you may be at risk of harming yourself or someone else, please contact:

Your GP
NHS 111
Your nearest Accident & Emergency Department
Samaritans on 116 123
Emergency Services by calling 999, if someone is in immediate danger.

Text messaging may be used only where previously agreed for appointment-related communication.

Respectful Working Relationship

I am committed to providing a safe, respectful and supportive environment for every client.

In return, I ask that communication remains respectful at all times.

Abusive, threatening or discriminatory behaviour may result in counselling being ended immediately if I believe it is necessary to protect safety and wellbeing.

Keeping Your Information Up to Date

Please let me know as soon as possible if you change:

Your address
Your telephone number
Your email address
Your GP surgery
Your emergency contact details

This helps ensure your records remain accurate.

Questions or Complaints

If you have any concerns about your counselling or wish to discuss any aspect of the service, I encourage you to raise this with me in the first instance.

Email: