This document sets out our agreement for working together. Please read it carefully and ask if anything is unclear before we begin counselling.

1. Sessions

  • Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes, unless we agree otherwise.
  • Sessions start and end on time. If you arrive late, the session will still finish at the scheduled time.
  • I will wait up to 15 minutes for late arrivals before the session ends.
  • We will usually agree on a regular weekly session time. This can be reviewed together if needed.

2. Fees & Payment

  • The fee is £60 per session.
  • Payment is required in advance or on the day, as agreed.
  • Bank details:
    Mettle Bank
    Name: Alice Gough
    Sort Code: 04-03-33
    Account No: 26595375
  • Fees may be reviewed periodically; any changes will be discussed with you in advance.

3. Attendance & Cancellations

  • Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged in full.
  • Please notify cancellations by email.
  • For planned absences (holidays, etc.), advance notice is appreciated.
  • If you miss up to three sessions without notice, I may release your space; you are welcome to return later if a space is available.

4. Remote Sessions

  • Sessions can take place in person, online via Microsoft Teams, or by telephone.
  • Please ensure a private, quiet space for online sessions.
  • I will send the meeting link in advance; please log in at the scheduled time.
  • If technical issues arise, we may switch to a telephone session at the same time.

5. Confidentiality

  • Our sessions are confidential. Exceptions include:
    • Serious risk of harm to yourself or others
    • Risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult
    • Legal requirement to disclose (e.g., court order)
  • Where possible, I will discuss the need to share information with you first.

6. Professional Standards

  • I am a registered member of the NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) and work in line with their Ethical Framework.
  • I engage in ongoing professional development and regular clinical supervision; anonymised discussion of our work may occur in supervision.

7. Contact & Boundaries

  • Communication outside sessions is limited to practical matters (e.g., scheduling).
  • Please arrive free from alcohol or recreational drugs.
  • I do not offer emergency or crisis support. For urgent help, contact your GP, NHS 111, or Samaritans on 116 123.

8. Record Keeping

  • Session notes are brief, factual, and stored securely in line with GDPR and professional guidelines.
  • Your personal information is collected and stored in line with UK GDPR. Please see my Privacy Notice for further information.
  • In the unlikely event I am unable to work, my Professional Executor holds client contact details securely to manage closure.           

9. Ending Therapy

Counselling may be ended by either of us at any time. Wherever possible, I encourage us to discuss ending our work together and arrange a final session. This provides an opportunity to review the work we have completed, reflect on your progress, and bring the counselling relationship to an appropriate and supportive close.

10. Complaints

If you have any concerns about our work together, I encourage you to discuss them with me in the first instance. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may contact the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) for information about their complaints procedure.

Therapeutic Agreement

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I confirm and consent to the below statement
I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Therapeutic Agreement provided by Alice Gough Therapy. I understand the nature of the counselling service, including confidentiality, data protection, supervision, session commitments, cancellation policy, and my rights and responsibilities as a client.

By ticking this box and submitting this form, I acknowledge that this constitutes my electronic signature and confirms my agreement to be bound by the terms of the Therapeutic Agreement and to proceed with counselling on this basis.

I also understand that the personal information provided in this form will be collected, stored, and processed in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and that it will only be used for the purpose of providing safe, ethical, and effective counselling services.