The policies set out below are those that I will apply in general but there will be times when specific circumstances require some flexibility.

Attendance

• Experience has shown that consistent and timely attendance is very important for a good outcome. Frequent absences break the flow of the work but inevitably there will be occasions when they occur. So as part of working together,  please keep me informed of any expected absence as soon as possible. I will let you know in good time of my intended breaks.
• For individual  and couple sessions, I will hold the agreed session time available for you. This is your session time and I will invoice you whether or not you attend.  If you need to rearrange an appointment in advance, I will do my utmost to offer an alternative time in the same week.
• If I have to cancel any session for sudden unavoidable reasons, I will not charge for that session.

Confidentiality

• I abide by the codes of professional conduct stipulated by regulatory bodies (UKCP and ICO) and my professional body (IGA).
• Central to this is a strong ethic of confidentiality. I will ensure that your verbal and written communications are kept confidential.
• Exceptional circumstances may alter this approach. If I believe you are in serious danger of physically harming yourself or someone else, I will tell you and then notify relevant persons such as your GP. I will tell you if it seems appropriate to provide them information.
• If other legal or ethical requirements arise, I will seek legal and ethical advice as to the potential impacts on my commitment to confidentiality.
• Any personally identifiable records or data will be stored and disposed of securely.

Telephone and  digital communication

• I will check my voicemail regularly but I discourage use of the telephone for treatment issues, except in emergencies.
• I will also check my email regularly and although I will not send a long reply, I will acknowledge receipt of your message.
• Texting is useful for quick messages about attendance but I discourage it for treatment issues, except in emergencies.
• Please remember that email and texts are not confidential means of communication.

Termination

• My experience is that following the requirements for ending therapy is essential to the success of the process.
• For individual and couple sessions, several weeks notice of termination is necessary. The required time to work through the process is more individual and will require discussion between us.