Example of a Counselling Agreement
Including limits of confidentiality
Purpose of Counselling
Counselling offers a confidential, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Together, we will work at your pace on whatever you wish to bring.
Confidentiality
What you share in sessions is confidential. The only exceptions are:
- If I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm
- If I’m legally required to disclose (e.g., regarding terrorism, drug trafficking, child protection)
- In clinical supervision (where your identity is anonymised)
If I ever feel the need to break confidentiality, I will aim to discuss this with you first wherever possible.
Supervision
As part of ethical practice, I attend regular supervision. This helps me reflect on my work and ensure you’re receiving the best support. Your identity remains confidential.
Cancellation & Missed Sessions
- If you need to cancel, please give at least 24 hours' notice.
- Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may still be charged at the full fee.
- If I need to cancel, I will give as much notice as possible and offer a rescheduled time.
Holidays and Breaks
We will discuss and agree on any breaks in advance. You’re welcome to take a break or end counselling at any time—we can talk together about the most supportive way to do that.
Emergencies
I do not offer an emergency or crisis service. If you're in immediate danger or distress, please contact emergency services or a crisis line (e.g., Samaritans: 116 123).
Notes and Record-Keeping
I may keep brief notes after each session, stored securely and in accordance with data protection laws (UK GDPR). You have the right to access your records.
Boundaries
Our relationship is a professional one. For your safety and privacy, we will not have contact outside of sessions beyond scheduling or admin needs.
Consent
By signing this agreement, you confirm that you understand and agree to the terms outlined above. Please feel free to ask any questions or raise concerns at any time.
Signed:
Counsellor: ____________________ Date: ___________
Client: _______________________ Date: ___________
Warm wishes,
Lynda Peters
Person-Centred Counsellor | BACP Registered
Online
🌐 www.spread-your-wings-therapy.co.uk
📧 lynda.counsellor@gmail.com |
🕊️ Offering a safe, inclusive space to explore and heal.
*This document is confidential and intended for the named recipient only.*
Privacy Policy
Spread Your Wings Therapy
Privacy Policy
Spread Your Wings Therapy
Last Updated: 2025
1. Who I Am
My name is Lynda, and I am a qualified counsellor offering talking therapy to adult clients. I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I am the owner and founder of Spread Your Wings Therapy, a private practice based in the UK.
You can contact me at:
Email: connect2@spread-your-wings-therapy.co.uk
Phone: 07359421427
Website: www.spreadyourwingstherapy.co.uk
2. Your Privacy Matters
I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe, confidential, and respectful manner. This Privacy Policy explains what data I collect, why I collect it, how it’s used, and your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
3. What Information I Collect
I may collect and store the following types of information:
Personal Information: Name, contact details (email address, phone number), date of birth, GP details (if necessary).
Sensitive Personal Data: Health information, mental health history, reasons for seeking counselling.
Session Notes: Brief, anonymised notes from counselling sessions.
Website Data: IP address, cookies, and usage data (when you visit the site).
4. How I Collect Your Data
Your information is collected when:
You fill in a contact form or book a session through the website.
You contact me via email, phone, or text.
We begin therapy and during sessions.
You browse the website (via cookies and analytics).
5. Why I Collect Your Data
I collect and store your data in order to:
Provide safe and effective counselling sessions.
Communicate with you regarding appointments.
Comply with legal and professional obligations.
Improve the functionality of the website.
I only collect the minimum necessary information and never sell or share your information for marketing purposes.
6. Lawful Basis for Processing
Under UK GDPR, the lawful bases I rely on for processing your data are:
Consent: You have given clear consent to process your personal data for a specific purpose.
Contract: Processing is necessary for a therapeutic agreement between us.
Legal Obligation: To comply with legal or regulatory obligations.
Vital Interests: In rare cases, to protect your or another’s life.
7. How Your Data is Stored
Your information is stored securely and confidentially:
Electronic records are password-protected and encrypted.
Paper notes (if used) are stored in a locked cabinet.
I retain your data for up to 7 years after the end of our work together, in line with professional guidelines, and then it is securely destroyed.
8. Confidentiality and Exceptions
Your information is kept confidential. However, I may need to break confidentiality if:
There is a serious risk of harm to you or others.
There is disclosure of abuse or a safeguarding concern.
I am legally required to share information (e.g. court order).
In any such case, I would aim to discuss this with you first where possible.
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access the personal data I hold about you.
Correct or update your data.
Withdraw your consent at any time.
Request deletion of your data (subject to legal or ethical obligations).
Object to or restrict certain types of data processing.
Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk
10. Website Cookies
This site may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings. No personal counselling data is collected through cookies.
11. Third Party Services
If I use third-party platforms (such as email, booking systems, or Zoom), they are selected carefully and comply with GDPR requirements.
12. Changes to This Policy
I may update this policy occasionally. Any significant changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.
13. Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is used, please contact me:
Lynda — Spread Your Wings Therapy
Email: connect2@spread-your-wings-therapy.co.uk
Phone: 07359421427