Therapy Agreement
Therapy Model/Psychological Approach
I use Brief Strategic Therapy (BST) in my practice. For more information on this approach and its similarities and differences to CBT, please see the "My Approach" section.
Frequency and Length of Sessions
Sessions typically last 50 minutes. However, the length of sessions may vary slightly depending on individual needs. Each session is goal-oriented, and if the session's goal is achieved early, there is no need to extend the session unnecessarily.
Therapy fees are charged per scheduled session, not per minute. This means that shorter sessions will not be charged at a reduced rate, regardless of the reason.
If a session starts late due to the client’s delay, it will still end at the scheduled time to respect the therapist’s time and other appointments. The full session fee will still apply in such cases.
We'll aim for 10 sessions, but some individuals experience recovery sooner. If needed, and if we're seeing improvement, we can extend the number of sessions.
If you have private medical insurance, please check your pre-authorisation for the number of sessions and whether your policy covers extensions. I am recognised by BUPA, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, and WPA.
Before the first session it is important that you contact your insurer to link me as your therapist on their system.
Connectivity
Sessions are conducted online via Google Meet. Alternative platforms such as Teams can be arranged upon request.
A session link and reminder will be sent before each appointment.
If we are unable to connect online, I will call you at the provided phone number.
Confidentiality
Everything discussed in therapy sessions is confidential and will not be recorded.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a data controller and process your data in accordance with the UK GDPR and the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
Clinical notes are stored securely and accessed only by me.
These records are kept in line with professional and legal requirements.
However, there are a few important exceptions to confidentiality (See Privacy Policy for full details)
Risk of harm: If I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, I have a professional and legal duty of care to act. Where possible, I will discuss this with you first. In cases of immediate risk, I may need to share relevant information with emergency services, your GP, or safeguarding authorities without your consent.
Legal obligations: In rare circumstances, I may be required to disclose information by a court order or if required by law (e.g., related to terrorism, drug trafficking, or child protection concerns).
Professional supervision: Like all registered therapists, I receive regular clinical supervision to maintain safe and ethical practice. Supervisors are also bound by confidentiality and your identity is never revealed.
Administrative needs: Your non-clinical information (e.g., contact details, appointment dates, fees owed) may be shared with trusted third-party services used for administrative or payment purposes (e.g., invoicing, payment processing). These services are GDPR-compliant, and no clinical information is shared with them.
Debt recovery: In the event of non-payment, I may share minimal non-clinical information (e.g. your name, contact details, session dates, and amount owed) with a third-party debt collection service. No clinical or sensitive health data will be disclosed. See Privacy Policy for more information.
Welfare checks: If you do not attend a scheduled session and fail to respond to my follow-up communications, I may contact your nominated emergency contact to ensure you are safe. No clinical details will be disclosed—only that you missed a session and have not responded. You are welcome to nominate a specific person for this purpose and may update this at any time in writing.
Cancellation Policy: Short-notice Cancellations (SNC) and Missed Sessions (DNA)
I totally get that life can be unpredictable, but a no-show without a heads-up isn’t fair to either of us.
You're free to stop therapy at any time—no pressure, no guilt, and I won’t flood your inbox with messages.
If you disappear without a word, I may worry. A quick message helps me know you’re okay and haven’t run into something unexpected.
To cancel or reschedule, please contact me directly.
To avoid a cancellation fee, a minimum of one working day's notice is required.
Short-notice cancellations or missed appointments will be charged the full session fee, which you are responsible for paying.
Private medical insurance does not cover these fees.
If you miss a session and do not respond to follow-up contact, I may reach out to your nominated emergency contact to ensure your safety. Only minimal information will be shared. You may provide an alternative contact for this purpose. See Privacy Policy for more information.
Fees
The session fee is £135 per session, payable before each session.
To ensure my services remain fair and reflective of their quality and value, fees are reviewed annually (April 1st)
Any fee adjustments will be communicated in advance, and every effort will be made to keep increases reasonable, taking into account current market conditions and individual circumstances where applicable.
Booking and Payment
The next session is scheduled at the end of each appointment, with a reminder sent before the session.
Payment must be made in advance to confirm your appointment.
If payment is not received and the session is cancelled with less than one full working day's notice, the session will be charged in full.
Self-funded clients: Payments are made via bank transfer (details provided in the appointment reminder email) unless an alternative payment system is arranged.
For self-funded clients, late payment fees may apply and will be calculated in line with the Bank of England's statutory interest rate. You'll be notified if these apply.
A £40 compensation fee may also be charged if payment is not received within 30 days of the invoice date (self-funded clients only).
If you have private medical insurance, I'll invoice them directly.
All clients, whether self-funding or using medical insurance, are required to set up a Direct Debit mandate at the start of therapy. This is simply a precaution that allows for payment only in the event of a breach of the cancellation policy, such as a missed session or late cancellation that isn’t otherwise covered or paid.
Strategic Minds Online Brief Therapy will not use these card details for any other purpose.
Your bank details will be held securely by our payment provider (GoCardless). You will always be notified before any payment is taken. All details will be deleted once therapy concludes.
By agreeing to therapy, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Therapy Agreement and the Privacy Policy and the ways in which your personal information may be used. You have the right to access, rectify, restrict, or request deletion of your data at any time, subject to legal and ethical record-keeping obligations.
Last update: 02.06.25