Counselling Agreement
NATURE OF THE COUNSELLING RELATIONSHIP
Counselling is a process in which the client wishes to achieve personal growth in their life and overcome challenges and obstacles that they may be encountering.
The counsellor is there to be an attentive listener, to show empathy and understanding to the client, to show them the utmost respect and offer unconditional positive regard.
They will act as guide in enabling the client to overcome their obstacles and challenges for themselves and where appropriate provide structure and method to the process of analysing the challenge and aiding the client in developing strategies and ways of thinking to accomplish this change.
It is the client who achieves change, the counsellor cannot ever do this for the client.
MY APPROACH
I offer an integrative approach to counselling. This approach emphasises the importance of the therapeutic relationship and focuses on the client's strengths, resources, and resilience. Using this approach I am able to combine different theories and techniques from various therapeutic modalities to provide you with a personalised treatment.
My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and gain insight into your experiences both past and present.
CONFIDENTIALITY
It is essential that confidentiality be maintained, and trust established between counsellor and client. Our work together will remain completely confidential, and what is discussed in session will not be discussed outside of that session.
Exceptions to this:
A counsellor may discuss issues arising from sessions with their own mentor or supervisor, although when this happens anonymity is maintained.
A counsellor has a legal requirement to report something when the client is at risk of harm to themselves or another person.
A counsellor is compelled by court or by law (e.g., under the legislation of terrorism or money laundering) to disclose information or any notes I may keep.
RECORD KEEPING AND DATA PROTECTION
The counsellor may take notes in sessions in order to better understand the client and aid in preparation for subsequent sessions. These notes will never be passed on to a third party. Any notes will be retained for the period of counselling, and then a period of 7 years, in case the client wishes to return to counselling at a later date.
Within our strict code of confidentiality, the counsellor will need to keep your name, address, contact details, and attendance data on record. The counsellor keeps a record of all appointments offered, attended, and cancelled, and of the payments made.
In accepting the offer of counselling, you agree to these records been kept.
CANCELLATION OR RESCHEDULING
When you book your appointment, you are holding a space on my calendar that is no longer available to our other clients. If cancellation is necessary, please notify me as soon as possible so that I can offer the session to someone who might need it.
PROBLEMS
It's important to remember that counselling is a collaborative process, so it's important that you speak up if you are feeling uncomfortable or if something doesn't feel right.
There may be some exceptional circumstances in which I may need to terminate our work together, if any conflict of interest occurs, or any ethical boundaries are breached or it is clear that the relationship cannot be productive.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
If you feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical help.
If you are unable to do this by yourself, ask someone to help you. Mental health emergencies are extremely serious. You are not wasting anyone's time.
My Commitment to you:
I undertake to act to the best of my ability as your counsellor and to work with you to help you overcome your personal challenges and obstacles. I undertake to offer you my full and undivided attention during our sessions together, to offer no judgement, only observation. I will never tell you what to do, as you will always decide for yourself, I will only seek to help you explore the possibilities available to you. I promise to ensure you have a productive and transformative experience in alignment with your own values, goals and stated desires. I will be totally committed to your desire for change and healing and celebrate your every success.
Where issues of mental health or physical health run beyond the scope of my ability to help, I will always advise you visit a relevant professional.
I look forward to a healing and fulfilling counselling journey with you.
Julie Maloney