Therapy Contract | Patsy Gough

Therapy Agreement

This agreement sets out our shared understanding of how we’ll work together. It’s here to help us both feel clear, safe, and supported. Please read it carefully, and feel free to ask about anything you’d like clarified. Signing this agreement means you give your informed consent to working with me.

What I Offer You

A regular time and space.

Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually held on the same day and time each week, unless we agree otherwise.

My full presence.

I will be prepared, attentive, and responsive to your needs in each session.

Professional and ethical care.

I am a qualified and registered counsellor and a member of the NCPS – the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society – whose Code of Ethics guides my practice.

Ongoing professional growth.

I commit to regular professional development and clinical supervision to ensure my skills, knowledge, and ethical practice remain up to date.

Confidentiality.

What you share stays between us, except in rare circumstances where there’s a risk of harm or if I’m legally required to share information (see “Confidentiality in more detail” below). Wherever possible, I will seek your consent before sharing any information, so we can make those decisions together.

Respect and acceptance
I welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Clear communication
I’ll give you as much notice as possible for any changes, breaks, and fee increases.

What I Ask From You

Commitment to your sessions
Sessions are usually weekly. If you need to cancel, please give at least 48 hours’ notice to avoid being charged the full fee. Discretion is applied in emergencies.

Punctuality
Arriving on time helps us make the most of the session. If you’re over 15 minutes late without notice, the session won’t go ahead and will be charged. I will check in with you via text/email after 10 minutes.

Planned breaks
I may take up to 10 weeks off each year for holidays or professional development and will give you notice. If you take a break of more than two weeks, I may ask for a retainer to hold your space.

Payment
Fees are due on the day of your session. If payments fall behind, I may not be able to book further sessions until the balance is up to date.

Respect and safety
Please attend sessions free from the influence of drugs or alcohol. If my physical or emotional safety feels at risk, I will end the session and it will be charged.

Our Shared Understanding

Communication between sessions
You can contact me by email or text to arrange or change appointments. I am the only person who can access my phone and email. I usually respond within 24 hours (weekdays).

Timekeeping

We always start and finish sessions on time, respecting both our time commitments.

Boundaries in public and online
If we meet outside sessions, I won’t acknowledge you unless you acknowledge me first, to protect your privacy. I don’t connect with clients on personal social media, though you are welcome to follow my professional accounts.

Reviewing our work
We’ll review after 4–6 sessions to see how we’re working together and continue to check in along the way.

Endings
If you decide to end therapy, I ask for at least one session’s notice so we can reflect on your progress and close our work together well.

If therapy needs to end early
In rare cases, such as a conflict of interest or if therapy no longer feels appropriate, I may suggest ending our work together. I will always aim to give as much notice as possible.

Confidentiality in more detail

I discuss my work in professional supervision to ensure I’m offering you the best support. My supervisor is bound by the same confidentiality agreement.

The only times I may have to break confidentiality are if:

I’m concerned you may harm yourself or someone else.
There is risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult.
There is disclosure of acts such as terrorism, trafficking, or money laundering.
I am ordered by a court to give evidence.

Whenever possible, I will seek your consent before sharing any information.

Data protection

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ZA661610). Your records are stored securely, and you have the right to access, amend, or request deletion of your data. Brief session notes are kept securely and destroyed seven years after therapy ends.