Terms and Conditions for Counselling Services
Effective Date: 18/09/2025
These Terms and Conditions outline the basis upon which counselling services are provided by Andrew Laidlaw Counselling to clients . By booking or attending sessions, you agree to the following terms:
1. Nature of Services
1.1 Counselling services are provided in accordance with the Counsellor’s training, qualifications, and professional ethical standards.
1.2 Counselling is a supportive process that may involve discussing personal issues, emotions, and behaviours. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, psychiatric treatment, or emergency intervention.
1.3 No outcome or specific result from counselling sessions is guaranteed.
2. Confidentiality
2.1 All sessions are confidential. Information disclosed by the Client will not be shared with third parties without consent, except where:
- There is a risk of harm to the Client or others.
- Disclosure is required by law (e.g., safeguarding concerns, court orders).
2.2 In circumstances where confidentiality must be broken, the Client will be informed where possible.
3. Sessions
3.1 Sessions will typically last 50 and be scheduled at mutually agreed times.
3.2 Services may be offered in-person, online, or by telephone, as agreed in advance.
4. Fees and Payment
4.1 The current fee per session is £45.00.
4.2 Payment is due within 24 hours of session.
4.3 Accepted payment methods include Cash, Cheque or Bank Transfer.
4.4 Late or missed payments may result in suspension of further sessions.
5. Cancellations and Rescheduling
5.1 Clients must provide at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session.
5.2 Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice or non-attendance will be charged in full.
5.3 The Counsellor reserves the right to cancel or reschedule sessions in exceptional circumstances, with as much notice as possible.
6. Client Responsibilities
6.1 Clients agree to:
- Attend sessions on time.
- Provide accurate and honest information.
- Engage actively in the counselling process.
6.2 Clients must not attend sessions under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
7. Counsellor Responsibilities
7.1 The Counsellor will:
- Provide services with reasonable care, skill, and professional integrity.
- Work within the limits of their training and competence.
- Maintain secure and confidential records of sessions.
8. Data Protection
8.1 Client records will be stored securely and handled in accordance with ICO Data Protection
8.2 Records will be retained for 7 years, after which they will be securely destroyed.
8.3 Clients may request access to their records in writing, subject to legal and ethical considerations.
9. Emergencies and Crisis Situations
9.1 Counselling is not suitable for emergency or crisis intervention.
9.2 In an emergency, Clients should contact emergency services 999 or appropriate crisis helplines immediately.
10. Termination of Services
10.1 Either the Client or Counsellor may end the counselling relationship at any time, with reasonable notice.
10.2 The Counsellor may terminate sessions if:
- The service is no longer appropriate or beneficial.
- Professional boundaries are violated (e.g., abusive or threatening behaviour).
11. Governing Law
11.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
11.2 Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that jurisdiction.
12. Acceptance of Terms
By booking or attending counselling sessions, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.