Safe Spaces Therapy Online contract.
Last updated: September 2025
Welcome to the full Safe Spaces Therapy contract. This document explains in detail how therapy with me is structured — including sessions, payments, confidentiality, and what happens if life throws up changes.
If you ever find the detail overwhelming, don’t worry. I’ve also written a summary version that explains the contract in plain English and highlights what it means in practice.
As you’ll notice I’m not asking you to sign this contract directly. Instead, your agreement is recorded in the Client Contact Form, which also holds your contact and emergency information. I keep this separate from the contract and your therapy notes to minimise identifiable data and strengthen confidentiality.
Full Agreement
Professional Standards & Ethics
I am a registered member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), whose register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). I am also a member of ACTO (Association for Counselling & Therapy Online). My practice is guided by the NCPS Code of Ethical Practice (principles include beneficence/non-maleficence, fidelity, autonomy, justice, integrity). Clients can view the full code on the NCPS website.
Sessions & Format
Sessions last 50 minutes and are normally weekly unless we agree otherwise. They are delivered online via Zoom. If online access isn’t possible, we may continue by phone provided you are in a private, safe space. In the event of rare technical issues, I may use a secure alternative to avoid cancelling while maintaining confidentiality.
Fees & Payment
Sessions cost £65, payable at least 48 hours in advance. Appointments are only confirmed once payment is received. A block of six sessions can be booked at a reduced rate, paid in advance, valid for three months, and non-refundable. In exceptional circumstances (such as bereavement or serious illness), I may extend the validity by up to three months at my discretion. Unused sessions will then expire.
Cancellations & Lateness
I require 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed sessions are charged in full. Sessions finish at the scheduled time. If you have not arrived within 10 minutes, I may attempt to contact you, but if I cannot reach you, the session will be considered missed.
Non-attendance and risk
If you do not attend and I believe you may be at significant risk of harm, I will first attempt to contact you directly. If I cannot reach you, I may then contact your emergency contact or GP, as discussed in your safety plan and risk assessment. This will only occur in exceptional circumstances where I believe your safety is at stake.
Confidentiality & Limits
Sessions are confidential except where:
- I believe there are safeguarding concerns or a serious risk of harm to you or others.
- I am legally required to disclose (for example, terrorism, money laundering, or a court order).
- I discuss work in confidential clinical supervision, where your identity is protected.
Communication & Safety
Therapy works best with open, honest communication. Please let me know about changes in your life, wellbeing, circumstances, or availability (including medication changes, risk, cancellations, or breaks). Silence may increase risk, while keeping me informed allows us to adjust and work safely. You will not be judged for what you share.
Contact Between Sessions
Contact is by email. I generally reply within two working days during working hours. I do not offer therapeutic contact by text or social media.
Fitness to Engage in Therapy
Therapy requires psychological contact. If you attend under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed substances, a full session may not be possible. I may instead use the time for supportive work or safety planning, or I may end early. If I believe you are at significant risk, I may contact your emergency contact or GP. If you use prescribed medication, we may consider together how this affects our work and any adjustments needed..
Reviews, Breaks & Re-engagement
We will review progress approximately every six sessions and consider whether to continue, taper, pause, or end. If you take a break, we will re-contract on your return, and I may ask you to update your assessment or contact information depending on time elapsed or changed circumstances. If you return after formally ending, we may complete updated forms to ensure information is current and we can work safely.
Endings
You may end therapy at any time. I may suggest a different type of support if I believe it would better meet your needs, and I will discuss this openly and offer signposting or referral where appropriate. A closure session is recommended for planned endings.
Records & Data (GDPR)
I keep limited notes and essential contact details for clinical and legal reasons. Records are stored on an encrypted, password-protected external drive, accessed only when needed. Records are retained for five years, as per industry guidance, before being securely deleted. You may request access to your records under GDPR.
Therapist Availability & Incapacity
If I am unwell or on holiday, I will give notice and offer to reschedule. You will not be charged for sessions I cancel. In the unlikely event I am unable to continue working due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, systems are in place so you are contacted appropriately and records are managed responsibly.
Dual Relationships & Social Media
To protect confidentiality, I do not accept or respond to social or networking requests from clients. If a dual relationship arises in community, professional, or personal contexts, we will discuss options together and may re-contract or agree alternative arrangements to keep therapy safe.
Insurance
I am fully insured for my counselling practice, including professional, malpractice, and public liability cover up to £5,000,000. Insurance is renewed annually with a specialist FCA-regulated provider.
Supervision
My practice is supported by regular clinical supervision in line with professional standards. Material is anonymised to maintain confidentiality and quality of care.
Equality & Inclusion
I provide therapy without discrimination and work inclusively with people of all genders, sexualities, races, faiths, and abilities.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with any aspect of our work, please email charlie@safespacestherapy.online (subject: Complaint – [Your Name]). I will acknowledge your email within five working days and aim to reply fully within 20 working days. If unresolved, you may request an appeal review with input from an independent supervisor or colleague where possible. If still unresolved, or if there is evidence of significant risk to the public, you may contact NCPS at conduct@ncps.com. NCPS operates a PSA-accredited register.
Crisis Support
I cannot provide emergency or crisis support outside sessions. If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please seek urgent help. Options include:
Calling 999 for emergency services.
Attending Accident & Emergency (A&E). In many areas, the NHS Mental Health Crisis Team works alongside A&E and may be called to support you.
Contacting your GP for urgent medical or mental health support.
Calling Samaritans (116 123) — free, 24/7.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this agreement. These boundaries are here to keep our work safe, supportive, and clear. Please remember to complete and return your Client Contact Form (which records your agreement) and your Initial Therapy Form at least 48 hours before your first appointment.
