My name is Christine Bailey and I hold the Graduate Diploma in Counselling from York St John University (2006). I am a Registered and Accredited Counsellor/ Psychotherapist (registration number 23222) with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work within the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions which is available to view on the BACP website.
All information you give me remains confidential, subject to the following:
· I may need to break your confidentiality where there is risk of harm to yourself or another, or if required by law. Wherever possible I will discuss this with you first.
· I may seek guidance for my work with you from my Clinical Supervisor, who is also bound by the Ethical Framework with regard to confidentiality.
· I make brief written (paper) records of counselling sessions. These are kept securely for 5 years after our last contact, then destroyed, or will be destroyed on my death, or at your written request, if earlier.
Please be aware that the use of telephone technology cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.
I will be awaiting your call in a private room where I will not be interrupted, and it is suggested that you similarly find a place where you can ensure your privacy during the session. You are invited to telephone me on 07422 655572 at the agreed time. A telephone session lasts for 60 minutes. It can be helpful to allow yourself a little time after each session before returning to any other activity.
If the line is disconnected during the phone call I will wait for you to redial. I may choose not to continue the session if you appear to be under the influence of any substance likely to hinder our working together. I suggest that you do not eat or drink during the counselling session, other than a drink of water, as this can be distracting.
During our first session we can discuss whether you would like to talk again. If we proceed with further sessions, we will review our work regularly, and any changes to the number or frequency of sessions will be agreed after a full review. We agree to notify each other of any planned breaks (for holidays etc) at the earliest opportunity.
You agree not to telephone early as I may not be ready for your call. If you are delayed in calling for your session the rest of the session is still yours although we will need to finish at the normal time.
The fee for each counselling session is currently £55. Fees are reviewed annually. Payment is due in advance by bank transfer, PayPal or cheque and must be cleared before the session takes place. It would be helpful if you would notify me when you have made a bank transfer so I know to look out for your payment.
You are welcome to pay for a block of sessions in advance if this is more convenient to you. Please ask if you would like a receipt.
If either of us is unable to keep an arranged appointment we agree to let each other know at the earliest opportunity. If you cancel within 24 hours of the agreed appointment time, or fail to call for a planned session, the full fee will be charged.
I will only contact you if you miss a session or if I need to cancel an agreed session. If we accidentally meet outside the counselling room, I will only greet you in a brief and friendly manner, unless you express a wish not to be acknowledged at all.
Usually you will know when you are ready to finish counselling, and we can discuss this together. It is usually helpful if you can give me at least one week’s notice so that we have a full session to review our work and make a positive ending.
Sometimes counselling can bring up difficult feelings and you may feel you want to withdraw before your next session. I would encourage you to talk to me about this as we may be able to find a way forward together.