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 video conferencing technology cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.
I use Zoom and will send you a unique link for each session in advance of each session. I conduct online sessions in a private room where I will not be interrupted, and I suggest that you similarly find a place where you can ensure your privacy during the session. An online session lasts for 60 minutes. It can be helpful to allow yourself a little time after the session before returning to any other activity.
If the connection is disrupted during our session I will wait for you to rejoin. If we struggle to maintain a consistent connection I may suggest we complete the rest of the session on the phone and I will wait for you to ring me.
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 will discuss whether you would like to proceed with further sessions. If we do, 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 may enter the online waiting room when you are ready, and I will start the call at our agreed time. If you are delayed in joining 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. You are welcome to pay for a block of sessions in advance if this is more convenient to you.
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. 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 join 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.