Terms and Conditions | David James Counselling and Therapy

Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions outline the basis on which I offer counselling services. Please read them carefully before beginning therapy. By attending sessions, you’re confirming you understand and accept these terms.

1. Therapeutic Relationship

Counselling is a collaborative process. My role is to provide a confidential, professional space to support you in exploring thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You have the right to ask questions at any time and to withdraw from counselling without obligation.

2. Confidentiality

All sessions are confidential in accordance with the ethical standards of the Britsh Association for Counselling and Pychotherapy.

Confidentiality may only be broken in the following circumstances:

Where there is a risk of serious harm to you or others
In cases of child protection concerns or safeguarding issues
When required by law (e.g., court order, terrorism disclosure)
In confidential professional supervision (which is standard practice in therapy)

3. Data Protection & Record Keeping

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Registration reference: ZC009167

Minimal notes may be kept for clinical purposes, stored securely and accessed only by me.
Your personal data will not be shared with third parties without your consent, unless required by law. For full details, please see my Privacy Policy.

4. Sessions, Fees & Cancellations

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length and take place weekly unless otherwise agreed.
Fees are outlined on the Fees & Payments page.
Payment is required at least 24 hours in advance via bank transfer.
Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may still be chargeable in full.
Concessionary spaces are offered based on availability and reviewed periodically.

5. Missed or Late Sessions

If you are late to a session, the session will still end at the scheduled time.
If you miss a session without notice, it may be charged as a late cancellation.

6. Important Notice- Emergencies and Crisis Support

I do not provide emergency or crisis mental health services. If you are in immediate danger, feeling unsafe, or require urgent support, please contact one of the following emergency services right away:

Your GP or NHS 111
Call 999 for immediate emergency assistance
Samaritans (116 123 – free, 24/7)

7. Conduct and Boundaries

Counselling is a professional relationship. I will always work to maintain clear and respectful boundaries, including timekeeping and the therapeutic frame. In rare cases, if boundaries are persistently crossed (e.g., harassment or abuse), I may choose to end therapy in line with ethical guidance.

8. Third-Party Funded Sessions (e.g. Employers)

Where counselling is funded by an employer or organisation:

My primary duty of care remains with the client.
Sessions are confidential and no session content is shared with the third party.
Administrative time and reporting, if agreed, may incur additional charges.
Sessions are confidential, and no personal or session content will be shared with any third party unless you have given clear, written informed consent.

9. Ending Therapy

You are free to end therapy at any time. I encourage at least one closing session to reflect on your experience and the progress made. There may also be times when I recommend ending or pausing therapy if it is no longer beneficial or appropriate.

10. Online Counselling for Clients Outside the UK

I am a UK-based counsellor and a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Councelling and Psychotherpy Society (NCSP) . I work in line with the BACP and NCSP Ethical Framework and am insured to practise under UK law.

I offer online counselling to clients in the UK and to those based outside the UK, including clients in Ireland, countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), and a limited number of other international locationswhere such services are legally permitted.

Clients based outside the UK acknowledge and agree to the following:

The therapeutic relationship is delivered under the jurisdiction of England and Wales, and guided by UK professional standards.
I am not registered or licensed in countries outside the UK, and do not claim to practise under local laws.
It is the client’s responsibility to check whether receiving online counselling from a UK-based counsellor complies with the legal and professional requirements in their country of residence.

If you’re unsure whether working with me is appropriate for your location, feel free to get in touch.

Please note: I do not offer emergency or crisis mental health support. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please contact your local emergency services or crisis mental health providers.

11. Information Disclaimer

The content, links, and resources provided on this website are for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended as, and do not constitute, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely on any information on this website as a substitute for professional support from a qualified mental health practitioner. Use of this site does not establish a therapeutic or professional relationship.

13. Force Majeure

I will not be liable for any delay or failure to provide counselling services if such delay or failure is due to circumstances beyond my reasonable control. This may include (but is not limited to) events such as illness, technical failures, internet or power outages, extreme weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen emergencies.

In such cases, I will make reasonable efforts to contact you as soon as possible to reschedule the session.

12. Updates to Terms

These Terms may be updated periodically to reflect best practice. You will be notified of significant changes. The most recent version will always be available on this website.