Terms of service

Terms of Service / Client Agreement

Jamie Clarke Counselling

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service form the agreement between you (“the Client”) and Jamie Clarke Counselling (“we”, “us”, “our”). By booking and attending sessions, you agree to the terms outlined below.

These terms are designed to ensure clarity, fairness, and a safe, professional therapeutic relationship.

2. The Counselling Service

Counselling provides a confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is a collaborative process, and outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances.

  • Counselling is not a substitute for medical advice or psychiatric care

  • We do not provide crisis or emergency services

  • No specific outcomes can be guaranteed

You remain responsible for your own decisions and actions during and after therapy.

3. Appointments & Booking

Sessions must be booked in advance via our website or agreed directly.

  • Sessions typically last 60 minutes

  • Your session time is reserved exclusively for you

  • If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time

We may offer appointments with different therapists within the practice. If needed, we may suggest an alternative therapist who is better suited to your needs or availability.

4. Fees & Payment

  • All session fees are clearly displayed on our website

  • Payment is required in advance of each session unless otherwise agreed

  • If payment is not received within the stated timeframe, your appointment may be cancelled

We reserve the right to update fees, with reasonable notice provided.

5. Cancellations & Missed Sessions

We understand that plans can change. However, as your session time is reserved specifically for you:

  • At least 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule

  • Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) or missed sessions may be charged up to the full session fee

This policy ensures fairness and allows us to offer appointments to other clients.

6. Ending Therapy

You are free to end counselling at any time. However, we recommend:

  • Attending a final session where possible to bring closure

  • Providing at least one session’s notice where appropriate

We may also suggest ending or pausing therapy if:

  • We believe your needs fall outside our scope

  • Attendance becomes inconsistent

  • We feel another service would better support you

7. Confidentiality

All sessions are confidential. We will not share your information without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

  • Risk of serious harm to yourself or others

  • Safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults

  • Legal obligations (e.g. court order)

We may discuss aspects of our work in professional supervision, as required by ethical standards. Your identity will not be disclosed.

8. Data Protection (GDPR)

We are committed to protecting your personal data in line with UK GDPR.

We may hold:

  • Contact details

  • Session notes

  • Appointment history

Your data is stored securely and used only for the purpose of providing counselling services.

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your data

  • Request corrections

  • Request deletion where appropriate

For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

9. Online Sessions

For online counselling:

  • You are responsible for ensuring a private, quiet space

  • A stable internet connection is required

  • We are not responsible for technical issues outside our control

10. Risk & Crisis Support

We are not an emergency service.

If you are in crisis or feel at risk:

  • Contact your GP

  • Call NHS 111

  • Attend your nearest A&E department

If we believe there is a serious risk to your safety or others, we may take appropriate action in line with our duty of care.

11. Professional Standards

We work in accordance with recognised ethical guidelines for counselling practice. This includes maintaining professional boundaries, ongoing training, and regular supervision.

12. Limitation of Liability

While we aim to provide a high standard of care, we cannot be held liable for:

  • Decisions you make during or after counselling

  • Indirect or consequential losses arising from the use of our services

Nothing in these terms limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

14. Contact

If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us via the website.

By booking and attending sessions, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms of Service.