What we discuss in these sessions will be confidential and treated with respect. The counsellor is required to discuss their work with a clinical supervisor; however, identifiable information is withheld, and the supervisor is also bound by confidentiality.

The limitations to confidentiality are:

• There is a risk of you harming yourself or being harmed

• There is a risk of another person being harmed

• There is a risk of a serious crime being committed

Sessions:

Counselling will occur initially for 6 sessions and progress will be reviewed thereafter. If beneficial and necessary, counselling may be offered on an ongoing basis with reviews occurring at regular intervals.

Counselling is voluntary; therefore, you can end counselling at any time. As a courtesy, you should inform the counsellor if you have decided to end counselling. Counselling sessions will normally last for 50 minutes and will be spaced according to your needs.

Cancellations: You are required to give at least 24 hours’ notice (where possible) of any cancellation of an appointment and Olive Counselling will give the same notice of cancellation (where possible). If you cancel or do not attend 2 appointments within the 6-session contract and if we do not hear from you within 5 working days, the remainder of the sessions will be cancelled.

Boundaries: As your counsellor, I am committed to providing an ethical service adhering to a code of professional conduct. If for any reason you are unhappy with the service you are receiving, we have a complaints procedure available. You are also within your right to request another counsellor if you feel the need to do so.

Counselling will be provided at an arranged time.

Contact outside of the scheduled time will only be made to cancel or reschedule a counselling session.

If you are taking prescribed medication you should continue to do so as directed by your doctor. It is also advisable to continue any other ongoing assistance such as doctor or psychiatrist.

Please sign to clarify that you have understood the terms and conditions mentioned above.