Cancellations & Lateness
I aim to work with transparency and accountability.
I require a 48 hours notice for cancelling a session. I understand that life happens and, through honest conversations, when unexpected things happen, I can sometimes offer understanding for an odd, less than 48-hour, notice.
If in the unfortunate event, I have to cancel your session on my behalf, all efforts will be made to inform you with as much notice as possible.
In either event, we can negotiate and rearrange your session at another mutually suitable time/day, where possible, or agree to continue on our next usual scheduled session.
This policy is in place to honour the time allocated for you and maintain fairness for all clients.
Payment information
To secure your appointment, full payment is required no later than 24 hours of your booked session. Timely payment ensures I can maintain an efficient and effective schedule for all clients. Payment information will be provided during or after the introductory session.
Privacy policy
Any personal information you share with EMH Counselling, whether verbally, in writing, electronically, or through my website, will be securely stored and processed per the data protection principles outlined in the Data Protection Act 1998 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This will only be done for the purposes you have consented to and to deliver the requested services.
As a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I adhere to their strict ethical and professional standards. This ensures that I provide the highest level of confidentiality, safeguarding your privacy, maintaining trust, and respecting your autonomy as a client.
I take every possible measure to protect your personal information. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to meet legal requirements.
Confidentiality
As a therapist, I am legally and ethically obligated to always safeguard my clients’ confidentiality. What is shared in sessions remains private, and I treat everything you share with the utmost respect.
However, there are rare exceptions when confidentiality may be broken, such as in cases of safeguarding, an immediate/serious risk to your safety or others. This includes safeguarding issues regarding children or vulnerable adults, crimes regarding substantial financial gains and losses, and acts of terrorism.
If this occurs, I will discuss it with you during our session, if possible. Breaking confidentiality is uncommon but required by UK law and the NCPS to ensure a safe and ethical practice.
I do not communicate via text messaging for my practice, nor do I store client phone numbers on my phone. I will do my best to check my emails regularly, except when I am on holiday. When checking your inbox for my email, please check your spam too.
Regular supervision is a key part of my counselling practice. The supervisor is a more experienced counsellor, usually with additional training in supervision and we work together to ensure I am always acting in the best interests of my clients, practising ethically and safely. While I may discuss the content of therapeutic sessions with them, client identities remain confidential.