Counselling Agreement
This Agreement is made between:
● Counsellor / Therapist:
Name: __________________________
Address: ________________________
Contact (phone / email): ___________
and
● Client:
Name: __________________________
Address: ________________________
Contact (phone / email): ___________
Date of Agreement: _______________
1. Purpose & Scope
1.1 The counsellor will provide counselling / therapy sessions to the client in accordance with
ethical guidelines and good practice.
1.2 This Agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which the counselling will be
provided, including rights, responsibilities, confidentiality, fees, cancellation, etc.
2. Session Details
2.1 Session length: 60 minutes
2.2 Frequency / schedule: e.g. weekly / fortnightly / as agreed between both parties
2.3 Location / format: via video
2.4 Initial commitment / review: e.g. an initial block of 3 sessions, after which the situation
is reviewed, or open-ended until mutually agreed ending.
3. Fees & Payment
3.1 The fee per session is: £45
3.2 Payment is due: by bank transfer / other method
3.3 Notice of fee changes: the counsellor will provide at least one month’s notice of any
change in fee
3.4 If a client has an outstanding balance, the counsellor may withhold further sessions until
balance is cleared.
4. Cancellation, Rescheduling & Non-attendance
4.1 The client is required to give 24 hours notice (commonly 24 or 48 hours) to cancel or
reschedule a session.
4.2 If sufficient notice is not given, the full session fee is payable.
4.3 If the counsellor cancels a session (e.g. due to illness), they will give as much notice as
possible and will either reschedule or not charge the client.
4.4 If the client fails to attend two (or more) consecutive sessions without communication,
the counsellor may consider the contract ended (unless earlier agreed otherwise).
5. Confidentiality & Exceptions
5.1 All sessions and information disclosed are confidential and will not be shared without the
client’s consent.
5.2 Exceptions to confidentiality (when the counsellor may be required to break
confidentiality) include:
● If the client is at risk of serious harm to self or others
● Disclosure or suspicion of abuse (especially of children or vulnerable adults)
● If required by law (court order, safeguarding, etc.)
● Other situations as required under professional / regulatory frameworks
5.3 The counsellor may discuss anonymised material in supervision (without revealing
identity) to ensure good practice.
5.4 Notes / records: the counsellor may keep brief notes. These are stored securely and in
compliance with data protection laws (see below).
6. Data Protection & Record Keeping
6.1 The counsellor will comply with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
6.2 Personal data collected: name, contact details, assessment information, session notes,
etc.
6.3 Storage: locked cabinet, encrypted digital files
6.4 Retention period: data will be kept for a defined period (1 year) after which it will be
safely destroyed.
6.5 The client has rights under data protection law (access, correction, erasure, etc.)
7. Termination & Ending Therapy
7.1 Therapy may be ended by either party, with notice (commonly one week).
7.2 If either party feels therapy is no longer beneficial, termination may be discussed and a
mutually agreed ending arranged.
7.3 The counsellor reserves the right to terminate if they believe they cannot continue (e.g.
client’s needs fall outside expertise). The counsellor should refer the client to other support
where possible.
7.4 In terminating, both parties will ideally plan an ending (final session) rather than abruptly
stopping.
8. Limitations, Responsibilities & Liabilities
8.1 The counsellor does not guarantee specific outcomes or results from therapy.
8.2 The client agrees to actively engage, attend sessions, and to be honest in the work.
8.3 The counsellor’s liability is limited to direct losses; the counsellor will not be liable for
indirect or consequential losses (except in cases of gross negligence, fraud, or death or
personal injury due to negligence).
8.4 Nothing in this Agreement shall limit liability for death or personal injury caused by
negligence or liability which cannot legally be excluded.
10. Miscellaneous
10.1 Governing law & jurisdiction: This Agreement is governed by the laws of England &
Wales (or Scotland / Northern Ireland as applicable), and disputes will be subject to the
courts of that jurisdiction.
10.2 Variation: Any variation of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both
parties.
10.3 Severability: If any clause is found invalid, the rest remains in force.
10.4 Entire agreement: This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the
parties regarding its subject matter.
10.5 Notices: Any notices under this Agreement must be in writing and sent to the
addresses specified above (or as updated in writing).
11. Acceptance & Signatures
By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agree to abide by
the terms set out above.
Client signature: _______________________ Date: ____________
Counsellor signature: ___________________ Date: ____________