Counselling Contract
Acorn Therapy
Counselling: A Guide to Working Together
Counselling with Denis K. Victor, BA (Hons), MBACP
Integrative Counsellor | Acorn Therapy
1. About this guide
This guide explains how we will work together in counselling and what you can expect from me. It is intended as a practical set of guidelines rather than a formal legal document.
I offer face-to-face counselling in Cheltenham and online counselling across the UK. I work with teenagers, university students, young adults and parents, welcoming people from different backgrounds, cultures and life experiences.
My aim is to offer a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space where you can explore what is happening in your life at your own pace. You do not need to have all the answers or even know where to begin.
2. Sessions, fees and cancellations
Sessions normally last 50 minutes, at a fee of £50 per session, unless we agree otherwise.
Sessions are usually arranged weekly, or at another mutually agreed frequency.
Payment is normally required in advance, unless we agree on another arrangement.
Please give at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange a session. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged at the full session fee. Exceptional circumstances will be considered.
Please arrive or connect on time. Sessions cannot normally be extended if you arrive late. If you are 15 minutes or more late without contacting me, the session may be treated as missed.
If you have concerns about fees or payments, please speak to me so we can discuss them.
3. What counselling involves
Counselling is a process we work through together. I use an integrative approach, adapting the way I work to your individual needs and circumstances.
You do not have to talk about everything straight away. If talking feels difficult, we can explore other ways of expressing yourself, where appropriate.
Counselling is not about judging you, telling you how to live or making decisions for you. It is an opportunity to understand yourself, explore difficulties and consider possible ways forward. Progress can take time, and a particular outcome cannot be guaranteed.
4. Confidentiality and privacy
What you share in counselling is treated confidentially. I will respect your privacy and handle your personal information in accordance with applicable data-protection requirements.
There are limits to confidentiality. I may need to share relevant information if:
There is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else.
There are significant safeguarding concerns, particularly involving a child or vulnerable person.
Disclosure is required by law or is necessary for another lawful safeguarding reason.
Where possible, I will discuss this with you before sharing information. However, this may not always be possible if urgent action is needed.
I also attend professional supervision to reflect on my work and maintain safe, ethical practice. Relevant information may be discussed confidentially, with identifying details minimised wherever possible.
Please see the Acorn Therapy Privacy Policy for further information about how your data is handled.
5. Teenagers, parents and carers
When working with teenagers, I aim to respect the young person’s voice, privacy and developing independence.
Parents or carers may be involved where appropriate, particularly at the beginning of counselling. We will discuss the arrangements for their involvement and what information may be shared.
A parent or carer will not automatically be entitled to everything discussed in a young person’s sessions. Confidentiality may need to be limited where there are safeguarding concerns, a serious risk of harm or a legal requirement to share information.
Consent and appropriate arrangements will be discussed before counselling begins.
6. Online and face-to-face sessions
For online counselling, please choose a quiet, private and safe place where you can speak freely. You will need a suitable device and reliable internet connection.
If we lose the connection, we will try to reconnect or agree on an alternative arrangement.
For face-to-face sessions, we will agree on the location beforehand. Please let me know if you are unwell and may need to rearrange or meet online.
Please do not attend sessions while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, as this may affect your ability to participate safely.
7. Contact between sessions and emergencies
You may contact me between sessions about appointments or practical arrangements. I normally respond during my working hours. Messages are not a substitute for counselling or urgent support.
Acorn Therapy is not an emergency or crisis service, and I do not provide 24-hour support.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or attend A&E. In the UK, you can contact NHS 111 for urgent health advice where available, or Samaritans on 116 123 for emotional support.
8. Ending counselling or raising concerns
You can choose to end counselling at any time. Where possible, I encourage us to discuss this so that we can bring our work to a thoughtful close.
I may also recommend ending counselling or seeking additional support if another service would better meet your needs. Where possible, we will discuss this together.
If something about our work does not feel right, please tell me. I welcome honest feedback and will do my best to address your concerns. You can also refer to the Acorn Therapy Complaints Procedure.
9. Our shared understanding
Counselling works best when we can communicate openly, respect each other and discuss any difficulties that arise.
By beginning counselling, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to read this guide, ask questions and discuss anything you do not understand. You also understand the arrangements for fees, cancellations, confidentiality and safeguarding.
My commitment is to approach our work with care, respect and professionalism. Your part is to engage in the process in whatever way feels manageable for you.
Thank you for choosing Acorn Therapy. I look forward to working with you.
Counsellor: Denis K. Victor, BA (Hons), MBACP
Practice: Acorn Therapy
Website: acorntherapy.co.uk
Email: [email protected]