Client autonomy

The therapist is responsible for working in ways that promote the client's control over his/her own life.

The therapist respects the client's ability and responsibility to make decisions and change in the light of his/her own beliefs and values.

The client is asked to offer at least four sessions notice prior to closure, to enable both parties to work through issues of separation.

Confidentiality

Information given and records made during therapy will be kept confidential except where the therapist has good grounds to believe the client will cause significant harm to others or themselves. If this happens the therapist will make every reasonable effort to persuade the client that change in agreement is necessary, unless there are grounds for believing the client is no longer responsible for his/her actions. The decision to break confidentiality will be with the client's consent except where there is clear evidence of danger to the client or others. Such a decision will only be made after consultation with the therapist's supervisor.

Access to records

At the client's request, he/she will receive access to his/her records, information re availability of the records to others and the degree of security with which they are kept.

Supervision

The therapist receives professional supervision, in which the same commitment to confidentiality is made.

Charges

To meet running costs, charges are made per session. For information about current rates, please contact Ruach.

The client is responsible for payment of fees for any agreed sessions that he/she has failed to attend.

The therapist reserves the right to alter the charge for therapy offered. Notice of one month will be offered about any such change to therapy charges.

Where a client is experiencing financial hardship, the therapist and client will negotiate more suitable payment terms or a reduced fee for the therapy offered.

Complaints procedure

The client is encouraged to express any doubts, difficulties or blocks experienced during the therapy to the therapist, before sharing with anyone else.

The Universties Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (UPCA) has an established complaints procedure. Any complaint should be made verbally or in writing to the therapist. If there is no satisfactory conclusion the complaint should be made in writing to the Chairperson of the UPCA.