Agreement of Service - Caregivers 16-17YO

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Please review the agreement and terms of engagement below. Complete the form at the bottom with your details and submit.

Contracting is a standard part of counselling, psychotherapy, coaching, and leadership coaching, setting the foundation for our working relationship by clarifying expectations and processes. As a BACP member who has completed BACP-accredited training, it follows the BACP Ethical Framework to ensure a contract is in place before starting. For more details, please refer to the FAQ page.

Our relationship 

The contract outlines our working relationship in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Coaching in regards to being a caregiver/parent of a child who is 16/17 years old and engaging with my service. 

The child is seen as the client, who I am contracting to be working with. Meaning my priority focus is to ensure I facilitate an ethical service in the duty of them.

The main focus of the relationship between caregiver/parent and Chris is for being able to facilitate the arrangement of session scheduling and payments. Unless otherwise stipulated further below in some scenarios as outlined in this agreement.

Days & Times 

Once we agree to work together, the session day and time are reserved exclusively for the client. Sessions are typically held weekly, unless we agree on a different schedule, such as bi-weekly or monthly. Each session is 50 minutes unless otherwise arranged. Days, times, and session lengths can be adjusted if needed.

In-Person

We'll meet within the reception waiting area at our agreed time. The building management require a visitor log to be populated fire safety, so they can track how many people are within the building. As I offer a confidential service, you do not need to enter your details, but a random letter for the first and last name. Ensure you search for my name as 'Chris Murrell' from the menu. 

Online 

A private space is required where there will not be no disruption. I will be within a confidential room with only myself. If in the event we have technical difficulties, I will reach out by phone call. Online sessions will be offered using Google Meets, unless we agree otherwise.

Open Ended sessions

No specific number of sessions and/or dates have been agreed. These sessions are on an open, rolling basis. Until informed of an ending to the work by the client.

Its recommended that once informed of an ending, a last session is conducted to ensure a safe and ethical ending occurs.

Notice of Cancellations 

48 hours’ notice is required when a session cannot be attend. Where 48 hours or more of notice is provided, no charge applies for the session. If less than 48 hours notice is provided, sessions are still charged at full agreed rate. Where possible, an alternative slot can be offered. The appointments are reserved exclusively for the client until they decide to end. 

Missed sessions

Missed sessions are charged in full unless 48 hours’ notice has been provided. Where possible missed sessions can be rescheduled in the same week at no additional charge.

Late Attendance 

Session will still finish at its usual time and will not run over. Please provide notice of lateness. If no notice has been provided, 10 minutes into our session starting I will try to make contact, this is to ensure the client are safe and well.

Chris Cancellation of session

In the unlikely event that I need to cancel our session, I will inform you as soon as possible and offer another slot at no extra charge.

It is a professional and insurance requirement that written records of attendance and very

brief notes are made, these are kept for a period of 6 years after the end of our work.

After this all such records are destroyed. Record information and notes are securely stored electronically and further password protected. For more information on what notes are taken please click here 

The service I provide is confidential, meaning what the client shares shall remain between them and myself. However in in some circumstances, confidentially might have to be breached. In these cases, I will have an open discussion with the client and collaborate with them. Ensuring they are in control of such an event.

Risk to Self or Others

If the client or another person is at risk or harm, confidentially could be breached. This will be discussed with them if this possibility arises and where deemed appropriate, you could be informed. 

Illegal Activities 

Some activities such as Money Laundering & Terrorism by law are required to be reported.

Clinical Supervision 

I undertake regular clinical supervision to ensure good practice, any information regarding the sessions are anonymised to maintain confidentiality.

Outside of Sessions 

If we happen to see each other outside of sessions, I will not initially acknowledge you to maintain confidentiality and respect your privacy. You may be with someone who isn’t aware of your counselling. However, if you choose to acknowledge me, I will respond with a brief greeting. 

Information Sharing of Client Session Details to Caregivers/Parents 

Sessions are confidential between myself and the client, meaning if feedback, progress updates, reports or other information is requested, I am unable to share this information with yourselves. 

Parents/caregivers are to respectfully allow their child to lead in how much they choose to/or not share regarding sessions.

Communication with Parents/Caregivers

Communication between myself and Parents/Caregivers are limited to arrangements of session scheduling and payments. Other topics outside of the scope for session logistics are limited. This is to help ensure the relationship between myself and the client holds integrity towards trust and honesty. While ensuring only information shared by the client is known to myself and at thier own pacing. 

I am unable to provide advice and guidance for Parents/Caregivers. Any concerns held, it's recommended that these are openly discussed with their child to ensure open communication.

When written confirmation is requested by a third party on your behalf as the parent/caregiver or client, it is kept to a minimum. I cannot provide detailed reports on sessions or offer opinions or diagnoses unless agreed upon in advance. 

As I am independent from agencies and schools, I will not typically attend meetings, respond to requests for information/reports. 

If in the event I do provide a report, I will follow the confidentiality claws set in the agreement and this will be done in collaboration with the client, so they have full awareness and control

Payment Method & Details

payment by default is with bank transfer. Please use your first initial followed by surname as the reference. For example, C Murrell.

• Bank Details:
  • Account Name: Infulistic - Therapeutic Coaching
  • Sort Code: 04-03-33
  • Account Number: 21258060

Fees

• Individual Counselling, Psychotherapy and Coaching - Personal Consultancy
  • £85 per session

Payment Schedule 

Payment is required 48 hours before the session starts when paying by bank transfer.

Cash Payments

Cash payments can be accepted if agreed in advance, when making payments by cash, payment for the next session will be required during the current attended session.

Invoice/receipts  

Can be provided on request.

Block Payment 

Block payments can be made in advance for up to 4 sessions at a time rather than 48 hours before the session. When making a block payment, please inform me by email.

Block Payment with Cancelled Sessions 

If you've paid in advance for a block of sessions or by cash for the following session and cancel anyone session with at least 48 hours' notice, the payment can be carried forward or refunded. Refunds are processed via bank transfer within 10 business days and can be arranged by email.

3rd Party Payment

The payment agreement can differ if otherwise agreed in advance, for example where a 3rd party/Employer is paying on your behalf. Additional arrangements will be put in place.

Concessions 

Concessions to fees can apply if agreed in advance based on your personal circumstances as part of the consultation.  

A concession to fees can also be applied if your circumstances change over time in the future. All concessions are reviewed periodically within sessions.  

Fee Changes 

Fees are reviewed periodically, meaning there is a possibility that in the future fees could increase, inline with costs. In these cases, any increase will be communicated with reasonable notice.   

Non-payment for session

Where payment for a session has not been made, the planned session will not go ahead. Unless this has been agreed in advance.