These terms and conditions form a contract between you and your therapist for therapeutic work. It is important that you read and understand them before you agree to proceed with therapy. Please also refer to our privacy policy which outlines in more detail how we use your personal information you provide us with.
Initial Assessment The initial assessment session is a space to discuss your difficulties and the reasons you are seeking help. This will also be an opportunity for you to talk about what your expectations are for therapy and to set therapy goals. It will also be an opportunity to decide if the therapist's style of work suits your needs.
Following assessment, it is standard practice for the therapist to write to your GP to briefly summarize the assessment, and inform them that you are engaging in psychological therapy. Your therapist will discuss this with you at initial assessment. This is however, not compulsory. If you do not wish us to do so, you can discuss this with your therapist when you come for assessment.
Please note that the initial assessment is not a guarantee that therapy sessions will be offered. It may be that following assessment, the therapist may feel that they are not the best person to help you at the current time. Additionally, after assessment, if you feel that your therapist is not the right professional for you, there is no obligation to see them for further appointments. Either way, the therapist will endeavour to point you towards a source of help that meets your needs.
Confidentiality Overall, what is discussed in the sessions is strictly confidential between you and your therapist. However, there are some exceptional circumstances under which confidentiality will be breached for legal reasons, even without your permission, and they are: 1. If your therapist believes that you are a danger to yourself or to others, or 2. If there is sufficient evidence to raise concern of the health, welfare or safety of children or vulnerable adults. In these circumstances, your therapist will initially encourage you to contact an appropriate source of support/help. However, if it is felt that you are unable to do so, your therapist has a duty of care to make this contact. This will be discussed with you first before passing any information on to others and explained to you why your therapist has chosen to take this course of action.
There may be some occasions when it might be helpful for your therapist to speak to or write to your GP or other healthcare professional (about your medication or to update them about your treatment for example). Your therapist would gain your permission to do this. You will be copied into all correspondence sent about you, unless you request otherwise. Where necessary, your therapist may also ask you about who you give them consent to speak to about your treatment. This may be a relative or friend. What is discussed in sessions is strictly in confidence, and information will only be shared with others in this way after your consent has been gained.
As with all therapists, Clinical Psychologists receive regular clinical supervision sessions of their work. This is required in our code of conduct. We will discuss clients in these sessions in order for the supervisor to support the therapy offered and to ensure clients are receiving the best possible care. All supervision discussions are, however, anonymous, as to protect the identity of the client.
Professional Code of Conduct & Accountability There are several different types of therapists offering psychological help in varying ways. Some will be more suited to certain people and particular types of difficulties than others. Whichever type of therapist you choose to see, it is important you ensure that they are approved and registered with an appropriate professional body.
Practicing Clinical Psychologists are required to be registered with the national regulatory body, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Registration means that you can be safe in the knowledge that the service you receive is delivered by a suitably qualified Clinical Psychologist.
Many qualified Clinical Psychologists also look to achieve chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Chartered status reflects the highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and high ethical standards of practice.
Dr Liam Williams and Dr Laura Baxendale are fully insured Clinical Psychologists, registered with the HCPC. As with all therapists, Clinical Psychologists receive regular clinical supervision sessions of their work. This is required in our code of conduct. We will discuss clients in these sessions in order for the supervisor to support the therapy offered and to ensure clients are receiving the best possible care. All supervision discussions are, however, anonymous, as to protect the identity of the client.
Fees Please enquire with each therapist about their fees.
Home Visits Unfortunately, we are not able to offer home visits at the current time. All appointments are offered in our clinics.
Cancellation Policy If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please let your therapist know as soon as possible. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will be charged in full (whatever the reason) as the therapist may remain liable for room rental charges and the slot cannot be re-allocated to another individual. Health insurance clients may forfeit a session as a result of cancellations.
Cancellations made with more than 48 hours notice will not incur any charge.
Lateness and Non-Attendance of Sessions If you arrive late for your session, the session will still end at the same time. If you arrive early, please wait in reception and your therapist will come to collect you. If you do not attend a session and you have not contacted your therapist beforehand to inform them that you are unable to attend, it will be assumed that you no longer wish to continue with therapy and your sessions will be reallocated. The therapist will wait for 3 working days after your non-attended session to hear from you before re-allocating your session.
Holidays Please let your therapist know about any holidays or planned breaks with as much notice as possible to preserve the continuity of your work together. Your therapist will do the same.
Health Insurance If accessing therapy through health insurance, please check with your therapist to make sure that are registered with your provider and to make sure your policy is valid and that your sessions will be covered in full. You will be responsible for payment of all outstanding charges on your account, regardless of the cover you have. Support Outside of Sessions and Emergencies The therapists do not offer emergency support outside of sessions because they cannot guarantee their availability to you. Contact numbers and e-mails should only be used to communicate about appointment times or cancellations. If you are finding that you require additional support between sessions, please discuss this with your therapist and your GP. If you feel you are in danger in any way please contact the emergency services, your GP (out-of-hours GP can be contacted by calling 111) or the Samaritans (116 123 - free to call from any landline or mobile).