Review of Fees
The level of fees is reviewed once per year and any changes take effect from January 1st. If any changes are deemed necessary they will only apply to new or renewed contracts.
Method of Payment
By card or cash at the conclusion of each session for private individuals or by IBAN or PayPay transfer by agreement. Payments by invoice for EAP/company/agency schemes etc.
Cancellations
All missed appointments are payable at the usual fee unless 48 hours notification is given. This must be emailed to info@nextsteptherapy.ie or texted to 089 454 2652
Late Arrivals
It is expected that the session will begin at the agreed time. Any session that begins after this time due to late arrival for whatever reason cannot be extended beyond the agreed finish time.
Re-Contracting
It is hoped (and intended) that our therapeutic relationship will have helped to overcome the presenting problems/difficulties etc. sufficient to enable you to develop a greater purpose and autonomy in your life without the support and continuation of further counselling. Of course this is something that, whilst remaining an objective of my work, cannot be predicted, as each individual client brings into the therapeutic work, present day behaviours, childhood traumas, patterns of relating, coping mechanisms, particular perspectives and expectations etc. from their own diverse and unique life experience. Often the ‘presenting problem’ or the reason for seeking counselling can act as a facilitator of other
unknown or hidden emotional material that then emerges in to consciousness as a result of the initial sessions. If so, further work can begin to help resolve the difficulties etc. should you choose to do so.
Referral
It may also be possible that our work together may have successfully highlighted the need for me to recommend a referral to another counselling/psychotherapist practitioner for some form of specialist therapy etc. beyond the scope of my professional training and experience. Alternatively it may (for example) include a referral to your GP for possible medication/or GP referral to another HSE consultant etc.
Supervision
Supervision is conducted in accordance with the IACP/IAAAC/IAHIP guidelines for supervised client-work. As part of my supervision or due to my own on-going training requirements it may be necessary to audio-tape part of or a complete session from time-to-time. You have the right to decline any request that I might make in this regard. However, should you agree to my request, I will give you at least two weeks’ notice of my intention to use an audiotape, and should you wish, I will provide you with a copy of the taped session. Any tape recordings that I do make will be erased immediately after the purpose of the recording has been discharged.
The contract also specifies that after the session, confidential notes may be made by me about the content and process of the counselling sessions but that you will not be identified in any way. The notes are to help me follow the counselling process and identify patterns etc. Also, I will explain that I have supervision, either with one supervisor or within a confidential peer group setting. Supervision is something that every practising counsellor must have to maintain client and counsellor safety during counselling. The supervisor will not be told anything which identifies you; it is the counselling issues that are discussed – perhaps there are problems with client/counsellor transference or the counsellor is having difficulty dealing with certain issues because they impinge upon his/her own experiences
Confidentiality & Ethical Practice
It is agreed that the content of our work together will be conducted in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Confidentiality is absolute and whatever you disclose in a counselling session is never revealed outside the session in connection with your name, neither is your identity ever revealed to anyone. This has certain legal exceptions i.e. if you genuinely threaten to kill others or if you tell me that you intend to kill someone, have sexually abused a child or killed someone already.
Also, if you state that you intend to kill yourself and I believe that you mean to do so, then I will need to inform a doctor or emergency services that you are in danger. I must inform the appropriate authorities in all these exceptions to complete confidentiality and will tell you that I am obliged to do so. This is to protect me, yourself and others and is a legal requirement.
Research
I am constantly doing research to update my skills and to maintain my professional standing. This means that I might occasionally ask you to fill out questionnaires. You are completely free to refuse to do so and this will not impact on our therapeutic relationship. The information you give will be anonymised and can never be linked with you.