Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions
Last Updated: 20 March 2025

Welcome to Laura Uezzell Counselling. By booking and attending therapy sessions, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions. These terms apply to all clients engaging in therapy services, whether for individual or couples therapy.

1. Services

1.1 Therapy sessions are available for individuals and couples, either in person or online, by prior arrangement.
1.2 Individual therapy sessions last approximately 50 minutes, and couples therapy sessions last either 60 or 90 minutes, depending on prior agreement.
1.3 If a client arrives late, the session will still end at the scheduled time, and the full session fee remains payable.
1.4 Clients must engage in therapy respectfully; inappropriate behaviour may result in termination of services.
1.5 Clients must not attend a session under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances or if they have consumed such substances on the same day.
1.6 Sessions must be booked directly with the therapist.

2. Fees & Payment Terms

2.1 The current fee schedule is available on the Laura Uezzell Counselling website or upon request. Fees may be updated periodically, with notice provided in advance.
2.2 Payment must be made in full before the session.
2.3 If payment is not received prior to the session, the therapist reserves the right to cancel the appointment.
2.4 Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are chargeable at the full session rate.
2.5 Reduced-cost sessions may be available at the therapist’s discretion, subject to availability.

3. Cancellation Policy

3.1 Clients must provide at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session.
3.2 Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled session will incur the full session fee.
3.3 If the therapist cancels a session, reasonable efforts will be made to offer an alternative appointment.

4. Confidentiality & Data Protection

4.1 All therapy sessions are confidential in accordance with professional ethics and UK law. However, confidentiality may be breached in the following circumstances:

Immediate Risk: If a client poses an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.
Child Protection: As required under the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
Terrorism: Under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery: Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Money Laundering: Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Drug Trafficking: Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Court Orders: If required by a valid court order.
Legal & Ethical Obligations: Any other legal or ethical obligation that requires disclosure.

4.2 In cases where confidentiality must be breached, clients will be informed where possible unless doing so would increase risk.
4.3 Confidentiality does not apply in emergencies where the client requires urgent assistance. If a client is in crisis, they should contact emergency services.
4.4 For online sessions, clients must inform the therapist of their location at the start of each session in case of an emergency.
4.5 In couples therapy, confidentiality applies to the couple as a unit. The therapist will not keep secrets for one client from the other unless there is a risk of harm.

5. Data Protection & Client Rights

5.1 The therapist complies with UK GDPR 2018 and the Data Protection Act 2018 regarding the processing and storage of personal data.
5.2 Client records are securely stored for seven (7) years in compliance with legal and professional standards before being securely disposed of.
5.3 Clients have the right to request access to their personal data, request corrections, or request deletion where appropriate.

6. Professional Supervision

6.1 The therapist engages in professional supervision as part of best practice. Case discussions in supervision are anonymised, and no identifiable client information is shared.

7. Feedback, Complaints & Professional Boundaries

7.1 The therapist maintains professional boundaries at all times, and no personal or social relationships will be formed outside of therapy.
7.2 Clients are encouraged to share feedback about their therapy experience.
7.3 If clients have concerns, they should first discuss them with the therapist.
7.4 If concerns remain unresolved, clients may escalate complaints to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) via their website: www.bacp.co.uk.

8. Termination of Therapy

8.1 Either the client or the therapist may terminate therapy at any time. However, it is recommended that at least one session be scheduled to discuss ending therapy appropriately.
8.2 The therapist may terminate services if the client breaches this agreement, including failure to pay fees, inappropriate behaviour, or repeated missed sessions.
8.3 If therapy is terminated, the client may request referrals for alternative support.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Therapy is a professional service aimed at emotional support and personal development but does not guarantee specific outcomes.
9.2 While every effort is made to provide a safe and effective therapeutic space, Laura Uezzell Counselling is not liable for any distress, emotional discomfort, or personal decisions made by clients during or after therapy.
9.3 The therapist is not responsible for any harm, injury, or loss arising from the client’s interpretation of therapy discussions or actions taken outside of sessions.
9.4 Clients engaging in therapy acknowledge that they are responsible for their own mental health and wellbeing and should seek additional medical or psychiatric support where necessary.

10. Governing Law

10.1 This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

For any queries regarding these terms, please contact Laura Uezzell Counselling via the details provided on the website.