These Terms & Conditions apply to all counselling services provided by Stillpoint Counselling and form part of the agreement between you and your counsellor. They set out clearly what you can expect from us, and what we ask of you in return, so that your time in therapy can be focused entirely on your wellbeing. Please read them carefully, and feel free to raise any questions before your first session.
 

1.  About Stillpoint Counselling

Stillpoint Counselling provides integrative counselling to individual clients, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to the person rather than a fixed method. We are committed to providing a professional, warm, and inclusive space, welcoming clients from all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.

2.  Session Format
Sessions take place in person, online, or by telephone, in whichever format suits you best. This is agreed with your counsellor ahead of your first session.
Sessions typically last 50 minutes and take place on a regular, agreed basis. There is no minimum number of sessions required. We generally recommend an initial four sessions, as this is usually sufficient time to begin noticing meaningful benefit from therapy. Your progress will be reviewed together on a regular basis, and you are free to continue for as long as feels right for you.

3.  Fees & Payment
Each session costs £50. Payment is due no later than 48 hours before your scheduled session. Where a session is booked online, payment is required at the time of booking. Payment can be made by clicking the “Pay Now” button on your invoice, or by bank transfer, using your initials and the session date as reference, bank details will be provided before the start of your first session. Fees are reviewed periodically. You will be given advance notice of any changes before they take effect.

4.  Cancellations & Rescheduling
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. As payment is required in advance, cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice are non-refundable, except in cases of genuine emergency, which will always be considered individually and with care.
Should we ever need to cancel a session, we will let you know with as much advance warning as we can, and any fee already paid will be refunded or credited toward a future appointment. If you arrive late for a session, it will still end at the scheduled time, in order to protect the time allocated to other clients.

5.  Confidentiality
Everything discussed in your sessions is treated as confidential. There are a small number of exceptions, in keeping with standard ethical and legal practice:

• If your safety, or someone else's, is genuinely at risk.

• If we have concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.

• If we are legally required to share information, for instance under a court order.

• During anonymised clinical supervision, as described below.

Wherever possible, any need to set aside confidentiality will be discussed with you first.

6.  Clinical Supervision
In line with good, ethical practice, your counsellor takes part in regular clinical supervision to reflect on their work. Sessions may be discussed in this context, but always anonymously; no identifying details are shared.

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7.  Professional Registration & Insurance
All practitioners at Stillpoint Counselling are appropriately qualified, registered with a recognised professional body, and covered by professional indemnity insurance. Current practitioner details are set out below. Copies of relevant registration and insurance certificates are available upon request.

8.  Data Protection & Records
Your personal information is stored securely, using an appropriate secure platform, and handled in accordance with UK data protection law. A separate privacy policy, setting out in full how your information is collected, used, and protected, will be provided to you.

Stillpoint Counselling is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), registration number ZC204298.
Records relating to adult clients are retained for 7 years following your last contact with us, in line with recognised professional guidance.
Records relating to clients who were under the age of 18 at the time of therapy are retained until their 25th birthday, or for 8 years following their last contact with us if this is later. You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of the information we hold about you. Requests should be made in writing, and we will respond within one calendar month.

9.  Emergency & Crisis Support
Counselling offers space to reflect and process, but it is not an emergency or crisis service, and your counsellor is not available outside of sessions for urgent support. If you are in crisis or at risk of harm, please contact:

• 999, or your nearest A&E, if you or someone else is in immediate danger

• Samaritans — free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123

• NHS 111 for urgent, non-emergency support

• Your GP, who can also offer support and onward referral
   

10.  Contact Between Sessions
For practical matters, such as rearranging a session, please contact us by email or telephone. We aim to respond within 24 hours. If you are experiencing a crisis, please refer to the emergency support details above.

11.  Ending Therapy
You are free to end therapy whenever feels right for you, and are under no obligation to explain or justify this decision. Where possible, we recommend a final session to close the therapeutic relationship, though this remains entirely your choice.

12.  Complaints Procedure
If you are ever unhappy with any aspect of your experience, we ask that you raise this directly with us in the first instance, as most concerns can be resolved through open conversation. Full details of how complaints are handled are set out in our Complaints Policy, available from your counsellor or on request. If you wish to take the matter further, you may contact:

• The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), regarding professional conduct — bacp.co.uk

• The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), regarding the handling of your personal data — ico.org.uk

• Complaints can also be sent to us directly at complaints@stillpointne.co.uk.
   

13.  Amendments to These Terms
These Terms & Conditions may be updated from time to time. You will be notified of any changes that affect you before they take effect.

14.  Contact Information

• General enquiries: info@stillpointne.co.uk

• Complaints: complaints@stillpointne.co.uk

• Phone: 07398 089724

• Website: stillpointne.co.uk
   

15.  Client Acknowledgement
By booking and attending a session with Stillpoint Counselling, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.