Terms & Conditions

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of counselling services provided by Tash Thomas-Still Counselling ("I", "me", "my", or "the Service") and your use of the website tashcounselling.co.uk ("the Website").

By booking a counselling session or using the Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of these terms, please do not use my services or the Website.

2. Counselling Services

2.1 Nature of Services

I provide professional counselling services including:

• Individual counselling for adults and young people (14+)
• Trauma and PTSD support
• Domestic abuse recovery
• Sexual trauma support
• Anxiety and depression counselling
• Bereavement and loss counselling
• Walk and talk therapy
• Online and phone counselling

2.2 Professional Standards

I am a BACP registered counsellor and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework. My practice is:

• Trauma-informed
• Person-centred
• Anti-oppressive
• Integrative

2.3 Not a Crisis Service

3. Booking and Appointments

3.1 Initial Consultation

I offer a free 30-minute initial consultation via phone or Microsoft Teams. This is an opportunity to:

• Discuss what brings you to counselling
• Ask questions about the process
• Determine if we're a good therapeutic fit
• Agree on practical arrangements

3.2 Session Booking

Sessions can be booked by:

• Email: tashts.counselling@outlook.com
• Phone/Text: 07961600460
• Website: Contact form on this website

3.3 Session Format

Aspect	Details
Duration	60 minutes (1 hour)
Frequency	Weekly, fortnightly, or as agreed
Format	In-person, online (Teams/Zoom), walk & talk, or phone
Location	Exeter & East Devon (specific address provided upon booking)

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Session Fees

• Standard Rate: £55 per 60-minute session
• Initial Consultation: Free (30 minutes)
• Reduced Rates: May be available at my discretion for those experiencing financial hardship

4.2 Payment Terms

Payment Method	Requirements
Bank Transfer	Payment required 48 hours before the session
Cash	Accepted on the day for in-person sessions only

Bank details will be provided upon booking.

4.3 Non-Payment

If payment is not received as agreed, I reserve the right to:

• Cancel the session
• Suspend future bookings until payment is received
• Take appropriate action to recover outstanding fees

5. Cancellation Policy

5.1 Client Cancellations

Notice Period	Charge	Options
48+ hours notice	No charge	Session can be rescheduled
Less than 48 hours	Full session fee	Fee must be paid before next session
Non-attendance	Full session fee	Fee must be paid before next session

5.2 Therapist Cancellations

If I need to cancel a session, I will:

• Give you as much notice as possible
• Offer to reschedule at your convenience
• Not charge for the cancelled session

5.3 Exceptional Circumstances

Cancellation fees may be waived in cases of:

• Serious illness or medical emergency
• Bereavement
• Other exceptional circumstances at my discretion

6. Confidentiality

6.1 Confidentiality Agreement

Everything discussed in counselling sessions is confidential, with specific legal and ethical exceptions outlined below.

6.2 Limits to Confidentiality

I may need to break confidentiality if:

• There's risk of serious harm to yourself
• There's risk of serious harm to another person
• A child or vulnerable adult is at risk
• I'm legally required to do so (court order)
• Terrorism or money laundering is disclosed

6.3 Professional Supervision

I discuss my work in professional supervision to ensure best practice. Cases are discussed anonymously, and my supervisor is also bound by confidentiality.

6.4 Record Keeping

• Brief notes are kept securely for 7 years (BACP requirement)
• You have the right to request access to your records
• Records are destroyed securely after the retention period

7. Client Responsibilities

7.1 Your Commitments

To make the most of counselling, you agree to:

• Attend sessions as scheduled
• Arrive on time (sessions end at the scheduled time regardless of late arrival)
• Engage honestly and openly within your comfort level
• Respect boundaries of the therapeutic relationship
• Make payment as agreed
• Provide accurate contact information

7.2 Behaviour Standards

I maintain a safe, respectful environment. The following are not tolerated:

• Violence or threats of violence
• Harassment or discrimination
• Attending sessions under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Recording sessions without permission

8. Online Sessions

8.1 Technical Requirements

For online sessions, you need:

• Stable internet connection
• Device with camera and microphone
• Microsoft Teams or Zoom installed
• Private, quiet space

8.2 Online Session Agreement

• Ensure privacy and confidentiality in your space
• Have a backup contact method available
• Technical issues don't extend session time
• Sessions are not recorded without explicit consent

9. Walk & Talk Therapy

9.1 Special Considerations

• Routes chosen for privacy and accessibility
• Weather-dependent (alternative arrangements available)
• Appropriate footwear and clothing required
• Pace adjusted to your comfort

9.2 Confidentiality Outdoors

While I choose quiet routes, we may encounter others. We'll pause therapeutic conversation naturally if needed.

10. Young People (14-17)

10.1 Parental Involvement

• Young people 14+ can consent to counselling
• Parental awareness encouraged but not always required
• Confidentiality extends to young people (with safeguarding exceptions)
• Gillick competence assessed individually

10.2 Safeguarding

I have enhanced safeguarding responsibilities for clients under 18, following local safeguarding procedures.

11. Therapeutic Boundaries

11.1 Professional Relationship

Our relationship is professional and therapeutic. This means:

• No dual relationships (friendship, business, etc.)
• No contact outside scheduled sessions except for booking/cancellation
• No social media connections
• Limited self-disclosure from therapist

11.2 Gifts

Small token gifts may be accepted at ending, but are not expected or encouraged.

12. Ending Therapy

12.1 Planned Endings

Ideally, we'll plan the ending of therapy together, allowing time to:

• Review progress
• Consolidate learning
• Plan for the future
• Say goodbye properly

12.2 Unplanned Endings

Either party may end therapy at any time. If you choose to end suddenly, I encourage a final session for closure.

12.3 Therapist-Initiated Ending

I may end therapy if:

• I believe I can no longer help you effectively
• Boundaries are repeatedly violated
• Non-payment of fees
• It's in your best interest to see a different therapist

13. Complaints Procedure

If you're unhappy with any aspect of my service:

1. Discuss it with me directly if possible
2. Follow my formal Complaints Procedure
3. Contact BACP if not resolved

14. Insurance and Liability

14.1 Professional Insurance

I maintain appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

14.2 Limitation of Liability

While I provide professional counselling services, I cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Therapy effectiveness depends on many factors including client engagement.

14.3 Personal Property

I'm not responsible for loss or damage to personal property during sessions.

15. Website Terms

15.1 Website Content

• Content is for informational purposes only
• Not a substitute for professional advice
• No therapeutic relationship created through website use alone

15.2 Intellectual Property

All website content is protected by copyright. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission.

15.3 External Links

Links to third-party sites are provided for convenience. I'm not responsible for their content or practices.

16. Data Protection

Your personal data is handled according to our Privacy Policy, complying with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

17. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

18. Changes to Terms

I reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of services after changes constitutes acceptance.

19. Contact Information