Terms and conditions
Consultations
Before we begin therapy, you will have an initial consultation with me. This lasts an hour. We will discuss any issues you wish to change and how you would like me to help you. I will also spend some time explaining how our brains and bodies work, and how I can help you to change your thought patterns and behaviour in a way which uses knowledge of the neuroscience and chemistry in our brains to affect the change you want.
This consultation is completely free, and is not a commitment to therapy. At the end of the consultation we will book you in for your first session once you have confirmed that you are happy to proceed.
Appointments
All appointments last approximately 1 hour.
Please make sure that you are ready to start the session and have either arrived at my therapy space or logged onto our Zoom chat at the agreed start time.
If you think you’re going to be late, please let me know asap by call or text. Clients are responsible for the time they reserve for their appointment. If you’re late for your appointment the session will still end at the designated time, with no change in fee.
Online sessions
I run my online sessions via Zoom (unless otherwise agreed in the event that you would prefer to see me via Skype.) I will send you an invitation to the meeting with a time-sensitive link on the day of the session.
Please ensure that you have a steady internet connection, and are able to find a quiet comfortable space in which to sit during the session, to provide the option of being able to relax and enjoy hypnotherapy in peace and comfort each week.
If I feel somatic therapy would be useful for you, we can discuss what sort of exercises we might choose to explore, and work according to the space you have available.
In-person sessions
My therapy space is in a separate building from my home, providing privacy for my clients during our sessions.
My therapy space is kept clean, and hygiene is maintained throughout the day, after each client visit. I ventilate the space either during our sessions, or between each session, depending on the weather.
On arrival I will ask you to take your shoes off (as you may be relaxing with your feet up on the sofa if we choose to use hypnotherapy in session). Please bring either a pair of slippers of a pair of socks with you so that you can relax comfortably.
Make your that you are wearing clothes which allow you to move freely.
Please note that I do not have toilet facilities available to clients on site. However, there are facilities around the corner from my address at the Esso garage on New Road, a 2 minute walk from my office.
Please don’t attend your appointment if you’re feeling unwell, and especially you have any symptoms of Covid 19.
In the event that you’ve been unwell, and experienced symptoms that can indicate Covid 19, please make sure that you are fully recovered before returning.
Commitment
Therapy with The Better Minds Project is a fully collaborative process. You will be taught various techniques to help with your issue.
In order for therapy to be successful you’ll need to participate fully in the process, which means consistently practising these techniques and listening to the audio provided, in order to get the most out of our work together.
The success of therapy is dependent on your level of engagement in the process.
You need to be committed to making your desired changes, as well as to the therapeutic process as a whole.
The more effort you put into the process, the better and the quicker the results.
Conduct
I have the right to refuse therapy if you behave in an inappropriate way, or if you are intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
Payment
Hourly sessions (excluding the initial consultation) are charged at the rate stated on my website unless otherwise agreed. Rates for specific packages such as phobia treatments or smoking cessation can be found here.
Unless otherwise agreed, payment for online sessions must be made in full before the session begins. I will send you a business invoice, which you will be able pay directly from your bank account.
Payment for on-site sessions can be paid in full at the end of each session. I accept cash, or Paypal on-site. I don’t accept cheques. You can also pay in advance using PayPal should you wish to do so.
If you have made a booking for a block of 6 or 3 sessions I require payment at the full rate for the first sessions in the block, with your free session being the last in the block booking (in other words, your 6th or your 3rd booking).
Cancellation policy
When you book your appointment appointment you are reserving my time exclusively for your treatment. I run a busy practice and often have a waiting list.
I require at least 24 hours notice for cancellation of any appointment. For missed appointments and late cancellations, the full fee is payable. In circumstances where you have booked a block of sessions and you miss or cancel your free appointment within 24 hours of the time, the free session will be considered spent, just as you would still be charged for a paid session.
Please telephone or text me on 07989 713733 if you need to rearrange or cancel your appointment.
Please understand that it’s your responsibility to remember your appointment dates and times in order to avoid missed appointments and cancellation fees. You are always welcome to call and double check any appointments if you’re unsure.
Data & privacy policy
To see my full data protection and privacy policy click here.
Code of conduct
I carry full professional indemnity and public liability insurance and I am a registered member of the National Council for Psychotherapy, The National Council for Hypnotherapy, and the Association for Solution-Focused Hypnotherapists.
I accept and follow the principles set forth within the Code of Ethics as laid down by the NCH, NCP and AfSFH. A copy of these can be found on the their websites.
