Terms and Conditions

Our Commitment to Your Care

At Causeway Therapy, we provide a trusted, professional presence and a safe, non-judgmental space. We are committed to a compassionate, professional partnership that helps you navigate difficult times and achieve lasting change.

• 1.1 Professional Standards: Our work is governed by the ethical frameworks of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and the UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy).
• 1.2 Relational Fit: The success of therapy depends on our relationship. The initial consultation is an opportunity to decide if we are a good relational fit. If it is determined that another service would better support your journey, we will signpost you to an alternative.
• 1.3 Ongoing Assessment: Assessment is an ongoing process. We will continually review your progress with you to ensure you are receiving the best support possible.

2. Practical Arrangements and Attendance

• 2.1 Session Frequency and Duration: Individual appointments are 50 minutes and couple sessions are one hour. To support consistency and therapeutic momentum, sessions are typically held weekly at an agreed time.
• 2.2 Online Therapy Protocol: For sessions via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, your therapist will initiate the call. Please ensure you are in a private, quiet space.
• 2.3 Digital Privacy: To protect the integrity of the therapeutic space, no recording (audio or video) of sessions is permitted by either party without prior written agreement.
• 2.4 Communication Between Sessions: Therapeutic contact is limited to our scheduled sessions. Emails or messages should be for administrative matters (scheduling or billing) only.
• 2.5 Social Media: To maintain professional boundaries and protect your privacy, we do not accept “friend” or “follow” requests from current or former clients on personal social media platforms.

3. Confidentiality and Public Encounters

Your privacy is paramount. While our sessions are strictly confidential, we also have protocols for encounters outside of the therapy room:

• 3.1 Encounters in Public: If we happen to see each other in a public setting (for example, in the local community), your therapist will not initiate a greeting or acknowledge you first. This is not meant to be impolite; it is a professional measure to protect your confidentiality and prevent others from questioning how we know each other. You may choose to say hello, but there is no obligation to do so.
• 3.2 Appropriate Behaviour: We ask that the therapeutic boundary is respected at all times to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the work.

4. Conduct and Capacity

• 4.1 A Respectful Environment: Please attend sessions free from the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
• 4.2 Right to Terminate: We reserve the right to end a session or the contract immediately if a client is deemed to lack the capacity to engage safely, or if behaviour is abusive or threatening.

5. Payments and Statutory Rights

• 5.1 Payment Terms: Fees are payable via BACS at the point of booking. To secure your appointment, payment must be received within 24 hours of the booking request.
• 5.2 Fee Reviews: Fees are reviewed periodically. We will provide at least 30 days’ notice before any price changes.
• 5.3 14-Day Cooling-Off Period: You have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the date of booking. By starting sessions within this window, you agree to waive the right to a full refund for sessions already conducted.

6. Cancellations and Holidays

• 6.1 Notice Period: We require at least two working days’ notice (Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm) for any changes or cancellations. Late cancellations or non-attendance will be charged the full fee.
• 6.2 Planned Breaks: We will provide as much notice as possible for any therapist holidays. We ask that you do the same for your own planned absences.

7. Ending Therapy

• 7.1 The Ending Process: You may terminate therapy at any time. However, to ensure a supportive conclusion to our work, we recommend discussing the ending over at least one final session to “bridge” the transition.
• 7.2 Clinical Will: For your care in the event of your therapist’s sudden incapacity, we have a Therapeutic Executor. They would have limited access to your contact details only to inform you and offer support. Details are in our Privacy Policy.

8. Ownership and Concerns

• 8.1 Intellectual Property: All content on the Causeway Therapy website is our intellectual property and may not be reproduced without permission.
• 8.2 Raising Concerns: If you have concerns, please speak with your therapist or contact Jane Spowart. Unresolved issues may be raised with the BACP or UKCP.
• 8.3 Indemnity: By accepting these terms, you agree to indemnify Causeway Therapy from all claims originating from the psychotherapy provided.

9. Emergency Crisis Policy

Causeway Therapy is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or a mental health crisis, please contact: 

• Emergency Services: 999 or attend your local A&E.
• NHS Urgent Care: 111.