Terms & Conditions

 
Here are my terms and conditions.

I've written them so you can understand whether I am the right professional for you, or whether you should instead see, for example, a clinical psychologist. If what I've written seems strict, it's because I've witnessed many unreasonable and opportunistic lawsuits in this field, by people who think that professionals are responsible for their behaviour or the behaviour of their family members. My service is only for people who take full responsibility for themselves - you know, proper grown-ups.  

​I am a qualified and registered counsellor. I offer you counselling, and also coaching as a subset of counselling.

People often confuse the differences between a counsellor, versus a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. Put simply, the difference is between a professional who helps with challenges in living well, versus those who deal in medical concepts of illness and disorder. Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness and psychiatric disorder. A counsellor like myself is trained to help with life challenges such as relationships, career, situational anxiety and depression, personal growth, and so on. I do not provide assessment, diagnosis, or treatment for mental disorders or for associated risks such as suicide. 

Some problems like depression and anxiety blur that distinction. So,

• If your depression seems to have arisen in response to a problem in your life - such as divorce, or a lack of direction, then I can help with it. I'll help you build your life in a better way.
  
• But if you have suffered depression for a long-time, sometimes to a debilitating degree, then you should see a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment and treatment.

If you come to me and I believe you should instead see one of those other professionals, then I will give them value in the session by offering a frank conversation and plan, for how to navigate the mental health system to your best advantage.

Due to the fact that I will not be assessing for mental illness or associated risks, if your mental health degenerates while using my service then it is your responsibility and not mine to notice that and to consult your GP for appropriate referral. The same applies to people whose competency and responsibility is impaired. I cannot be held responsible for mental health-related personal injuries which I have made clear I will not be assessing for.

Nothing that I say should be taking as legal or nutritional or exercise advice.

You are paying me for conversation with me in which I provide my advice and support. Your payment is not for any outcome, and I provide no guarantee of any outcome. This is because all outcomes of our work are solely your responsibility, for they are 100% dependent on your efforts. Furthermore, you are solely responsible for your decisions and actions in response to our conversations, and for any of their consequences. 

I reserve the right to cease providing services to you at any time and for any concern which I consider reasonable. In the event of such denial of further service I will provide you with a refund for any future sessions for which you have paid but not yet received.

You may reschedule any booked session with me, provided you give at least 24 hours notice. Cancellations of less than 24 hours notice incur the cost of the session. ​