Client Agreement for Clients Aged 18 and Over

Client Online Contract for Art Psychotherapy and Integrative Counselling

(For Clients Aged 18 and Over – In Accordance with IACP Guidelines)

1. Introduction

This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the therapeutic relationship between Sheila Burton Counselling (“the Therapist”) and the Client. Its purpose is to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the therapeutic process, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and the practical arrangements relating to online therapy.

By signing this agreement, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined below.

2. Nature and Scope of Therapy

• Therapy provides a confidential and supportive space to explore emotional, psychological, relational, and personal difficulties.

• Integrative counselling and art psychotherapy may involve verbal discussion, creative expression, reflective exercises, and exploration of thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and experiences.

• No artistic skill or experience is required to participate in art psychotherapy.

• Therapy is a collaborative process. While every effort will be made to support therapeutic goals, no specific outcomes can be guaranteed.

• Sessions are 50 minutes in duration and will usually take place weekly unless otherwise agreed.

• Clients are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding the therapeutic process openly with the therapist.

3. Confidentiality and Its Limits

All information shared within therapy is treated as confidential.

Confidentiality may be limited where:

• There is concern that the client may present a serious and immediate risk of harm to themselves or another person.

• There are safeguarding concerns relating to a child, vulnerable adult, or protected person.

• Disclosure is required by law or court order.

• Professional consultation or clinical supervision is required. In such cases, identifying information will be minimised wherever possible.

Where practical and appropriate, confidentiality concerns will be discussed with the client before any disclosure is made.

4. Online Therapy and Technology

• Sessions will take place using an agreed online platform.

• While reasonable measures are taken to protect confidentiality and privacy, no internet-based communication can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

• Clients are responsible for ensuring they have access to a suitable device, internet connection, and private space for sessions.

• Clients agree to attend sessions from a confidential environment where they cannot be overheard or interrupted.

• Sessions must not be attended while driving, cycling, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that may compromise safety or confidentiality.

• At the start of each session, clients may be asked to confirm their current physical location and contact details.

• Online therapy may not be suitable for all individuals or circumstances. Alternative arrangements or referrals may be discussed if online work is no longer considered clinically appropriate.

5. Technical Difficulties

• If technical difficulties interrupt a session, both parties will attempt to reconnect.

• If reconnection is unsuccessful, the therapist will attempt to contact the client using the agreed alternative contact method.

• Where a session cannot continue due to technical difficulties, arrangements will be made to complete or reschedule the session where appropriate.

• Clients are responsible for ensuring their contact information remains current.

6. Emergency and Risk Management

• Online therapy is not an emergency service.

• If you require immediate support, you should contact emergency services, your GP, the appropriate crisis service, or attend your nearest emergency department.

• Before commencing therapy, clients will be asked to provide:

An emergency contact person.

GP details (where appropriate).

Current address and contact information.

• Where there is significant concern regarding immediate risk to the client or another person, the therapist may contact emergency services, the client’s emergency contact, GP, or other relevant support services.

7. Communication Between Sessions

• Contact between sessions should be limited to appointment scheduling, administrative matters, or practical arrangements unless otherwise agreed.

• Email, text message, voicemail, and telephone communications are not intended for therapeutic support.

• Messages will normally be responded to within reasonable working hours and may not be monitored outside these times.

• Clients should not rely on email, text, or voicemail for urgent support.

8. Fees, Payment and Cancellation Policy

• The fee for each 50-minute session is €70.

• Payment is due before or immediately following each session unless otherwise agreed.

• A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellation or rescheduling.

• Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will normally be charged at the full fee.

• Fees may be reviewed periodically. Reasonable notice will be provided before any fee increase takes effect.

9. Professional Boundaries

• The therapeutic relationship is professional and governed by ethical and professional standards.

• Relationships outside the therapeutic setting are avoided in order to protect therapeutic integrity and confidentiality.

• Contact via social media is generally not accepted.

• Gifts, personal favours, or dual relationships that may compromise professional boundaries will be carefully considered in accordance with ethical guidelines.

10. Recording of Sessions

• Therapy sessions may not be audio-recorded, video-recorded, photographed, screen-recorded, or otherwise reproduced by either party without prior written agreement.

• Any agreed recording arrangements will be documented separately.

11. Records, Data Protection and GDPR

• The therapist is responsible for maintaining client records securely and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

• Therapy records may include contact information, assessment information, session notes, correspondence, and administrative records.

• Records are stored securely using appropriate physical and/or electronic safeguards.

• Clients have the right to request access to personal information held about them, subject to legal and professional limitations.

• Records will normally be retained for seven years following the end of therapy, after which they will be securely destroyed.

• Further information regarding the collection, storage, processing, and retention of personal data is available in the Practice Privacy Notice.

• Clients have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission if they believe their personal information has not been handled appropriately.

12. Ending Therapy

• Either the client or therapist may decide to end therapy.

• Where possible, a planned ending and final session are recommended to review the work completed and bring therapy to a meaningful close.

• The therapist may recommend referral to another professional or service if the client’s needs fall outside the therapist’s competence, scope of practice, or availability.

• Therapy may be discontinued where there is a serious breach of this agreement or where therapy is no longer considered beneficial.

13. Complaints and Professional Standards

• Sheila Burton Counselling adheres to the Code of Ethics and Practice of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

• Concerns or complaints are encouraged to be discussed directly with the therapist in the first instance.

• If a complaint cannot be resolved informally, clients may contact the IACP through its formal complaints procedure.

14. Consent

I confirm that:

• I have read and understood this agreement.

• I have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding any aspect of therapy.

• I understand the nature and limits of confidentiality.

• I understand the risks and benefits of online therapy.

• I agree to participate in therapy under the terms outlined in this agreement.

Agreement for Children and Young People Under 18

1. Introduction

This agreement outlines the terms and conditions relating to online counselling and art psychotherapy provided to children and young people under 18 years of age.

The purpose of therapy is to provide a safe, supportive, and confidential space in which the young person can explore thoughts, feelings, experiences, relationships, and difficulties affecting their wellbeing.

Parental or guardian consent is required before therapy can commence unless otherwise provided for by law.

2. Consent

By signing this agreement, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) confirm that:

• They have parental responsibility for the young person.

• They consent to the young person’s participation in online therapy.

• They understand the nature, purpose, and limitations of therapy.

• They understand the limits of confidentiality.

• They agree to provide accurate contact and emergency information.

Where appropriate, the young person’s wishes and understanding of therapy will also be sought and respected.

3. Nature of Therapy

• Sessions may involve talking, creative activities, art materials, therapeutic games, and other age-appropriate interventions.

• No artistic skill is required for participation in art psychotherapy.

• Sessions are 50 minutes unless otherwise agreed.

• Therapy is voluntary, and the young person’s participation and engagement are important aspects of the process.

• No specific outcome can be guaranteed.

4. Confidentiality

The young person is entitled to an appropriate degree of privacy and confidentiality within therapy.

Information shared during sessions will generally remain confidential unless:

• There is concern that the young person may be at risk of harm.

• There is concern that another person may be at risk of harm.

• There are safeguarding concerns involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or significant welfare concerns.

• Disclosure is required by law.

• Information is discussed in professional supervision in accordance with ethical standards.

5. Confidentiality Between Therapist, Young Person and Parent/Guardian

Successful therapy depends on the young person feeling able to speak openly and honestly within a safe and trusting relationship. For this reason, a reasonable level of confidentiality will be maintained for the young person.

Parents or guardians will generally receive information regarding:

• Attendance and engagement in therapy.

• General themes, goals, and progress where appropriate.

• Practical matters relating to therapy.

Parents or guardians will not routinely receive detailed information about what the young person discusses in sessions.

The therapist will encourage open communication between the young person and their parent(s)/guardian(s) wherever possible and appropriate.

Wherever possible, the therapist will discuss any necessary sharing of information with the young person before doing so.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to respect the young person’s privacy within therapy. Maintaining an appropriate level of confidentiality helps support trust, engagement, and the effectiveness of the therapeutic process.

The therapist will use professional judgement, ethical guidance, safeguarding responsibilities, and the best interests of the young person when deciding what information should be shared and with whom.

Where the young person is deemed to have sufficient maturity and understanding to participate in decisions regarding therapy, their views, wishes, and autonomy will be respected as far as possible within legal, ethical, and safeguarding responsibilities.

6. Online Therapy Requirements

• Sessions will take place using an agreed online platform.

• The young person should attend sessions from a private, quiet, and safe environment.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring appropriate technology and internet access are available.

• The young person should not participate while travelling, driving, or in public places.

• The therapist may request confirmation of the young person’s location at the start of each session.

• A responsible adult must be contactable throughout online sessions.

7. Parent/Guardian Availability During Sessions

• Parents/guardians are not expected to remain in the room during therapy sessions unless clinically indicated.

• Parents/guardians should remain available by telephone during appointments.

• For younger children, a parent or guardian may be required to remain nearby.

• If a safeguarding or risk issue arises, the therapist may contact the parent/guardian immediately.

8. Risk Management and Emergencies

Online therapy is not an emergency service.

Prior to commencing therapy, parents/guardians will provide:

• Current address.

• Telephone contact details.

• Emergency contact details.

• GP details (where appropriate).

If the therapist becomes concerned about the immediate safety of the young person or another person, appropriate action may be taken, including:

• Contacting a parent or guardian.

• Contacting emergency services.

• Contacting the young person’s GP.

• Contacting Tusla or other relevant safeguarding services.

If a session is unexpectedly disconnected while significant risk concerns are present, the therapist will attempt to re-establish contact and may contact the parent/guardian if necessary.

9. Communication Outside Sessions

• Communication between sessions is limited to appointments and administrative matters unless otherwise agreed.

• Email, text messages, and voicemail should not be used for urgent mental health concerns.

• Parents/guardians should seek emergency support if immediate assistance is required.

10. Fees and Cancellation Policy

• The fee for each session is €70.

• Payment is due before or immediately following each session unless otherwise agreed.

• A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellation.

• Missed appointments or late cancellations will normally incur the full session fee.

• Fees may be reviewed periodically with reasonable notice.

11. Recording of Sessions

• Sessions may not be audio-recorded, video-recorded, photographed, screen-recorded, or otherwise reproduced without prior written agreement.

• Unauthorised recording may result in a review of the therapeutic arrangement.

12. Records and Data Protection

• Records are maintained securely in accordance with GDPR and professional standards.

• Records may include referral information, consent documentation, assessments, session notes, correspondence, and administrative records.

• Records will normally be retained for seven years after the young person’s eighteenth birthday, or for such period as required by professional, legal, or insurance requirements.

• Further information is available in the Practice Privacy Notice.

13. Review and Ending Therapy

• Therapy progress may be reviewed periodically with the young person and parent/guardian where appropriate.

• Therapy may end by mutual agreement, at the request of the parent/guardian, or at the request of the young person where appropriate.

• A planned ending session is recommended whenever possible.

• Referral to alternative services may be recommended if the young person’s needs fall outside the therapist’s competence or scope of practice.

14. Complaints and Professional Standards

• Sheila Burton Counselling adheres to the IACP Code of Ethics and Practice.

• Concerns should be raised directly with the therapist where possible.

• Complaints may also be made through the IACP complaints process.

15. Consent and Signatures

I/We have read and understood this agreement and consent to the young person’s participation in online counselling and/or art psychotherapy.

Boundaries, Confidentiality & Communication Policy

Boundaries, Confidentiality & Communication Policy

Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, consistency, safety, and confidentiality. My primary responsibility is to support the emotional and physical safety and wellbeing of the young person, who is my client.

In order to create a safe and effective therapeutic space, the following boundaries and communication guidelines apply throughout our work together.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in therapy. Young people need to feel safe to speak openly and honestly without fear that everything discussed will be shared with others.

Information shared in sessions will remain confidential except in circumstances where:

there is concern about the safety or wellbeing of the child or another person,

there is disclosure of abuse, neglect, or serious risk of harm,

disclosure is required by law or professional ethical obligations.

Where possible and appropriate, any need to break confidentiality will be discussed with the young person beforehand.

Parental Communication

While parents and caregivers play an important supportive role, therapy sessions are a confidential space for the young person.

To protect the therapeutic relationship and the young person’s privacy:

Routine updates about session content, progress, behaviour, or emotional disclosures will not be provided outside agreed review times and then only with the young person’s permission.

Please do not email, text, or phone to request updates about how therapy is progressing except in matters relating to safety, scheduling, or urgent concerns.

Administrative communication (appointments, cancellations, invoices, practical matters) is welcome.

Six-Week Review Check-Ins

Parent/caregiver review sessions or check-ins will generally take place approximately every six weeks.

These meetings provide an opportunity to:

raise concerns,

discuss support needs,

review goals and progress at an appropriate level,

address any practical or relational issues impacting therapy.

Where appropriate, these conversations will take place with the young person present. If a separate parent conversation is needed, this will occur with the young person’s knowledge and consent wherever possible.

Respecting the Young Person’s Privacy After Sessions

Parents and caregivers are kindly asked not to pressure the young person to discuss what happened in therapy sessions.

This includes avoiding questions such as:

“What did you talk about?”

“How did the session go?”

“Did you tell the therapist about…?”

Young people may choose to share aspects of therapy in their own time and in their own way. Respecting this privacy helps strengthen trust and therapeutic safety.

Contact Outside the Therapy Space

If we happen to meet in public or outside the therapy setting:

I will not acknowledge you or the young person first unless you choose to acknowledge me.

I will not discuss therapy, appointments, or any confidential matters in public settings.

Parents and caregivers are asked not to initiate conversations about the child’s therapy in public spaces.

This protects the young person’s confidentiality and privacy.

Communication Between Sessions

Therapy is most effective when boundaries around contact are clear and consistent.

Please note:

Therapeutic support is provided during scheduled sessions only.

Email and phone communication are not suitable for ongoing therapeutic conversations.

Messages sent outside session times may not receive an immediate response.

If urgent mental health support or crisis intervention is required, parents/caregivers should contact emergency services, GP services, or appropriate crisis supports.

Attendance & Consistency

Regular attendance and punctuality support therapeutic progress and emotional safety.

Where possible:

cancellations should be made with appropriate notice,

the young person should attend consistently,

parents/caregivers should avoid discussing therapy negatively or critically in front of the young person.

Respectful Therapeutic Boundaries

In order to maintain a safe and professional therapeutic relationship:

Contact via personal social media accounts will not be accepted.

Gifts should not be given or expected.

Therapy decisions will be guided by the clinical needs and best interests of the young person.

These boundaries are not intended to exclude parents or caregivers, but to create a safe, respectful, and effective therapeutic environment where the young person can feel emotionally secure and supported.