Terms & Conditions

Introduction

This document is intended to provide clients with important information regarding the practices, policies and procedures of David Peak (who will be afterwards be referred to as the “Therapist” in this document), and to clarify the terms of the professional therapeutic relationship between Therapist and Client. Any questions or concerns regarding the contents of this document should be discussed with the Therapist prior to commencement of therapy.

Therapist background and qualifications

The Therapist has a diploma in counselling and is a member of the BACP and is accredited by them as a counsellor and psychotherapist, a member of the EMDR Association (UK), and has practiced in the voluntary sector, the NHS, and in private practice for more than 23 years. He has also a Professional Diploma in Education and has taught counselling up to foundation degree level in further education colleges.

Risks and benefits of therapy

Psychotherapy is a process in which Therapist and Client discuss a wide spectrum of issues, events, experiences and memories for the purpose of creating positive change so the Client can experience his/her life more fully. It provides an opportunity to better and more deeply understand oneself, as well as any problems or difficulties the Client may be experiencing. Psychotherapy is a joint effort between Client and Therapist. Progress and success may vary depending upon the particular problems or issues being addressed, as well as many other factors.

Participating in therapy may result in a number of benefits to the Client, including, but not limited to, reduced stress and anxiety, a decrease in negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviours, improved interpersonal relationships, increased comfort in social, work and family settings, increased capacity for intimacy, and increased self-confidence. Such benefits may also require substantial effort on the part of the Client, including an active participation in the therapeutic process, honesty and a willingness to change feelings, thoughts and behaviours. There is no guarantee that therapy will yield any or all of the benefits listed above.

Participating in therapy may also involve some discomfort, including remembering and discussing unpleasant events, feelings and experiences. The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, etc. There may be times in which the Therapist will challenge the Client’s perceptions and assumptions, and offer different perspectives. The issues presented by the Client may result in unintended outcomes, including changes in personal relationships. The Client should be aware that any decision on the status of his/her personal relationships is the responsibility of the Client.

During the therapeutic process, many Clients find that they feel worse before they feel better. This is a normal course of events. Personal growth and change may be easy and quick at times, but may also be slow and frustrating. The Client should address any concerns he/she has regarding his/her progress in therapy with the Therapist.

Professional supervision/consultation

Professional supervision is a mandatory requirement of being a member of associations of professional counsellors. Consultation is an important component of a healthy psychotherapy practice. During supervision/consultation, the Therapist will not reveal any information that could identify the Client.

Confidentiality

The information disclosed by the Client is generally confidential and will not be released to any third party without written authorisation from the Client, except where required or permitted by law. Exceptions to confidentiality include, but are not limited to, reporting child or vulnerable adult abuse, when a Client makes a serious and realistic threat of violence towards a reasonably identifiable victim, when a Client is dangerous to him/herself or the person or property of another, or if the Client reveals they have committed a serious crime.

Client litigation

The Therapist will not voluntarily participate in any litigation or custody dispute in which the Client and another individual, or entity, are parties. The Therapist has a policy of not communicating with the Client’s legal advisors and will generally not write or sign letters, reports, declarations or affidavits to be used in the Client’s legal matter. The Therapist will generally not provide records or testimony unless compelled to do so.

Should the Therapist be subpoenaed, or ordered by a court of law to appear as a witness in an action involving the Client, the Client agrees to reimburse the Therapist for expenses incurred, together with any time spent for the appearance and time spent in preparation, travel or any other time in which the Therapist has made himself available for such an appearance at the Therapist’s usual hourly rate at the time of the appearance, preparation or travel.

Payment of sessions

Unless fees are covered by private health insurance (or under an agreed company purchase order), payment is due at least 24 hours before the time of the Client's appointment. If payment is not received within this time, the Therapist reserves the right to offer the Client's appointment to a different Client.

Fees to be settled by health insurance must be agreed and arranged in advance of the Client's first appointment.