How I work
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR AN ADAPTED VERSION OF MY COUNSELLING AGREEMENT AND GUIDELINES AND THE PRIVACY POLICY
My Integrative Approach
As an Integrative Counsellor the way I support you is based on a combination of different counselling approaches. I may draw on theories from the psychodynamic, humanistic and/ or transpersonal approaches to bring you a therapy that is suited to your individual needs.
Because everyone is different and everyone reacts differently, the integrative approach allows me to find the best possible way to help you based on your individual needs and desires.
By using the integrative approach, I can identify, for example, how you may be relating to other people in your life (that you may be unaware of) and it can help to improve relationships.
Our environment, relationships and experiences in childhood influence our adult relationships and who we are today. And in order to positively influence the future, we need to explore our past.
My Holistic Approach
As a counsellor, I work holistically because there is more to you than just this one problem.
This means I will encourage you to:
• find your strengths
• discover your own answers
• see your challenges from a different perspective
• move forward towards your goals
• find your inner contentment
• build your motivation
• inspire your future aspirations
First Session
In our first session I will talk you through my counselling agreement and do an assessment using an assessment form. I ask you about your past and present situations and about any hopes and goals you have for the future. Then we will talk about the kind of support network you have and explore some of the deeper issues.
The first session helps me to:
• determine if we can work together
• decide on the best way for us to work together
• manage the pace and depth of our sessions
I have recently added my adapted Counselling Agreement to work online using Zoom. I will be asking that you read it and email me during arrangement of an appointment to say you have read it and agree to the contract
Counselling Agreement
This agreement is between Tracy Pinder and ………… The purpose of the agreement is to make sure you understand the practical details of our work together and what to expect.
Fees
My fee is £40 per session. This is set for the first 6 months of our work together and is to be paid weekly by the Paypal link on the location/contact page 24 hrs before each session (you don't need a Paypal account yourself to do this). I review my fees annually and I will inform you a month before any changes.
Sessions
The sessions are 1 hour, and at the same time and day each week. I work on an open-ended basis and review our work together after 6 weeks and then when I feel it would be useful.
Missed or Cancelled Sessions and Holidays
I require 24 hours notice for cancellation or re-arranging of an appointment, if this is not given a fee of £20 will be charged, unless you have a life threatening emergency. If I'm not available for a session I will give you as much notice as possible.
Ending Counselling
You are likely to know when it feels the right time to end. I would like to take the time to discuss our work together and request two weeks notice of ending.
Confidentiality
I work in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Code of Ethics, which requires me to attend Supervision. I discuss aspects of my work with a supervisor who also works in accordance with (BACP) Code of Ethics and I do not disclose your identity. I write brief notes which are held securely and kept for 5 years after ending counselling. Apart from what I discuss with the supervisor everything you tell me is confidential, with the exception being, if I believed you were going to harm yourself or someone else. If I feel I have to break confidentiality I will aim to discuss this with you first if possible.
Equality and Diversity
I also aim to work in a fair and equal way, by not treating any person less favourably on the grounds of race, culture, gender, sexuality or disability.
Counsellors Signature: ………………………… Date: ………………
Clients Signature: ………………………………… Date: ………………
Privacy Policy
What is the General Data Protection Regulations?
The new General Data Protection Rules are in place so that organisations and services keep your information confidential and notify you what information they hold on you, how they will use your information, how they store your information and when and how they will delete and/or destroy it.
What information I require and why do I need your information?
During the first session I complete an assessment form by collecting information such as your name, address, phone number, email to contact you so we can arrange appointments and health information such as G.P, address and phone number, mediation, for health and safety during our work together.
How I keep your information confidential and secure?
I work in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Code of Ethics, which requires me to attend Supervision and also adhere to the new General Data Protection Rules (GDPR). I discuss aspects of my work with a supervisor who also works in accordance with (BACP) Code of Ethics and GDPR but I do not disclose your identity.
I work in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Code of Ethics, which requires me to attend Supervision. I discuss aspects of my work with a supervisor who also works in accordance with (BACP) Code of Ethics and I do not disclose your identity. Apart from what I discuss with the supervisor everything you tell me is confidential, with the exception being, if I believed you were going to harm yourself or someone else. If I feel I have to break confidentiality and contact another health professional such as your G.P, Psychiatrist or the Mental Health Team I aim to discuss this with you first if possible.
I write brief notes to keep track and for continuity of our work together and hold them securely in a locked cabinet separate from your contact details for 6 years after the end of counselling. I will then shred your notes.
Your texts or emails are kept secure with passwords.
What if you don’t want your information held for 6 years?
You are able to request information I hold about you during and after counselling has ended so for example if the court requests them in the future this might be helpful for you. It can be useful also if you return for more counselling. I am required by my insurance company to keep records. You can request I delete and destroy all information I hold about you in writing and I would need to just keep the request in accordance with my insurance company policy.
Please sign to confirm you have read my privacy policy
Signature………………………………………………………… Date………………………………………
