Therapy Agreement
This is an agreement between Lucy Ananda (therapist)
and __________________________________________ (client)
What I Can Offer You
At Gentle Rising Counselling, I offer a safe, warm, and confidential space where you can explore whatever is troubling you.
Together, we will work at your pace to help you make sense of what you bring, untangle difficulties, and move toward greater understanding and change.
I believe in the possibility of positive transformation. Even when a problem feels stuck, understanding it can reduce its power and open space for new ways forward.
The Way I Work
I am an Integrative Counsellor, drawing on person‑centred, psychodynamic, TA, CBT and somatic approaches.
This means our work is tailored to your needs, combining psychological insight with body‑based awareness.
A somatic approach recognises that the body holds experiences and emotions. We may notice sensations, breath, or patterns of tension to understand how your nervous system responds to stress or emotion.
This helps you develop awareness, grounding, and self‑regulation. Somatic work is not physical exercise; it’s about learning to listen to the body’s wisdom and integrate it with emotional understanding.
Counselling Is Not a Passive Process
Counselling can be challenging as well as rewarding. It is an active process; your sessions are for you to use as you wish. While I will listen, guide, and offer strategies, change comes from within you. Sometimes therapy can feel confusing or difficult, but it can also be freeing and full of insight. I will support you through both.
Confidentiality
What is said in the room remains confidential, except in the following circumstances:
- If I believe you are at immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or another.
- If you disclose involvement in terrorism, drug trafficking, or money laundering.
In such cases, I will discuss the need to break confidentiality with you whenever possible.
I discuss aspects of my work in supervision, where your identity remains anonymous.
Recording sessions is not permitted without written consent.
Session Details
Sessions last 50 minutes. I offer daytime and evening appointments Monday to Thursday and do not work on Fridays.
You will begin with weekly sessions, as this offers the depth and continuity needed for therapeutic progress. After an initial six sessions, we will review together to assess how the work is developing and what feels most supportive moving forward.
Contact
You may contact me by email or text for queries or appointment changes. My working hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 am – 8 pm. Messages received outside these times will be answered on the next working day.
Fees
My fee is £60 per session, payable by bank transfer at least 24 hours before your session.
Bank details:
Name: Lucy Ananda
Sort Code: 04‑00‑03
Account Number: 61431609
If my fees change, I will give you at least two months’ notice.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel, please contact me as soon as possible.
With 48 hours’ notice, there is no charge for rescheduling, and we’ll aim to find an alternative time promptly.
If you do not attend or cancel without notice, the full session fee will be charged, unless there has been a recognised emergency.
If I need to cancel, I will give as much notice as possible and reschedule quickly.
Data Protection & GDPR
I collect basic contact details (name, address, mobile number, email, next of kin) for communication and safety. These are stored securely and used only for therapy‑related contact.
I keep brief notes after each session, stored securely and retained for seven years before safe destruction. You may view your notes at any time.
After therapy ends, I delete your number and destroy written contact details within one month.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
If you believe I have breached your data, please discuss it with me first. If unresolved, you may contact the ICO at ico.org.uk or call 0303 123 1113.
Supervision
I attend monthly supervision to ensure safe, ethical practice.
My supervisor is bound by confidentiality.
Professional Body Membership
I am a Registered Member (MNCS Accred) with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and adhere to their Code of Ethics and Complaints Procedure.
If you ever feel dissatisfied with my service, I hope you would feel comfortable coming to me first so we can talk it through together. If we are unable to resolve the issue, you may contact the NCPS directly.
Living Will
In the event of sudden illness or death, a trusted colleague will access your contact details to inform you appropriately.
Insurance
I hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance suitable for counselling practice.
Anti‑Discriminatory Practice
I provide a service free from discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. I strive for equal access to counselling for all.
Social Media
I do not use social media for my counselling practice. If this changes, I will update my policy to maintain clear professional boundaries.
Outside in Public
If we meet outside of sessions, I will be guided by you.
If you acknowledge me, I will respond warmly, but I will never initiate contact or identify you as a client.
Agreement
Please sign below to confirm that you have read and understood this contract.
If you have any questions or feel something has been missed, please let me know. I welcome your feedback.
Client Signature: ___________________________ Date: ____________
Therapist Signature: _________________________ Date: ____________
I look forward to working with you!