Contract

Thank you for your enquiry. I look forward to working with you. Please review the contract before our first session where you can ask questions. A signed copy will be held on file for insurance purposes.

What I Offer

I provide a safe space to process strong emotions and difficult experiences. Sessions are tailored to your needs, focusing on trust and achieving your goals.

Background and Qualifications

Qualified counsellor
Qualified EFT and mindfulness teacher
30+ years’ experience working with young people
Accredited registrant with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Fully insured and DBS checked

Sessions and Costs

Sessions last 50 minutes, usually weekly, via video, phone, or in-person. Please ensure you have privacy and a stable connection for remote sessions. I may be unavailable for a week every six weeks and will only be able to offer online sessions if away.

Cost: £55 for each 50 minute session, usually payable at least 24 hours in advance to reserve the slot. Price increases will be given a minimum of 4 weeks' notice.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged in full.
Discretionary concessions are available to student counsellors and those with limited income. Please inquire about availability.

Confidentiality and Supervision

Sessions are confidential, but I may breach confidentiality if there is significant risk to you, others, animals, or as required by law (e.g., terrorism, drugs, fraud, criminal activity the police are unaware of). I consult a clinical supervisor anonymously for ethical guidance and supervision. You may not record any part of any session, without prior written consent from me. I may also need to share information with my insurer, ethical body, or legal authorities when required.

If confidentiality must be breached, I will inform you when possible.

Records & GDPR

I keep brief notes summarising dates and theme of sessions. Records, including any assessments, are securely stored for at least 7 years (or until a child turns 25). You can request access to these, subject to verification, and a fee equivalent to one session. You are responsible for the security of the records after receipt. Personal and emergency contact details are collected for contact and safety purposes. CCTV covers the driveway, front door, and garden for security. You can see my privacy policy by clicking here.

Safeguarding and Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are in place for home visits and reviewed annually. Safeguarding procedures are followed. A copy can be requested by email. Your information may be shared with emergency services, such as the police or medical services, if needed, either with or without your permission, if I feel you are at immediate significant risk. Your next of kin would only be contacted in a medical emergency arising in session.

Emergencies

Please provide your GP’s name and contact information here:

If I believe you are at significant risk, I may contact your GP or emergency services. We may agree on a crisis plan in our first session. Counselling is not for crisis support between sessions. For urgent help, contact your GP, the Samaritans (116123), or your local crisis helpline. Worcestershire crisis number is 01905 763333 or 0808 196 9127 (24/7/365). Call 999 in an emergency.

Clinical Will

If I become seriously ill or pass away, my supervisor will notify you and refer you to another counsellor. My supervisor would hold your details, as required by my insurers, for the required term, also holding and destroying them according to GDPR.

Limitations

Our initial commitment is three sessions, after which we will review whether to continue. You can end therapy at any time without further cost. I may also terminate therapy for personal, professional, or ethical reasons, or if fees remain unpaid, or due to inappropriate behaviour. It is not necessary for either of us to share reasons why we wish to end therapy as this may compromise our own personal privacy or that of someone else e.g. if I realise there is a conflict of interest. I do not work with couples and some other areas of specialism. I can only offer online sessions periodically when I spend time away from Malvern, which is usually every 6 weeks or so. You can miss the session, without cost, if you do not want online.

Feedback, Comments, and Complaints

If anything feels ‘off’, or if you are at all unhappy, please tell me as soon as possible. We can discuss concerns in or out of sessions. My aim is always to resolve any challenges early on before they become an issue. If unsatisfied, you can follow the NCPS complaints procedure. I am a registered accredited member (NCS23-00264)

Client Responsibilities

You are responsible for your own growth, decisions and progress. Please:

Attend sessions regularly and punctually, giving as much notice as possible of any cancellations
Pay for sessions on time, prior to or in session.
Limit communication outside sessions to scheduling
Be honest in sessions and provide emergency and medical information for your safety

Medical Disclaimer

Therapy is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a doctor if needed and share any relevant medical details with me.

Additional Information

I may share links to websites or information that I find useful, but take no responsibility for their services. All documents and materials on my website are copyrighted. Breach of terms will lead to action.
These terms are updated periodically. I usually review these annually but any changes will be shared with you in session.
Our contract together is reviewed usually after 12 weeks to see if we are happy with the existing contract or need to make changes. We can both request changes at any time and if not possible to agree, we have the right to terminate the contract without notice.
The address of my premises will be given on booking as will bank details. You can pay by cash or BACS.

By signing, you agree to these terms and accept that decisions you may and their consequences are your own responsibility. I cannot be held liable or responsible for any decisions that you make.

Consent

Signed (Therapist): Dionne Powell

Signed (Client):

Signed (Parent if client is under 18):

For clients under 18, the parent must consent and confirm the child’s understanding of the contract. The parent will remain present in the property during sessions.