Contract / terms

Welcome! Thank you for choosing to work with me. Please read this agreement before our first session. You can ask me any questions at any time in your sessions about the contract.

Quick Highlights – What You Need to Know

🐾 Dogs: I work from home and have two gentle sweet dogs whom you are very likely to meet if you come to me as a therapist. If you prefer not to meet them, I offer online sessions.
🔁 Cancellations: Less than 48 hours’ notice may incur a 50–100% fee. Please let me know as soon as possible if you need to cancel.
🔒 Confidentiality: Sessions are confidential unless there’s serious risk to you, others, or animals, or I’m legally required to act. I’ll aim to inform you if this applies where safe to do so.
💬 Therapy style: I’m warm, practical, and flexible. I draw on counselling, EFT, mindfulness, coaching, breathwork, somatic work (e.g., gentle movement, yin yoga, tapping), and creative techniques — all tailored to your needs and always by consent.
✅ Group work & resources: I facilitate women’s circles, workshops, retreats, and other resources. Ask if interested; they can complement therapy.

About Me

I offer a safe, flexible space for reflection and growth. I am a qualified counsellor, EFT & mindfulness teacher, also with over 30 years’ educational experience working with children, families, and adults. I am accredited and a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS: NCS23-00264), fully insured, enhanced DBS-checked, and registered with the ICO (ZB844611).

Sessions, Fees & Cancellations

Duration & Frequency: 50 minutes, usually weekly. Options: face-to-face, online, hybrid, or phone.
Fees: £65 (in-person/hybrid), £60 (purely online or purely by phone). BACS due 24 hrs in advance; cash at start. Bank details shared on request. Price changes will be communicated 4+ weeks ahead.
Missed/late sessions: <48 hrs’ notice may incur 50–100% fee. More than three short-notice cancellations or gaps without agreement may lead to therapy ending, but you’re always welcome to return.

Confidentiality & Records

Sessions are confidential except for risk of harm or legal obligations (safeguarding, serious crime, etc.).
I may discuss work in supervision or with my insurer/NCPS; you’ll be informed where possible.
I keep brief notes for reflection, stored securely for 7 years (or until a child turns 25). Copies can be requested with ID and standard admin fee.
CCTV is present at entrances for safety; see my Privacy Policy for details.
In the event of my serious illness or death, my supervisor may contact you and refer you onward, storing records securely.

Limitations & Breaks

I usually take one week off every 5–6 weeks and 3 longer breaks per year (Christmas, Easter, Summer). Online sessions may be offered but are optional.
Therapy alone is not a substitute for crisis support. In emergencies, contact your GP, Samaritans (116123), Worcestershire Crisis Line (0808 196 9127), or 999.

Emergencies & Safety

We can create a personalised safety plan together or you can do this alone. I can provide resources. Therapy can be challenging, especially with regards past trauma. I do advise you and I both plan for feelings of potential overwhelm. I work very carefully to avoid this but please always tell me how you are doing each session so I can best help you.
If I believe you or others are at immediate risk, I may contact emergency services or your GP, even without your permission, in order to protect you if I feel that is in your best interests. I will discuss this with you where safe to do so.
For clients under 18, I may contact the parent/guardian but will encourage discussion with you first.

Ending Therapy

I may end therapy due to unpaid fees, repeated missed sessions, inappropriate behaviour, or ethical reasons — sometimes without explanation to protect your own or my confidentiality. I can offer an on-referral when this is appropriate or requested.
You may end therapy at any time without cost; a closing session is recommended but is entirely optional. You do not need to give any reason for ending either though you may want to discuss your ending of therapy and this is welcomed.

Feedback & Complaints

Feedback is welcome, especially after the first three sessions. We decide if to continue to work together after the first three sessions and discuss any changes you would like.
If you feel I have caused deliberate harm and your complaint to me directly remains unresolved, you may contact NCPS (NCS23-00264) to make a formal professional complaint. Please first give me a chance to respond in writing to your complaint.

Your Responsibilities

Attend sessions regularly and on time; cancel with as much notice as possible.
Limit contact outside sessions to administrative matters or agreed therapeutic contact which we can agree together if this is in your best interests.
Use a private, undistracted space for online sessions.
Share all relevant medical information and be honest and open.
Accept that therapy is not a substitute for medical advice and you should contact your GP or medical services if you have any concerns at all.

About My Dogs

I work from home with two friendly dogs. If you prefer no contact or have allergies, let me know; I can offer online sessions.
While I manage the space carefully, I cannot accept responsibility for accidental contact, tripping, or allergic reactions.

Please tick:
[ ] Happy to visit with dogs present
[ ] Prefer dogs not to be present

Consent & Signatures

By signing, you agree to these terms and accept responsibility for your own decisions and actions. Keep a copy for your records.

Therapist: Dionne Powell Date: As per email contract sent

Client: ____________________ Date: __________

Under-18s – Parent/Guardian Consent
✔ I consent for my child to work with Dionne and understand I remain on-site where my child is under 16.
✔ My child understands the options around therapy and agrees to counselling with Dionne
✔ I confirm I have legal authority to sign on their behalf and that another parent’s signature is not required.

Parent/Guardian: ____________________ Date: __________