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Confidentiality

All sessions are confidential, with exceptions for legal or safety concerns (e.g., risk of harm to self/others, child protection issues, or court orders).
I will always aim to discuss any confidentiality breaches with you before acting, where possible.

Professional Standards
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. This ensures I work in a way that is safe, ethical, and in your best interests.

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Inclusivity and Accessibility

I strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for clients from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.
If access to my physical locations presents a challenge, I can offer online sessions as an alternative to ensure therapy remains accessible to everyone.

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Data Protection (GDPR)

Your personal data is stored securely and only used for scheduling, communication, and record-keeping related to your therapy.
Records are kept for seven years (as legally required) and then securely destroyed.
You may request to view or erase your data, in line with GDPR rights.

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Social Media Policy

To maintain professional boundaries, I do not connect with clients on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
Please avoid tagging or mentioning me in posts related to our work.
All communication should take place through agreed-upon professional channels (e.g., email, phone, or secure online platforms).

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Emergency and Crisis Situations

My practice is not a crisis service. For immediate support, please contact emergency services or a relevant crisis hotline. (see next section)
I aim to respond promptly to non-urgent messages during working hours but cannot guarantee immediate availability.
 

Emergency Contacts and Support Services

If you are experiencing a crisis or require urgent support outside of therapy sessions, please consider contacting one of the following services:

Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire): Dial 999 for immediate help in an emergency.

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  • NHS 111: Call 111 for non-emergency medical advice and support.

  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) for confidential emotional support.

  • Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 for mental health support.

  • Shout: Text 85258 to access free, confidential support via text message (24/7).

  • Rethink Mental Illness Crisis Helpline: Call 0808 801 0440 for mental health advice.

  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Call 0808 2000 247 (free, 24/7).

  • Childline (for young people): Call 0800 1111 (free, confidential support).

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For ongoing mental health support, you can also contact your GP or access local NHS mental health services directly.

 

Attendance and Cancellation Policy

At Jonny Lindsay Counselling, I understand that life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you need to reschedule or are running late. Therapy works best with consistency, and maintaining regular attendance helps support your progress and ensures availability for all clients.

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Cancellations and Missed Sessions

  • I kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session.

  • If less than 48 hours' notice is given, or if a session is missed without notice, the full session fee will still apply.

  • If three sessions are missed within a 12-week period, I will suggest a conversation to explore whether this is the right time for therapy. This provides an opportunity to reflect on any challenges affecting attendance and discuss whether adjustments or a temporary pause might be beneficial.

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Late Attendance

  • If you are 10 minutes late, I will send a text to check if everything is okay.

  • If I do not receive a response, the session will be considered abandoned after 20 minutes, and the full session fee will apply.

  • If you arrive within the 20-minute window, the session will continue, but it will still end at the scheduled time, and the full fee will be payable.

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Moving Forward

  • I believe therapy should be a flexible and supportive space, and I encourage open dialogue if you have any concerns about attendance or scheduling.

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Weekend Appointments Policy​​

Flexibility and Communication:

  • I understand that life happens, and plans can change. If you need to reschedule a weekend appointment, I offer options during the week, including evening slots where possible, to help accommodate your needs. While there may be times when rescheduling isn't feasible, I strive to provide as much flexibility as I can. To keep weekends efficient for everyone, I may occasionally ask to adjust appointment times to balance the needs of my schedule and other clients.

Online Appointments:

  • Occasionally, I can offer online appointments to provide additional flexibility when in-person sessions aren’t possible.

Unique Weekend Offering:

  • Weekend appointments are designed to meet the needs of those with busy weekday schedules, providing greater accessibility to therapy. These sessions are offered as part of my commitment to flexibility while balancing my availability.

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AI Use Policy
AI tools may be used to enhance practice efficiency, such as for generating anonymised notes or researching relevant topics.
No personal or identifiable information about clients is ever shared with AI tools.
These tools are used in accordance with GDPR and ethical guidelines to ensure your confidentiality is always protected.

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