
Terms and Conditions
IDC – Ian Derry Counselling
By engaging in counselling services with IDC – Ian Derry Counselling, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These are designed to ensure clarity, safety, and professionalism in our working relationship.
1. Service Description
IDC – Ian Derry Counselling provides confidential, one-to-one therapeutic counselling online via secure video platforms. The approach used is person-centred, placing the client at the heart of the therapeutic process.
2. Session Details
- Sessions are conducted online (e.g., Zoom).
- Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes.
- Frequency and duration of sessions are agreed upon collaboratively.
- Clients must be in a private, safe space for online sessions.
3. Eligibility and Consent
- Clients must be aged 18+ unless parental/guardian consent is provided for under-18s.
- For clients under 18, written consent is required before therapy begins.
- By booking, clients confirm they are voluntarily seeking therapy.
4. Fees and Payment
- The fee per session is £70.
- Payment is due 24 hours before each session.
- Bank details will be provided at the time of the contract (Our Way of Working Together).
5. Cancellations and Lateness
- Cancellations require at least 24 hours’ notice.
- Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged in full.
- If you are more than 15 minutes late without notice, the session may be considered missed.
- If I need to cancel or reschedule, I will provide as much notice as possible.
6. Confidentiality
Confidentiality Commitment
The Therapist is committed to maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all information shared by the Client during therapy sessions, in accordance with professional ethical guidelines and applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR).
Client Information
Confidential information includes, but is not limited to:
- Personal, emotional, or psychological details shared by the Client.
- Identifying data such as name, contact information, and medical history.
- Session notes and therapeutic records.
- Communications (emails, texts, or any electronic correspondence related to therapy).
Limits to Confidentiality
Confidentiality will only be broken if:
- There is a risk of harm to you or others.
- There is a disclosure of abuse (particularly involving children or vulnerable adults).
- I am legally required to do so (e.g., court order).
- Non-compliance with certain laws regarding Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Terrorism.
Any disclosures will be discussed with you where possible before action is taken.
Consent to Communication
The Client consents to communication via electronic means (e.g., email or secure video conferencing). The Client acknowledges that while reasonable measures will be taken to ensure privacy, complete security cannot be guaranteed with online communication.
Duration and Termination of Confidentiality
This agreement remains in effect for the duration of the therapeutic relationship and continues for as long as the Therapist retains client records, in accordance with professional standards (typically 7 years post-therapy for adults, or up to 7 years after a minor turns 18).
7. Data Protection and Privacy
Data Controller
Ian Derry is the Data Controller responsible for the personal data processed during counselling sessions. For any queries, please contact: ian@iderry.co.uk
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and comply with the UK GDPR.
What Data I Collect
When you engage with IDC – Ian Derry Counselling, the following personal data may be collected:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number.
- Personal Information: Date of birth, relevant medical history, emergency contact details.
- Session Notes: Brief, anonymised notes taken to support therapeutic work.
- Payment Details: Data necessary for processing payments.
How I Use Your Data
- To provide therapeutic counselling sessions.
- To communicate about appointments, cancellations, or queries.
- To comply with legal or ethical requirements (e.g., safeguarding concerns).
Legal Basis for Processing
- Consent: By agreeing to engage in counselling, you provide consent for data collection and use.
- Legal Obligation: In cases where I am legally required to share data (e.g., safeguarding, court orders).
Data Storage and Security
Your personal data is stored securely in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018:
- Digital files are encrypted and password protected.
- Any written records are stored in a locked, secure location.
- Data is retained for up to 7 years (or until the client reaches 25 years old for under-18s), in line with professional guidelines.
Sharing of Information
Your information is kept strictly confidential. However, I may need to share data in the following exceptional circumstances:
- When there is a risk of harm to you or others.
- If required by law (e.g., safeguarding obligations, court orders).
- With your explicit consent (e.g., referral to another professional).
Your Rights Under GDPR
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
- Correction: Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements).
- Restriction: Limit how your data is processed in certain situations.
- Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider.
8. Safeguarding
Policy Statement
- The welfare of all clients is paramount.
- All clients—regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexuality, or religion—have equal rights to protection from harm or abuse.
- I will take all safeguarding concerns seriously and respond appropriately.
Definitions
- Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
- Vulnerable Adult: An adult who may be unable to protect themselves from harm due to mental illness, disability, or other risk factors.
- Safeguarding: Protecting people’s health, well-being, and rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
Responsibilities
As the sole practitioner at IDC – Ian Derry Counselling, I am responsible for:
- Holding a valid Enhanced DBS Check.
- Maintaining clear records of safeguarding concerns.
- Reporting any safeguarding risks to the relevant authorities (e.g., Local Authority, Police) in line with legal obligations.
Safeguarding in Online Practice
- Verifying identity and age of all clients at the outset.
- Obtaining informed consent from parents/guardians when working with under-18s.
- Conducting sessions in a private, secure setting using encrypted platforms.
- Encouraging clients to be in a safe and confidential space for each session.
Parental/Guardian Involvement (for Under-18s)
- Written consent is required from a parent or legal guardian before counselling begins.
- Depending on the age and maturity of the young person, confidentiality will be respected within agreed boundaries.
- Safeguarding concerns will be communicated to parents/guardians unless doing so could place the child at further risk.
Recognising and Responding to Abuse
Types of abuse may include: emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; neglect; online grooming or exploitation; and self-harm or suicidal ideation.
If a safeguarding concern arises:
- I will make a written record immediately after the session, noting date, time, and details.
- I will assess the level of risk and consult with safeguarding professionals if needed.
- Where there is immediate danger, I will contact emergency services or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
- I will inform the client (and parents/guardians if appropriate) when a disclosure needs to be escalated, unless doing so would increase risk.
9. Technology and Online Working
- Sessions are held via secure, encrypted video platforms.
- It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they have a stable internet connection and a private space for sessions.
- If a session is disrupted due to technical issues, we will attempt to reconnect or reschedule.
10. Supervision and Professional Standards
- I work in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework. (www.bacp.co.uk)
- I attend regular professional supervision to ensure safe and ethical practice (client identity remains anonymous in supervision).
11. Ending Therapy
- You may end counselling at any time.
- It is encouraged to have a planned ending session, when possible, to review progress and support closure.
- I may recommend ending or referring you elsewhere if I believe your needs fall outside my professional competence.
12. Complaints Procedure
At IDC – Ian Derry Counselling, I am committed to providing a professional and ethical service. If you are ever dissatisfied with the service you receive, I encourage open communication to resolve issues promptly and respectfully.
Step One: Informal Resolution
In many cases, concerns can be addressed and resolved through direct communication.
- If you feel comfortable, please raise your concern with me during or after a session.
- I will listen carefully, seek to understand your perspective, and aim to resolve the matter quickly and informally.
Step Two: Formal Complaint
If you are not satisfied with the informal response or prefer a more formal process, please submit your complaint in writing to: ian@iderry.co.uk
Please include:
- Your full name.
- Date(s) of incident(s).
- A clear description of the issue.
- Any relevant supporting details.
I will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days and respond with a written reply within 15 working days. If more time is needed, I will let you know the reason and expected timeframe.
Step Three: External Complaint
If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may escalate it to my professional body:
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- Website: www.bacp.co.uk
- Tel: 01455 883300
- Email: bacp@bacp.co.uk
The BACP has a formal professional conduct procedure for addressing concerns about ethical practice.
Confidentiality of Complaints
All complaints will be handled in confidence. Details will be shared only with those involved in the complaint process and in accordance with data protection laws. A record of the complaint, investigation, and outcome will be securely stored.
13. Disclaimer
Online therapy is not a replacement for medical, psychiatric, or emergency care. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis helpline.
Online therapy may not be suitable for everyone or every situation. By using this service, you acknowledge the limitations and risks associated with online communication, including potential technical or privacy issues beyond the therapist’s control.
Therapy is a collaborative process and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Further details are provided in the Our Way of Working Together agreement, which will be shared before sessions begin.
14. Agreement
By booking and attending sessions with IDC – Ian Derry Counselling, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.
For any queries, please contact: ian@iderry.co.uk
