1. My Therapeutic Approach & Commitment
| Question | Answer |
What kind of therapist are you, and what are your ethical commitments? | I am a BACP Accredited Integrative Therapist. I strictly adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. This framework commits me to core principles like working in your best interest, upholding confidentiality, acting with integrity, and working collaboratively with you on all decisions about our work. My overall approach is compassion-based and anti-oppressive. |
| What are your areas of specialism? | I provide an explicitly identity-affirming space for the Neurodivergent community (including ADHD and Autism), the LGBTQ+ community, and those exploring Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (like trans identities or ethical non-monogamy). Crucially, my work is deeply informed by my own personal and professional experience, ensuring I can support you through challenges like shame, self-criticism and anxiety in a truly understanding and empathetic environment. |
2. Starting, Fees, and Practicalities
| Question | Answer |
| How much does a session cost? | The standard fee is £70 per 50-minute session. I offer a free, 20-minute introductory chat to ensure we’re a good fit before you commit. |
| Do you offer a concession rate for sessions? | Yes, the concession rate is £60 per 50-minute session This rate is available for: Students, Keyworkers, Trainee Counsellors, Those who are Unemployed, Low-Income individuals, Pensioners and Refugees Please note that this rate applies to Online only sessions and you should mention it during your initial consultation. |
| How long are sessions and what are your locations? | All regular sessions last 50 minutes and are usually scheduled once a week. I offer sessions in-person in Central Milton Keynes, online via a secure video link (Google Meet), or by phone (WhatsApp audio). |
| What is your cancellation policy? | I require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Sessions cancelled with less notice, or those missed by being more than 20 minutes late, will be charged the full fee. |
| How will the charge appear on my bank statement? | For your privacy, payments processed via the secure Kiku client portal will appear on your bank statement under the discrete name “Sixten Eighty Ltd.” |
| Are you an emergency service? | No, GEP Counselling is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or require urgent support, please contact your GP, NHS 111, The Samaritans (116 123), or dial 999 for emergency services. |
3. Confidentiality, Safety, and Endings
| Question | Answer |
| Is what I share completely confidential? | Yes, absolute confidentiality is a core ethical principle of my practice and adheres to the BACP Ethical Framework. The only exceptions are necessary to uphold professional standards and legal compliance. |
| When would confidentiality need to be broken? | I am legally and ethically required to disclose information if there is a clear and imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if I receive a court order. Where legally permitted, I will always aim to discuss this with you beforehand. |
| What happens if you, the practitioner, can’t work? | I have executed a Clinical Will with a confidential executor. This ensures that a trusted, BACP-registered colleague would contact you to explain the situation, offer support, and manage the ethical closure of your sessions without client abandonment. |
| How and when does therapy end? | You can end therapy at any time without commitment. I suggest we aim for a planned ending date at least 1–2 sessions in advance. This planned closure is an important therapeutic process, allowing us to reflect on your progress. |
4. Data Security and Professional Accountability
| Question | Answer |
| What professional bodies are you registered with? | I am a BACP Accredited Integrative Therapist and strictly adhere to their Ethical Framework. GEP Counselling (as a sole trader) is also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent data protection body. |
| What is your policy on using AI for note-taking? | AI is only used with your explicit, informed consent, and is entirely optional. For your security, the audio/transcript data is immediately and permanently deleted from the AI tool’s servers after I create the clinical note, and is never used to train current or future AI models. |
| How is my personal data stored? | All clinical notes and personal data are stored and processed securely within the United Kingdom on the encrypted Kiku client system. I am registered with the ICO as the Data Controller. |
| How long do you keep my clinical notes? | Client records, including clinical notes, are retained securely for 4 years after your therapy ends. This aligns with BACP professional standards. Financial records are kept for 6 years to comply with HMRC requirements. |
| Can I see my records? | Yes, under UK GDPR, you have the right to access your personal data. To formally make a Subject Access Request (SAR), please contact the Data Controller at info@gepcounselling.uk. |
| What should I do if I have a concern or complaint? | I strongly encourage you to raise any concerns with me first. If you are not satisfied with my response, you can contact the BACP regarding conduct and ethical standards, or the ICO for complaints specific to data or privacy issues. |
GEP COUNSELLING 