I am bound by the Codes of Ethics and Practice of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). A copy of the code of practice and ethics may be viewed on the IACP's website https://www.iacp.ie/iacp-code-of-ethics.

Subject to being satisfied that your issue can be alleviated by psychotherapy, I agree to offer you counselling sessions. You are not contracted to any specific number of sessions, and you may terminate therapy without further cost at any time you wish.

The normal duration of each session is 50 minutes, although I reserve the right to amend that time for therapeutic reasons. If, for any reason, you are late for a session, I will see you for the duration of the remainder but will be unable to work beyond the allotted time as this will disrupt the clinic for other clients who may be waiting.

As I operate a private practice and am self-employed, please understand that I need to operate a cancellation policy. Of course, sometimes sudden emergencies happen that may make it necessary for you to cancel your appointment at very short notice, or fail to attend and are unable to provide notification. On these occasions, a fee will be charged at my discretion.  In general, however, the following cancellation policy applies: cancellations made up to 48 hours before a scheduled appointment (via email to donagh@waterfordcounselling or WhatsApp to 087 7507313) will not incur a charge and  I will contact you with rescheduling options. Cancellations made 48 hours or less before a scheduled appointment will be subject to a charge of €50. 

As part of my code(s) of practice, I am required to carry out continuing professional development and to engage in regular ongoing clinical supervision. This is to ensure an ethical and professional service to clients. I may discuss your case in supervision but would not use any identifying details.

Confidentiality will be maintained within the codes of ethics and legal requirements. Confidentiality does not apply where it would mean that I, as your therapist, might break the law or where withholding information means I would breach the code of ethics. Confidentiality may be breached if I consider there is a risk you may harm yourself or others. In such exceptional circumstances, where there is concern for your well-being or that of others, it may be necessary to seek help outside the therapeutic relationship. In such an event where I am considering breaching confidentiality, you will normally be consulted first.

In the case of a disclosure concerning vulnerable adult or child protection issues or where I consider you to be a credible threat to others, confidentiality will be breached, and such disclosures will be passed onto the relevant authority without delay.

Our therapeutic relationship will remain professional at all times, the boundaries of which (such as contact outside of our sessions) will be maintained on my part.

Endings – therapy can at times be demanding, frustrating, and emotional. You may at times find this process very difficult, and feel the need to end therapy. In the normal course of events, you will probably know when you are ready to finish counselling, and we will agree together on the work we need to do to prepare for this.I will not suddenly or without warning terminate our contract, except in exceptional circumstances, which would become clear in the course of our work together. This would be fully discussed at that time. 

Please note any threats or acts of violence will invalidate this agreement, and therapy will cease. Sessions will not take place if you arrive under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed medication.

You will be notified of any holidays to be taken by myself well in advance. However, there may also be occasions when sessions may be cancelled because of illness or because of attending training sessions or meetings. I will try to give you as much notice as possible of any cancellation and will offer an alternative time.

Informed Consent - Any information that you share in therapy will be kept strictly confidential with the exceptions of the following rare circumstances as required by law:

• I have serious concerns that you are a danger to yourself or to others

• I have reason to believe that a child is in potential danger or there is unreported child sex abuse where the abuser is still alive.

• Should a third party need to be informed, this will first be discussed with you where possible.

Parental Consent - If you are booking a session for a minor aged under 18, then I need your permission as a parent/guardian to provide them with counselling services. By giving your consent, you are acknowledging that you have been informed of your child’s counselling needs and agree to allow your child to participate in counselling sessions. You may revoke this consent at any time by signing and dating a written notice to that effect.   

By ticking the box on the Bookings Page, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the above terms and conditions.