Terms & Conditions
Last updated: 2/1/26
These Terms & Conditions outline the agreement between you (the client) and me, Emma Ashby, when you use my website or engage in counselling services. They are intended to provide clarity, transparency, and mutual understanding.
1. Counselling Services
I offer online counselling and psychotherapy to individual adults aged 18 and over.
Counselling provides a confidential and supportive space to explore emotional, relational, and psychological difficulties. It is not a substitute for medical treatment, psychiatric care, or emergency services.
2. Suitability
Counselling may not be suitable for everyone or for every situation. If I believe my services are not appropriate for your needs, this will be discussed with you and, where possible, alternative sources of support will be suggested.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feel at immediate risk of harm, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services.
3. Confidentiality
All counselling sessions are confidential, subject to legal and ethical limits.
· Confidentiality may be broken if:
· There is a serious risk of harm to you or others
· Disclosure is required by law
· There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult
Where possible, this would be discussed with you in advance.
4. Online Counselling
Counselling sessions take place online using a secure platform.
You are responsible for:
Ensuring you have a private and safe space for sessions
Having a reliable internet connection
While online counselling is widely used and effective, technical difficulties may occasionally occur. I cannot be held responsible for disruptions outside of my control.
5. In-person Counselling
Counselling takes place in a confidential space. Please arrive on time.
6. Sessions and Fees
· Sessions last for 50 minutes, weekly and at the same time, unless otherwise agreed.
· Both short-term and long-term therapy are available.
· I recommend a minimum of 6 sessions to give you enough time to explore your concerns, notice patterns, and make meaningful progress.
· Fees are agreed in advance
· Payment is required at least 24 hours before each session via bank transfer.
7. Cancellations and Missed Sessions
If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, 48 hours’ notice is required.
Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed sessions, will be charged at the full session fee, as this time cannot usually be offered to another client.
Exceptions may be considered in exceptional circumstances, at my discretion.
8. Boundaries and Communication
Counselling sessions take place within agreed professional boundaries.
Contact between sessions is limited to practical matters such as scheduling or payments. Therapeutic work is contained within sessions unless otherwise agreed. If we meet outside of the therapy room, I will not engage unless you do first, and this will be kept brief.
9. Records and Data Protection
Brief records are kept in line with professional, ethical, and legal requirements.
Details of how personal data is collected, stored, and protected are outlined in the Privacy Policy, which should be read alongside these Terms & Conditions.
10. Ending Therapy
You may end counselling at any time. Where possible, I encourage discussing endings, as this can be a meaningful part of the therapeutic process.
I reserve the right to end therapy if:
· Sessions are repeatedly missed
· Fees remain unpaid
· Therapy is no longer appropriate
This would always be approached openly and with care.
11. Complaints
If you have concerns about the service provided, I encourage you to raise these with me directly in the first instance.
If the matter cannot be resolved, you may follow the complaints procedure of my professional body.
National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
12. Website Use
The content on this website is for general information only and does not constitute therapeutic advice.
Website content may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without permission.
13. Changes to These Terms
These Terms & Conditions may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page with an updated revision date.
14. Contact
Emma Ashby, hello@elmhillrisecounselling.co.uk