Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

You are investing in your mental health and emotional wellbeing. But counselling only works if you commit to the process and attend all scheduled appointments.

1. Introduction

Welcome to St Martin’s Centre for Health and Healing working as St Martin’s Counselling. By engaging with our services, you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions.

2. Services Provided

St Martin’s Counselling will provide counselling sessions face to face, online and over the telephone to address your personal concerns, goals, and mental health needs. All prospective clients undertake an initial consultation/self-assessment to determine if our service is appropriate for their needs.

3. Qualifications and Accreditation

All our therapists are registered members of various governing bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and, United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP). Therapists are either qualified or accumulating clinical hours towards qualification – all trainee therapists have a ‘Fitness to Practice’ Certificate from their training provider. 

4. Confidentiality

We adhere to the ethical guidelines and professional standards set by relevant professional bodies such as BACP, UKCP. Information shared during sessions will be treated as confidential, except in the following circumstances:

  • Legal Obligation: Where disclosure is required by law (e.g., safeguarding concerns, court order).

  • Risk of Harm: If the counsellor in conjunction with the Risk Management Team believes there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others. In such cases, we may need to contact relevant authorities or emergency services.

  • Supervision: Counsellors are required to engage in regular clinical supervision to ensure best practice. During supervision, client anonymity is maintained.

  • Client Consent: With your informed consent, we may share information with other professionals involved in your care.


5. Fees and Payment

Please see our Financial Terms for full details

  • Our heavily subsidised standard fee is £25 per session

  • Your card is automatically charged on the day of your session

  • Online payment is via Stripe.

  • A cancellation policy of 48 hours’ notice applies. Late cancellations or missed appointments will incur a fee.

6. Appointments

  • Appointments are scheduled at mutually agreed times and continue at a set time and day for 50 minutes a session.

  • We will make every effort to accommodate your preferred appointment times.

  • Please inform us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment.

7. Cancellation & attendance Policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule, you must notify the admin team with at least 2 working day’s notice to avoid payment for the cancelled session.

  • If you cancel 2 sessions within a 6-week period notice you   may  be discharged.

  • If you do not attend 2 sessions within a 6-week period and have not notified or given less than 2 working days, you   will  be discharged.


 8. Code of Conduct

Both the counsellor and the client are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and professionally during sessions. This includes:

  • Attending sessions on time.

  • Being honest and open in communication.

  • Respecting boundaries.

  • Not acting in an aggressive or abusive manner.


9. Client Rights and Responsibilities

  • You have the right to ask questions, seek clarification, and terminate the sessions.

  • Your responsibility is to be open, participate actively, and respect the session agreement.


10. Counsellor’s Responsibilities

Your Counsellor will provide professional, ethical, and supportive services, adhering to their professional code of conduct.


11. Termination of Services

Either you or your Counsellor may terminate the counselling relationship at any time. You may be reallocated if there is another Counsellor who is more appropriate for your needs.

12. Zero Tolerance Statement


Our team is here to help you, please treat them with respect.


All our team, staff and volunteers must be able to come to work without fear of violence, abuse or harassment from clients or their relatives. 

St Martin’s Counselling has a zero-tolerance approach towards violent, threatening or abusive behaviour including shouting and swearing.

People who act in such a manner will be asked to leave the premises and any contact online or over the telephone terminated immediately. 

We reserve the right to refuse to offer a service and discharge clients already in counselling

In certain circumstances the police may be called.

13. Data Protection

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal data will be processed and stored securely. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy, which is available on our website.

14. Complaints Procedure

If you have any concerns or complaints about the service provided, please discuss them with your counsellor in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can speak to the service manager who will attempt to resolve your complaint. Should this not be possible they will provide you with the formal Complaints Procedure.