Couples Therapy
Informed Consent and Client Agreement
1. Purpose of Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a confidential and professionally facilitated space in which both partners can explore difficulties within their relationship, improve communication and understanding, and consider ways of developing a healthier and more constructive relationship.
The purpose of therapy will be agreed collaboratively between the therapist and both partners and may change as the work progresses.
Couples therapy is not about determining which partner is "right" or "wrong". The therapist's role is to remain professionally impartial and to facilitate a safe and constructive therapeutic process.
2. Voluntary Participation and Consent
We understand that participation in couples therapy is voluntary.
We confirm that we have been given an opportunity to ask questions about the therapeutic process and that we understand what couples therapy involves.
We understand that we may discuss our goals for therapy with the therapist and that these goals may be reviewed periodically.
Either partner may choose to discontinue therapy. Where possible, we agree to discuss this with the therapist before ending the work.
3. The Therapeutic Relationship
We understand that the therapist will work with us as a couple rather than acting as the individual therapist of either partner.
The therapist will seek to maintain an appropriate balance of impartiality and will not knowingly take sides.
We understand that the therapist may challenge either or both partners when this is therapeutically appropriate.
The therapist may also identify patterns of communication or behaviour that appear to be contributing to difficulties within the relationship.
4. Confidentiality and Joint Confidentiality
We understand that confidentiality is an important part of therapy.
However, couples therapy involves joint confidentiality. Information shared by either partner within the context of couples therapy will generally be regarded as part of the shared therapeutic process rather than as information belonging exclusively to one individual.
We understand that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed between the partners.
Where information is disclosed to the therapist privately by one partner, the therapist may discuss with that partner whether and how the information could appropriately be brought into the joint therapy.
The therapist will not normally agree to maintain significant relationship-relevant information as a permanent secret from the other partner.
This may include information relating to matters such as:
- affairs or other significant breaches of relationship agreements;
- significant financial matters;
- substance misuse;
- significant risks to either partner;
- behaviours that materially affect the therapeutic work;
- other information that the therapist considers important to the couple's therapeutic process.
The therapist will discuss the implications of such information with the individual concerned wherever reasonably possible.
5. Individual Sessions
Occasionally, the therapist may offer or agree to an individual session with one partner.
An individual session remains connected to the couples therapy and does not automatically establish a separate individual therapeutic relationship.
Information disclosed during an individual session may need to be brought into the couples work where it is relevant to the therapeutic process or where withholding it would compromise the therapist's ability to work ethically and effectively with the couple.
If either partner wishes to commence ongoing individual therapy for issues that fall outside the remit of the couples work, this may need to be undertaken with another therapist.
6. Privacy and Contact Outside Sessions
We agree that the therapist will normally communicate with both partners regarding matters relating to appointments and the administration of therapy.
We understand that communication outside sessions should generally be limited to practical matters such as appointments.
The therapist will not normally engage in substantive therapeutic discussions with one partner by email, text message, telephone or other communication outside the agreed therapy sessions.
7. Boundaries
We agree to maintain appropriate boundaries within the therapeutic relationship. During sessions, both partners will be encouraged to communicate respectfully.
The therapist may intervene if communication becomes hostile, abusive, threatening or otherwise prevents the therapeutic process from continuing safely.
The therapist may pause or end a session if necessary to maintain safety and professional boundaries.
8. Safety, Abuse and Safeguarding
We understand that couples therapy is not appropriate for every relationship.
The therapist may need to assess whether couples therapy remains appropriate where there are concerns regarding:
- domestic abuse or coercive control;
- intimidation or threats;
- physical violence;
- sexual violence or coercion;
- significant emotional abuse;
- serious substance misuse;
- significant mental health or safeguarding concerns;
- fear of retaliation following disclosure.
We understand that where there is a significant imbalance of power or where one partner is unable to participate freely and safely, individual work or another form of intervention may be more appropriate.
Where the therapist has serious concerns regarding the safety of either partner or another person, confidentiality may need to be breached in accordance with professional, ethical and legal requirements.
9. Confidentiality and Its Limits
Information shared during therapy will normally remain confidential, subject to the following limitations:
- serious concerns about the safety of a client or another person;
- safeguarding concerns;
- where disclosure is required by law;
- where disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm;
- where information is requested lawfully by an appropriate authority;
- where consultation or supervision is required for professional purposes.
Where reasonably possible, the therapist will discuss any proposed disclosure with the relevant client or clients before information is shared.
10. Records and Data Protection
The therapist may keep appropriate clinical and administrative records relating to therapy.
Records will be stored securely and handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and the therapist's privacy policy.
We understand that we may ask the therapist about how our personal information is collected, stored and used.
11. Use of Supervision
We understand that the therapist may discuss aspects of the therapeutic work within professional supervision or consultation.
Information will be handled appropriately and, wherever possible, identifying details will be minimised. Supervision is an important part of maintaining professional standards and protecting the interests of clients.
12. Therapy Sessions and Cancellation
Session length:
60 minutes. Couple’s sessions include a 15 minute overrun to a maximum of 75 minutes to accommodate unfinished dialogue.
Session frequency:
According to client needs and agreement with therapist.
Fee:
£80.00 per session subject to alteration and notice to client.
Cancellation policy:
Full session fee payable if cancelled within 24 hours of agreed session time.
We understand that missed or cancelled appointments may be subject to the therapist's cancellation policy.
13. Social Media and Dual Relationships
We agree that the therapist will maintain appropriate professional boundaries outside therapy.
The therapist will not normally accept social-media friend or connection requests from current clients.
We understand that the therapist may decline contact or invitations outside the therapeutic setting where doing so is necessary to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
14. Ending Couples Therapy
Therapy may end when:
- the agreed therapeutic goals have been sufficiently addressed;
- the couple decide they no longer wish to continue;
- the therapist considers that further couples therapy is unlikely to be beneficial;
- the therapist considers that couples therapy is no longer clinically or ethically appropriate;
- circumstances arise requiring referral to another professional or service.
Where appropriate, the therapist will aim to provide an opportunity for planned ending and review.
15. Separation or Relationship Breakdown
We understand that couples therapy does not necessarily aim to preserve the relationship at all costs.
Therapy may help a couple to understand their relationship and make informed decisions about whether to remain together or separate.
If the couple separates during therapy, the therapist will discuss whether continuing as a couple is appropriate.
The therapist will not normally become the individual therapist for one partner following the ending of couples therapy where doing so could create a conflict of interest or compromise professional boundaries.
16. Understanding of the Therapeutic Process
We understand that couples therapy can sometimes bring difficult emotions, memories and relationship issues to the surface.
We understand that progress is not guaranteed and that therapy may involve periods of increased emotional difficulty.
We agree to communicate with the therapist if we feel that the process is becoming overwhelming, unsafe or unsuitable.
17. Consent
By signing the supplied counselling contract , we confirm that:
- we have read and understood this agreement;
- we have had an opportunity to ask questions;
- we understand the principles of confidentiality and joint confidentiality;
- we understand the limits of confidentiality;
- we understand the therapist's approach to information disclosed privately by either partner;
- we understand the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship;
- we understand that participation is voluntary;
- we consent to participate in couples therapy