TERMS AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Terms, fees, and cancellation policy
Last updated: December 2025

These terms set out how I work and what you can expect. They are part of creating a clear, boundaried therapeutic space.

Who I work with
I offer counselling and psychotherapy for adults aged 18+. If I believe a different service or specialist support would better meet your needs, I will discuss this with you and may signpost or refer you on.

First step: free 15-minute call
The first step is usually a free 15-minute phone or Zoom call. This is a chance to ask questions, briefly share what you are looking for, and decide whether working together feels like a good fit.

Session length and format

  • Standard session length: 50 minutes (a therapeutic “hour”)

  • Format: in-person across North Cumbria (Carlisle, Crofton, Wigton, Keswick) and online via Zoom

Fees

  • Standard fee: £65 per 50-minute session

  • Concessionary fee: £35 per 50-minute session for student counsellors and clients in receipt of means-tested benefits

Concessionary spaces
Concessionary spaces are limited and offered subject to availability. I may ask for a brief confirmation of eligibility (for example, a student ID or evidence of a means-tested benefit). I do not require detailed financial disclosure.

Payment
Payment is due in advance of each session. Payment details will be provided when sessions are arranged.

Late arrivals
If you arrive late, the session will usually still finish at the agreed time, as I may have other appointments booked.

Cancellations and missed sessions
If you need to cancel or rearrange, please give at least 48 hours’ notice.

  • With 48 hours’ notice or more: no charge

  • With less than 48 hours’ notice: the full session fee is usually payable

  • Missed sessions: charged at the full session fee

This policy is not a punishment. It reflects that session time is reserved for you and cannot usually be offered to someone else at short notice.

If there are exceptional circumstances, you are welcome to tell me; I will always aim to respond reasonably.

Holidays and therapist absence
If I need to cancel due to illness or other unavoidable reasons, I will offer an alternative appointment or refund any fee paid for that session.

Confidentiality
Therapy is confidential, but confidentiality is not absolute. I may need to share information without your consent if:

  • there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else

  • a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of serious harm

  • I am legally required to disclose information (for example by court order)

If possible, I will aim to discuss this with you first.

Online sessions
For Zoom sessions:

  • I will email your Zoom link in advance

  • Please ensure you are in a warm, private space where you are unlikely to be overheard or interrupted

  • Please log on a couple of minutes early so we can start on time

  • If the connection drops, you can rejoin using the same link; if needed, I will follow up by email to re-establish contact

Crisis support
Fellside Therapy is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123. If you require urgent mental health support, contact your GP or NHS 111.

Ending therapy
You can end therapy at any time. If possible, I encourage at least one ending session so we can close the work carefully, but this is your choice.

Complaints
If you are unhappy with any aspect of my service, please see the Complaints Process page for next steps.