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Understand Your Therapy Contract UK

Clinical Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: 10-May-2026

Provider: Dr Jo-Ann Valentine, ByValentine Psychology Services Ltd.

1. The Therapeutic Agreement

These Terms and Conditions form the basis of the therapeutic contract between byValentine Psychology Services Ltd ("the Practice", "I", "me") and you ("the Client"). Engaging in any clinical service with Dr Jo-Ann Valentine implies your full understanding and acceptance of these terms.

 

Therapy is a collaborative process. As your therapist, I will provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to work towards your goals using evidence-based practices (such as CBT). Your commitment to attending sessions and engaging in "between-session" tasks is essential for therapeutic progress.

2. Appointments and Lateness

Your session time is reserved specifically for you. Consistency is vital for therapeutic efficacy.

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  • Session Duration: Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length, unless otherwise agreed for specific clinical assessments.

  • Punctuality: If you arrive late to an in-person or virtual session, the session will still end at the scheduled time to ensure the following client is not delayed. The full session fee remains payable. If you are more than 15 minutes late and have not made contact, the session will be considered cancelled, and the full fee will be charged.

  • Online Sessions: Online sessions are conducted via Google Meet, with a link to the session provided via email. Please ensure you are in a private space at the time of your appointment and are appropriately dressed with your video turned on. It is the client's responsibility to verify that their IT equipment and internet connection are sufficient for a video consultation.

  • In-Person Sessions: If sessions are held in person at a third-party venue, you agree to comply at all times with that venue’s policies and rules (particularly fire safety and health and safety rules). You are responsible for your own belongings that you take to a session; neither byValentine nor any third-party venue will be liable for any loss, damage, theft, or destruction of your belongings.

3. Cancellations and Practitioner Absence

A strict 48-hour cancellation policy applies to all appointments.

 

  • Notice Provided: If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 48 hours' notice via email (office@byValentine.co.uk). No fee will be charged.

  • Late Cancellations & No-Shows: Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice, or missed entirely ("no-shows"), will be charged at the full standard session rate.

  • Practitioner Cancellation: In the rare event that I need to cancel a session due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances (such as a major technical outage), I will notify you as soon as possible. No fee will be charged, and we will reschedule at the earliest mutual convenience. I am not liable for any costs incurred by you (e.g., travel) due to such cancellations.

4. Fees and Payment Terms

All fees are transparent and established at the outset of the therapeutic relationship.

 

  • Fees: Current session rates are available on my website (www.byValentine.co.uk) and will be confirmed during your initial enquiry. Fees are subject to annual review.

  • Additional Professional Services: Any clinical work undertaken outside of scheduled sessions — such as professional liaison, school consultations, or GP reporting—is billed as an Additional Professional Service. These are charged at the prevailing hourly rate and billed in 15-minute increments.

  • Payment Methods: Payment must be made by bank transfer (Starling Bank) or Stripe (credit/debit card) at least 24 hours before the session takes place. The session is not confirmed until payment is received.

  • Arrears: The Practice reserves the right to suspend ongoing therapy if accounts fall into arrears. You remain liable for any outstanding debt.

5. Professional Conduct and Zero Tolerance

To maintain a safe therapeutic environment, I operate a zero-tolerance policy regarding abuse. Therapy will be terminated immediately, with the full fee remaining payable, if a client is verbally or physically abusive, threatening, or attends a session (virtually or in-person) under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances.​

6. Communication and Boundaries

  • Operating Hours: Clinical working hours are Monday and Tuesday, 09:00 am – 02:30 pm. Responses to enquiries are typically within 72 business hours.

  • Between Sessions: Email and phone contact should be strictly limited to administrative issues. I am unable to provide clinical support via email.

  • Boundaries: I do not enter into social or business relationships with clients. I do not accept social media requests on personal accounts.

  • Recording of Sessions: You must not record the session without prior discussion and agreement. Agreed recordings must never be shared publicly or on social media.

7. Emergency Support, Confidentiality, and Ending Therapy

  • Emergencies: byValentine is not a crisis service. In a mental health emergency, contact 999, 111, or visit A&E.

  • Confidentiality: Information is kept confidential except in cases of risk of harm, legal obligation, or professional supervision.

  • Ending Therapy: I recommend providing at least one to two weeks' notice for a planned final session.

8. Legal and Governance

  • Right to Amend: byValentine Psychology Services Ltd reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions. You will be provided with at least 30 days’ notice of any significant changes.

  • Jurisdiction: This contract is governed by the laws of England and Wales, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

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