Counselling contracts and informed consent: does your counselling contract make clear the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship?
I have recently joined a linked-in group “BACP workplace” and started making contributions in response to members’ requests for assistance or comments. I have responded, in particular, to requests for assistance on enforcement of a cancellation policy and a separate call for advice on how to deal with a client not paying their fees for the therapy received. queries emanating from a broad spectrum of sample counselling contracts.
My advice, in both cases, has centered on effective contracting and making sure that informed consent has been received. As readers of my blogs will already appreciate I place a lot of emphasis on the effectiveness of forming the therapeutic alliance through a which should be a thorough document covering all aspects of the therapy and which sets out and makes clear the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. This comprehensive agreement is the basis on which informed consent is gained and as such is less likely to be subject of mis-understanding, dispute or not adhered to on the part of the client.