Informed Consent Policy — Carl Argent Counselling and Coaching

1. Purpose of this Policy

Therapy is a collaborative process based on trust and transparency. Before we begin working together, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what counselling involves, the potential risks, and your rights as a client.

2. The Nature of Counselling

Counselling is a talking therapy that provides a safe, confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

1. The Goal: My role is not to give advice, tell you what to do, or “fix” you. Instead, I facilitate a process where you can gain insight, develop coping strategies, and make your own choices.
2. The Process: Therapy can be short-term (focusing on specific issues) or open-ended (exploring deeper patterns). We will regularly review our work together to ensure it is meeting your needs.

3. Potential Risks and Benefits

While counselling is generally beneficial, it is not always easy. To give informed consent, you must be aware of the “side effects” of emotional work:

1. Emotional Discomfort: discussing difficult memories or feelings can initially make you feel worse, anxious, or sad before you feel better. This is a normal part of the healing process.
2. Relationship Changes: As you grow and change, the way you relate to others (partners, family, friends) may shift. This can sometimes cause friction in existing relationships.
3. No Guarantees: There is no guarantee that counselling will solve all your problems. Success depends heavily on the quality of our relationship and your active participation in the process.

4. Your Rights as a Client

As a client, you hold specific rights throughout our work together:

1. Right to Confidentiality: Everything we discuss is confidential, subject to specific legal and ethical limits (detailed in my Safeguarding Policy), such as risk of serious harm to yourself or others.
2. Right to Autonomy: You have the right to refuse any specific therapeutic technique or intervention I suggest. You are in control of what we discuss.
3. Right to End Therapy: You may end therapy at any time without penalty. I generally recommend a closing session to process the ending safely, but this is your choice.
4. Right to Your Data: Under the GDPR, you have the right to request access to the clinical notes I hold about you (Subject Access Request) or to request that I correct any factual inaccuracies.
5. Right to Complain: I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. If you are unhappy with my conduct, you have the right to discuss this with me or file a formal complaint with my professional body.

5. Emergency & Out-of-Hours Contact

Please note that I do not provide an emergency or crisis service.

1. Contact Limits: I am available by contact only during scheduled working hours.
2. In a Crisis: If you feel you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, please contact your GP, visit your nearest A&E, or call the Samaritans (116 123) or NHS 111.