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GUIDELINES

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Analysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy involve you making certain commitments and arrangements, and these are some notes are offered for your guidance. This guidance has been developed in line with BPC standards for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and represents the therapy agreement which our work together will abide by.


1.    We will work together, with you telling me your thoughts and feelings and then we will work to understand your patterns and the meaning behind the ways that you are feeling and expressing yourself. It is important to hold in mind that neither analysis nor psychotherapy are a quick fix, and it might take time to settle in the process.


2.    Sessions last for 50 minutes and are held at the same time and day each week.


3.    Psychotherapy is based on regular meetings, which are weekly (psychotherapy) or more frequent (analysis). This means we’ll have a regular slot that is reserved for our sessions also when you, for any reasons, don’t use it.


4.    Like most psychoanalysts and psychodynamic psychotherapists, I do charge for all sessions that you might miss, including absence caused by your holidays. However, any sessions that cannot be attended in person can be carried out online or on the telephone if preferred.
I do, of course, not charge for sessions I might need to cancel, or for holidays that coincide with Bank Holidays and therapy breaks (see point nr 7).

5.    If you can tell me in advance when you are unable to keep an appointment, it is helpful to let me know. Whenever possible, I will try to offer a replacement session within the same week. If rescheduling was not possible, the full fee will be payable.

6.    In the rare event of a cancelled session that I was able to reschedule for you, but that was eventually cancelled by me (i.e., Due to an emergency), the session will be charged at 50% of your sessional fee.


7.    Analysis and Psychotherapy include regular breaks, usually around December, Spring (March or April depending on the year), and Summer. These are part of the work and amount to a total of up to 14 weeks per year. I will notify you of each upcoming break in advance.


8.    I review my fees annually on the 1st March. I give notice, and am willing to negotiate the revised fee (if any).


9.    I present my invoices at the end of each month and ask you to pay within 7 days.


10.    It is desirable for you to inform your GP that you are in an analytic therapy. At all times you are responsible for your medical care.


11.    I am involved in maintaining my own professional standards which I do through collegial support and consultation.


12.    Confidentiality: I do not keep notes on my patients. I only keep the information you gave me on your first visit and anything you may give to me.


13.    I am obliged to tell the appropriate people if you might harm yourself or others or plan certain acts that require me by Law to break confidentiality


14.    Ending by agreement is usual and normally requires time for discussion. Should you wish to leave I ask that you give me at least 2 months’ notice (excluding any break).

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