Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions explain the use of this website and the basis on which counselling services are introduced through Chesterfield Counsellors.

Chesterfield Counsellors is a network of independent counsellors working under a shared name. It is not a company or a single counselling practice. Each counsellor works independently and is responsible for the counselling services they provide. Information about individual counsellors, including their qualifications, professional memberships and approach, can be found on their profiles.

Counselling Services

Counselling provides a confidential and supportive space to explore personal, emotional or psychological difficulties. It does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment and is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care. If you are concerned about your health, you should contact your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional. Making an enquiry through this website does not create a therapeutic relationship. A counselling relationship begins only when this has been agreed between you and an individual counsellor.

Working With a Counsellor

Counsellors within Chesterfield Counsellors practise independently. When you begin working with a counsellor, they are individually responsible for the counselling they provide, including professional practice, confidentiality, record keeping and appropriate insurance. Your counsellor will explain their way of working and any relevant arrangements before counselling begins.

Sessions

Sessions are typically 50 minutes and may take place in person or online, depending on the counsellor and what has been agreed. The frequency and ongoing arrangement of sessions will be discussed directly with your counsellor.

Fees and Payment

Fees are shown on the website or agreed with your counsellor before counselling begins. Payment arrangements and cancellation terms will be confirmed by your individual counsellor. These may vary between counsellors, so you should refer to the agreement you make with them.

Confidentiality

Counselling is confidential, subject to certain legal, ethical and safeguarding limits. Your counsellor will explain confidentiality and its limits when you begin working together. They will also undertake appropriate professional supervision in accordance with their professional responsibilities.

Contact Between Sessions

Arrangements for contact outside counselling sessions will be explained by your counsellor. The Chesterfield Counsellors website and enquiry service are not monitored continuously and should not be used to seek urgent or crisis support.

If you are in crisis or need urgent support, please contact your GP, emergency services, or an appropriate crisis support service.

Data Protection and Privacy

Personal information is handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection law. Information submitted through the Chesterfield Counsellors website and information subsequently held by an individual counsellor may be handled separately.

Further information about how personal information is collected, used and stored will be set out in our Privacy Policy and, where appropriate, the privacy information provided by your individual counsellor.

Ending or Changing Counselling

You are free to end counselling at any time. The relationship with your counsellor matters. If you feel that the counsellor you are seeing is not the right fit, you are welcome to discuss this with them or contact Chesterfield Counsellors about the possibility of working with another counsellor in the network. An individual counsellor may also recommend ending counselling or referring you to another service where they believe this would better meet your needs.

Complaints

If you have a concern about counselling you have received, you are encouraged to raise it with your counsellor in the first instance where you feel able to do so. Each counsellor is individually responsible for their professional practice. Information about their professional membership and the relevant complaints procedure can be found in their profile or obtained directly from them.

Website Use

Information on this website is provided for general information and to help you make an informed choice about counselling. It does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice. We take reasonable care to keep the information accurate and up to date, but it may not be appropriate to every person's circumstances. Links to external websites are provided for convenience. Chesterfield Counsellors is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Emergency Situations

Chesterfield Counsellors is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please contact the emergency services or an appropriate crisis service.

Counselling Agreements

These website Terms and Conditions are separate from the agreement between you and your counsellor. Before counselling begins, your counsellor may provide their own counselling agreement setting out matters such as confidentiality, fees, cancellations, contact and how you will work together.