Business Policies
SESSION INFORMATION
Each Hypno-Psychotherapy session lasts 55 minutes and each Fusion session lasts 90 minutes at a time that is mutually agreeable. The session fees are due in full once an appointment is scheduled. Please provide 48 hours notice if you need to cancel and I will reschedule your session. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice then the full fee is charged [unless mutually agreed it was due to circumstances beyond your control].

PROFESSIONAL FEES
Each Hypno-Psychotherapy session fee is £75.00 and each “Fusion” session is £110.00 with discounts shown on the website for both when paid in 4-session bundles. If a 4-session bundle is purchased and the client wants to stop after 3 sessions, then the fee reverts back to single-session fees, and a refund for the difference will be paid.  Exceptions to the fees stated above are smoking cessation which is done in one 2-hour session with two follow-up sessions for £180.00; and hypnobirthing which is a course of five 2-hour sessions for £300.00. If you are having difficulties with the fees please contact me to discuss. Payments are made in advance of the session via the website or over the phone.

LENGTH of THERAPY
On average therapy lasts between 6-12 sessions with the exception of smoking cessation where it is done in one session with follow-up sessions. The length of therapy also depends heavily on the client’s response and the issue presented.

CONTACTING ME
If I am not immediately available by telephone I may be with a client, however, my telephone is answered by a confidential voicemail so please leave me a brief message with your name and number and I will make every effort to return your call as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can book a 30-minute free consultation via the website at your convenience. If you would prefer to email your initial inquiry the address is lynn@mindbydesign.co.uk. I make and receive telephone calls during my working hours between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm, however, I may send an email or text beyond this time if necessary. If you have a query out of hours, I would prefer you email or text.

CONFIDENTIALITY
The law protects the privacy of all communications between a client and mental health professional. Confidentiality will be maintained in all but the most exceptional circumstances. Confidentiality is only limited to: legal action, where a court order is made demanding disclosure and where there is good cause to believe not to disclose would cause serious harm to others.
I do regularly discuss cases with my supervisor which is a requirement of membership of the UKCP and I may occasionally find it helpful to consult other health and mental health professionals. This is not considered a breach of confidentiality, however, I make every effort to avoid revealing the identity of my client. The other professionals are also legally bound to keep the information.

CODE of ETHICS and the COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
I adhere to the UKCP Code of Ethics of which I am a member. The Code, in brief, requires practitioners to act in the best interest of the client, to respect the client’s autonomy, consider issues of diversity and equality, continue professional development and to engage in on-going supervision. If you have a complaint about the therapeutic service I offer or my ability to practice you can follow the link below which will provide information on the complaints procedure.
http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/Document%20files/01_Complaints%20process.pdf. Or I will provide a copy.

EQUALITY ACT 2010
I pride myself on providing therapy where all people and matters of diversity are welcome, are highly regarded and treated with sensitivity. I will bid to find reasonable alternatives if necessary according to the Equality Act 2010, to ensure that all have an equal opportunity to this service.

REFERRAL and TERMINATION PROCESS
Occasionally I may need to refer a client to another practitioner if the issue presented is outside of my skill set or if there is a conflict of interest for example. A referral to another suitable therapist would be the last resort after careful consideration and would be in the best interest of the client.

MINORS and PARENTS
I am not certified to work with unaccompanied minors (people under the age of 18). If you are a minor you will need a parent or guardian to be in the room with you or be willing to use time-indexed video. If you are the parent or guardian please be sure you have consent from the child.

DUAL RELATIONSHIPS
A dual relationship is any relationship outside of the therapeutic one. For example, treating a client who is a friend or conducting business with a current or past client. There are many ways in which a dual relationship can affect the success of therapy and although it is not illegal, it is seen as unethical and should be avoided.

ACCEPTING GIFTS
Accepting or giving gifts is disapproved of in therapy, to alleviate any suspicion of the therapist or client using their position to exploit the other. It is not meant to be uncaring.

RECORDS
I will keep professional records of clients details and some information about the client’s history, issue, methods used and progress. This is so as not to need reminding in sessions, to plan therapy and to monitor progress. You do have a right to see your records with a written request but would advise you to review them with me or another therapist as professional records can be misinterpreted and can be upsetting. Each session will be audio recorded for legal protection for both parties. All records will be securely kept with access granted to only myself and an appointed therapist who will contact you if I’m suddenly unavailable.

INSURANCE
I hold as a requirement, Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.

TESTIMONIALS
I do not post testimonials as many therapy related bodies consider testimonials unethical, they can be fabricated and they need to be verifiable by the advertising standards authority which can compromise confidentiality.