Terms & Conditions

Understanding

The terms and conditions below apply to all Therapeutic, Coaching & Training services provided by Helen B Ferguson to any individual or organisation ("the client") and constitute the contract for the service to be provided by Helen B Ferguson for the client. The term 'therapy' used here covers the therapeutic. qualifications, expertise & training provided and described; Clinical Psychotherapy, CBT, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Attachment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Compassion Therapy, Somatic Healing, Trauma and Abuse Therapy.

'Coaching' as used here covers life coaching, personal coaching, family coaching and career coaching for clients and where applicable includes mentoring or supervision services provided for clients, coaches or others. Coaching is not psychological counselling or any type of therapy, and should not be construed as such.

In return for the fees payable by the client (or by a third party on their behalf), Helen B Ferguson agrees to provide the service as described below and in accordance with the terms and conditions set out below. The client agrees to pay fees for the service on the terms and conditions set out below (in situations where a third party pays the fees, the third party counts as an agent acting on behalf of the client).

The date that the Initial Consultation takes place shall be deemed to be the start date for the service. Participation by any individual in the Initial Consultation constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. The client will be required to sign a mutual contract with Helen B Ferguson at the commencement of  therapy or coaching.

 

Responsibility & Commitment

Helen B Ferguson will seek to enable the client to set and achieve goals that will help to bring about desired outcomes for the client. The client has sole responsibility for any decisions they may make following therapy or coaching with Helen B Ferguson.  Helen B Ferguson accepts no liability for the client's actions. Helen B Ferguson has no liability for any loss incurred by any client, whether financial or otherwise, following commencement of  sessions, or for any perceived failure by the client, whether justified or otherwise, to achieve a material improvement in quality of life or to achieve their desired outcomes or goals.

The client will be required to complete a 'Commitment' contract at the commencement of any program; the client will be asked if they are ready to take action to make the necessary changes.

 

Confidentiality

Personal information or business information supplied to Helen B Ferguson by the client in sessions will be treated as confidential. It will not be disclosed to a third party without the client's prior permission, save where required by law.

Helen B Ferguson and the client will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement at commencement of any program.  Helen B Ferguson will respect the client's privacy and seek written permission before disclosing they are a client.

Helen B Ferguson requires that the client provide an emergency contact name and telephone number, to be used only in the event of an emergency, such as sudden illness or accident.

All documentation and information relating to the client will be held according to the Data Protection Act 2018, except as permitted by the client in writing or as required by law.

 

Clarity & Style

Helen B Ferguson will discuss with the client the structure of the therapeutic or coaching program. The client has the right to talk openly and candidly with Helen, and the client is encouraged to discuss any concerns they have with Helen B Ferguson on any area of the process.  Helen B Ferguson welcomes transparency and honesty.

Feedback about the service is welcomed and can be given during a coaching session or by writing to Helen B Ferguson, 12 Princes Close, Watton, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 6XA or emailing helen@helenbferguson.comHelen B Ferguson is continually striving to ensure the standard of service she provides to its clients remains outstanding.  At the end of the process the client may be asked to complete a feedback form.

 

Procedure

The agreed 3 month schedule will be arranged between Helen B Ferguson and the client and can be booked up to 3 months in advance. Helen B Ferguson will recommend the schedule based on a professional assessment of the client's requirements and reciprocal agreement of need. This recommendation, or plan, is not binding and may be altered and adjusted throughout the journey by mutual agreement, in accordance with the terms set out in this agreement.

The 3 month schedule can be agreed in the free consultation call of half an hour  between Helen B Ferguson and the client, and confirmed by Helen B Ferguson by email. Helen B Ferguson does not operate on a session by session basis nor hourly rate. Full payment £4000 is payable prior to the first consultation of 90 minutes.. A payment plan can be arranged for the 3 month program and a separate terms & conditions document will be shared with the client in such cases.

The length of the Initial Consultation is 90 minutes. The length of each session thereafter is 1 hour.

Initial Consultation and Therapeutic Sessions will take place between the client and the Helen B Ferguson face-to-face  or via Zoom (link will be provided for client to call Helen).  Face-to-face therapy will take place in the consultation room, located in Norfolk. Unless otherwise agreed, the client is responsible for telephoning Helen Ferguson at agreed times.

Helen B Ferguson assigns the client tasks or exercises to complete between sessions. These tasks are an essential component to progress and if not completed will affect the ability to proceed with the next session effectively, not doing so slows the client's progress in gaining improved quality of life or achieving desired personal outcomes. Where possible, clients are requested to submit any information requested by Helen B Ferguson relating to assignments at least 24 hours before the session when they are to be discussed. Helen B Ferguson will provide feedback on completed assignments during sessions.

The client may contact Helen B Ferguson by phone or email between sessions to share a success or seek support and clarification on an issue. This contact is to be considered at reasonable working hours of the day and weekend. Helen B Ferguson endeavours to respond to contact within 48 hours. Helen B Ferguson is not an emergency response service; if there is an emergency that requires an immediate response local mental health or medical support services should be contacted.  Support between sessions is seen by Helen B Ferguson as a necessary part of the process. Helen B Ferguson will always advise a client in advance if the nature of a client's contact is likely to incur an additional charge, and no such charges will be imposed without the client's agreement.

 

Cancellation & Rearranging Sessions

If the client needs to rearrange a session, they should provide at least 48 hours' notice. No refunds will be given to clients for unused sessions unless 48 hours' notice has been given. In exceptional circumstances Helen B Ferguson may need to rearrange a session; in these circumstances Helen B Ferguson will use reasonable endeavours to provide a mutually satisfactory alternative appointment the client.

Where a client pays for a session, or sessions, in advance they must have the session(s) that they have paid for within 6 months of the payment, or their fee is forfeited.

The client may terminate their contract at any time in writing.  Any monies owed at the time of cancellation will become due to Helen B Ferguson immediately. Refunds on payments made against future sessions will be at the discretion of Helen B Ferguson.

In exceptional circumstances, such as illness or unavailability due to bereavement or other commitments, inappropriate behaviour by the client, actual or potential conflict of interest, or other reasons, Helen B Ferguson can decide to terminate the service to the client early or refuse or be able to provide further sessions to the client. In such a circumstance the client will be given reasonable notice of termination by Helen B Ferguson where practicable, and will be refunded any advance payments made for sessions not yet provided.

There may be occasions when Helen B Ferguson may recommend to the client that they seek an alternative service more suited to their current needs.  In this event Helen B Ferguson will fully discuss the reasons for the recommendation with the client. It is the client's sole responsibility to decide whether to follow the recommendation and Helen B Ferguson does not accept any liability for the outcome of any decisions the client choses to make