Night Sky Counselling Policy

Night Sky Counselling aims to provide clients with a professional confidential therapeutic counselling service. Jessica Hart (counsellor) is a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), which means that the BACP code of ethics will be followed. Clients can, at any time, ask for a copy of the BACP code of ethics. During counselling sessions what is discussed will remain private and confidential following Night Sky Counselling safe-guarding policy. Jessica Hart attends regular supervision so that knowledge and skills are expanded upon and clients gain the best possible support. 

Night Sky Counselling uses person-centred theory approach. Counselling sessions are for 50 minutes and can either be weekly or fortnightly to behind with. Jessica Hart will contact the client by telephone call to the agreed number provided from the client. Progress of counselling can be reviewed at any time. Brief notes of the counselling session will be taken and can be requested for review by the client.

Night Sky Counselling recognises that appointments sometimes need to be cancelled, please contact as soon as possible. Please note that without giving 24hours notice of a session being cancelled that session charge will still apply. 

Confidentiality and Safeguarding:

Night Sky Counselling offers confidentiality within the law and BACP ethical framework. In exceptional circumstances, the counsellor may take the decision to break confidentiality, with or without the client’s consent if necessary where, in professional judgement: where information is revealed eluding to involvement with terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering or child abuse (where current harm to a child is taking place). Night Sky Counselling and Jessica Hart has a legal duty to disclose such information to the police or relevant authorities. Where suicidal thoughts or intent to self-harm/harm others is revealed and convincing, a referral may result, but only after a client has been informed.

In such circumstances the counsellor will:

• seek to obtain the client’s, or if appropriate the parent/guardian consent prior to disclosure.

• discuss with his/her supervisor.

Complaints:

Please address complaints in writing to the Night Sky Counselling email address: nightskycounselling@gmail.com . You should expect a response from Night Sky Counselling within two weeks. If this response is unsatisfactory you may refer the matter to the BACP.

Referrals:

When required Jessica Hart may offer to refer a client to additional support services. This will be discussed between the counsellor and the client.
 

Night Sky Counselling and Jessica Hart reserve the right to refuse counselling services if they feel that a client’s behaviour is unacceptable or where counselling is no longer appropriate.

Night Sky Counselling is not able to offer urgent support or crisis help. 

Please consider the following if you need immediate support:  

- Attend your local A&E department. 

- Contact your local Mental Health Line

- Contact the Samaritans  TEL: 116 123 (Contactable 24hours) 

- Request an urgent appointment with your GP