Psychotherapy Agreement

Tanya Gordon Psychotherapy/ Counselling Agreement

Your child is being offered a therapeutic space which will take place in New Barnet, St Johns Wood or online.   The session will offer one on one time in a safe and welcoming space where they can freely express themselves, engage in discussions, and even have some fun while talking and playing about various aspects of their life. We'll explore their feelings and worries together, giving them a chance to reflect and process their thoughts.

Growing up can be challenging, and that's why I also encourage conversations about their experiences at school and with friends. Through these sessions, your child can gain valuable insights, learn coping strategies, and build important life skills. For some young people, when they have a chance to work through strong emotions and worries, they often find it easier to concentrate during lessons, leading to improved academic performance.

In psychotherapy, there is no set agenda. Instead, people are encouraged to talk about what is on their mind. This can often be difficult for some and finding other ways of getting things across can be helpful, but it is important to know that psychotherapists are experienced in helping young people to convey their problems in whatever way is right for them. Sometimes images and creative arts can facilitate this process.

Sharing upsetting memories, thoughts and feelings can be a relief in itself, but the therapist will also aim to help them to understand themselves better, and be able to think about difficult aspects of their experiences rather than be overwhelmed by their feelings.

Each session will be 45 minutes and take place on a weekly basis, providing consistency and structure for your child.   

As a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), I adhere to their ethical frameworks, ensuring the highest standard of care for your child during our Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy sessions.

Parent sessions are an integral part of our work together. Before therapy commences, we'll have a parent meeting where we can gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's history and explore how I can best support them. Additionally, after 1-6 sessions, we'll schedule another meeting to review our progress and determine if psychotherapy is the most suitable approach for your child. After this, we review and plan the next course of actions. From thereon, we'll have termly review meetings to discuss the themes of the work.

Reviews are to help you to understand their behaviour and feelings and think about your difficulties in helping them. If the young person is 16 or over, they can decide whether or not they want their parents involved. However, they are encouraged to consider that it may be helpful for them if you are involved.

A link to school or college may sometimes be helpful and will be arranged if appropriate with the young person’s permission.

Sessions will be charged in advance of the session, or monthly for more regular sessions, payable on receipt (with a maximum 7 days grace period). If an initial parent session is arranged then it is payable in advance. If you do not attend, the full fee will be chargeable, unless 4 or more days’ notice has been given. Extended sessions are charged pro rata. If phone sessions, long email replies, external meetings, letters or reports are required, then these are charged pro rata including travel time. Reasonable short emails /calls (generally for booking appointments and emergencies) are not usually chargeable. I will not carry out any extra work such as noted above without your permission otherwise you will not be charged.

In case you need to cancel a session with less than 72 hours' notice, the session will be charged.

If at any point you decide to discontinue therapy, I request at least 4 sessions' notice. This allows us to thoughtfully conclude our work together rather than end abruptly.Confidentiality is of utmost importance in our therapeutic relationship. I will maintain the confidentiality of our sessions unless there is a risk to your child's well-being. In such cases, I will follow child protection and safeguarding procedures.  Although I will maintain confidentiality, it is for you (or your child) to decide what you (or they) choose to share with others about our sessions.

The relationship with the therapist can become an important part of their lives during therapy. It evokes all sort of feelings, but because there is a regular pattern of sessions, there is a trustworthy space in which they can think about how they feel about themselves and the therapy. They can also explore how they manage relationships with others and how they are dealing with the process of becoming gradually more independent and more responsible for themselves. You, too, will have a chance to think over the complexities of parenting. Towards the end of therapy, there will be time to review what has been achieved.  

My practice is term time. I will try to give good notice of forthcoming holidays and breaks and I hope you will give me as much notice as you can. Sessions during holidays can be negotiated if possible.

I also find it helpful to photograph images made during therapy or make voice recordings for reflection during my supervision. Rest assured that confidentiality is strictly maintained. All digital materials are stored securely and anonymously, accessible only through a password-protected computer system, and solely for the purpose of enhancing the quality of service provided to your child. If you are not comfortable with these practices, kindly let me know, and I will make suitable adjustments.

I am dedicated to providing your young person with the best support and care throughout this therapeutic journey. At times children do not let me know about significant life or school events, please do email me if there is something that you think I should know. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss them with me at any time.