Consent Form for Adolescents Seeking Specialist Disability Counselling
Terms and Conditions
This consent form provides information about specialist disability counselling services, your rights, and your responsibilities. It is important that you understand this information before agreeing to participate in therapy. If you have any questions, please ask your therapist or guardian for clarification.
Nature of Counselling
Specialist disability counselling aims to help adolescents with disabilities improve their quality of life, independence, and well-being. This counselling is disability-affirmative meaning we recognise disability as a valued and important aspect of identity. We focus on empowering young people, challenging societal barriers, and promoting self-acceptance rather than seeing disability as something to be “overcome.”
Confidentiality and Privacy
Your information will be kept confidential, and your privacy will be respected. However, there are some circumstances where confidentiality may be broken, including:
-
If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
-
If required by law or a court order.
-
If there is suspected abuse or neglect.
-
If sharing information with other professionals is necessary for your care (with consent).
Whenever possible, the adolescent will be informed before these concerns are shared.
To maintain professionalism, therapists are required to be supervised by another therapist during these interactions, and client anonymity is paramount.
Therapy is most effective when a trusting relationship exists between therapist and client. Privacy is essential in securing and maintaining that trust. One goal of treatment is to promote a stronger and better relationship between adolescents and their parents. However, it is often necessary for the adolescent to develop a “zone of privacy” whereby they feel free to discuss personal matters with greater freedom. This is particularly true for adolescents who are naturally developing a greater sense of independence and autonomy.
It is useful if you do not ask your adolescent what they discussed after each session. However, if they wish to share anything with you, that is their choice, but they should not feel pressured to do so.
If it is necessary to refer your child to another mental health professional with more specialised skills, we will share that information with you and recommend an appropriate referral.
Our therapists will not share with you what your adolescent has disclosed without your adolescent’s consent. (However, this is not applicable if it is a safeguarding concern).
Participation and Voluntary Consent
Therapy participation is voluntary. You have the right to:
-
Ask questions and receive clear explanations about your therapy.
-
Withdraw from counselling at any time without consequences.
-
Refuse specific treatments or interventions.
-
Endings are an essential part of the therapeutic process; to manage an ending appropriately with your adolescent, it would be best to have at least two weeks notice before an ending, but this is not mandatory.
Involvement of Parent/Guardian
For adolescents under 18, a parent or guardian may need to provide consent. However, in some cases, adolescents may have the legal right to make decisions about their own healthcare. This will be discussed with you as needed.
If you have any concerns regarding your adolescent during the therapeutic process, please email your allocated therapist, and they will respond to you as soon as they can. Please understand that the therapeutic relationship is with your adolescent, and therefore our therapists cannot keep any concerns that you share from your child/adolescent.
Risks and Benefits of Counselling
Counselling can lead to improvements in emotional well-being, relationships, and coping skills. However, there may be emotional discomfort as difficult topics are discussed. Progress varies for each person.
Fees and Cancellation
Sessions are £45 for 50-minute sessions or £255 for a block booking of 6 sessions. Payment is required upon booking.
(Prices are subject to change and reviews)
Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice are fully charged.
Our therapists are fully insured to practice and hold their indemnity insurance.
Communication and Feedback
Open communication is encouraged. If you have concerns or feedback, discuss them with your therapist, a parent/guardian, or relevant professionals.
Please understand that this is not a crisis service. In an emergency, please contact your GP or go to your local A&E or call 999.
Consent and Signature
I have read and understood the information in this consent form. I agree to participate in specialist disability therapy and understand my rights and responsibilities.