Client Welcome Pack

Talk With Sue - Counselling & Emotional Support

This Welcome Pack includes key information about working with me, your rights and consent, and optional self-reflection tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and IAPT Phobia Scales). Please take your time reading through, and feel free to bring any questions to your session.

1.  Client Consent Statement

By engaging in online counselling sessions with me (Sue Finlay), you confirm that:

-  You are over 18 years old and voluntarily entering into a therapeutic relationship.

-  You understand that sessions will be held via Zoom or phone, and reasonable steps will be taken to ensure confidentiality and data protection.

-  You agree to attend sessions in a private, safe space and take responsibility for your environment.- You consent to the collection of minimal personal data for administrative purposes, stored securely in line with GDPR.

-  You understand that online therapy is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment.

You may withdraw consent and end therapy at any time.

2.  Therapeutic Contract Summary

This agreement outlines the nature of the counselling relationship.

-  Session Length: 50 minutes

-  Frequency: Weekly or as agreed

-  Confidentiality: Maintained unless there is risk of serious harm or legal obligation

-  Supervision: Some aspects may be discussed in professional supervision (anonymously)

-  Cancellations: 24 hours notice required

-  Endings: You may end therapy at any time, though a planned ending is recommended

You are encouraged to ask any questions at any stage of therapy.

3.  Transaction & Payment Terms

-  Session Fee: £45 consultation £50 Individual £75 Couples

-  Payment Method: Bank transfer or PayPal before session

-  Cancellations: Free with 24+ hours notice; late cancellations may be charged

-  Receipts: Available on request

-  Refunds: Not generally offered unless under exceptional circumstances

If sessions are disrupted by tech issues, we will aim to reconnect or reschedule.

4.  Self-Assessment Tools

These optional tools help explore current experiences with mood, anxiety, and avoidance. You can fill these in privately and choose to bring them to sessions.

PHQ-9: Depression Questionnaire

Rate the following (0 = Not at all, 8 = Extremely):

1.  Little interest or pleasure in doing things

2.  Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

3.  Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

4.  Feeling tired or having little energy

5.  Poor appetite or overeating

6.  Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down

7.  Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching TV

8.  Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around more than usual

9.  Thoughts that you would be better off dead or hurting yourself in some way

GAD-7: Anxiety Questionnaire

Rate the following (0 = Not at all, 8 = Extremely):

1.  Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge

2.  Not being able to stop or control worrying

3.  Worrying too much about different things

4.  Trouble relaxing

5.  Being so restless that it is hard to sit still

6.  Becoming easily annoyed or irritable

7.  Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen

IAPT Phobia Scales

Rate avoidance of the following (0 = Not at all, 8 = Extremely):

1.  Social situations

2.  Open/public spaces

3.  Specific phobias (e.g. heights, needles, animals) YOUR BRAND