Terms of Service

Last Modified: 2025

This document outlines the terms of service for therapy, wellbeing training, and consultancy provided by Kate Auguste - Psychotherapy. It is designed to ensure transparency and mutual understanding about how we work together.

1. Who I Am

Kate Auguste - Psychotherapy
Integrative Psychotherapist (MBACP) (MNCPS Acc)
Liverpool, United Kingdom | hello@kateauguste.com | www.kateauguste.com

Professional Registrations:

Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Registered Member No: 415377
Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) Accredited Member No: NCPS3265
ICO Registered: for data protection compliance under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Professional Insurance: Fully insured with Holistic Insurance Services
DBS Certification: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in place

My working hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm.
I aim to reply to all messages within 48 hours (Monday–Friday).

2. Scope of Services

These terms apply to all services provided by Kate Auguste - Psychotherapy, including:

1:1 psychotherapy and counselling sessions
Workplace wellbeing training and consultancy
Speaking, writing, and media engagements

By booking or using these services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.

3. Nature of Therapy

Therapy provides a confidential, collaborative space for reflection, understanding, and growth. Sessions may include exploration of emotional experiences, patterns of behaviour, and practical tools for self-awareness and resilience.

Therapy can at times feel challenging, and progress may vary; this is a normal part of the process.

4. Confidentiality

All therapeutic work is confidential. Information shared during sessions will not be disclosed to any third party without your written consent, except in the following circumstances:

Risk of harm: If you disclose intent to harm yourself or someone else.
Safeguarding: If you disclose abuse or risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult.
Legal obligations: If required by law or court order.
Professional supervision: As part of ethical practice, I discuss anonymised client work with a qualified supervisor to maintain standards of care.

Confidential records are securely stored in compliance with GDPR, and in accordance with the BACP and NCPS ethical frameworks.

Additional Confidentiality for High-Profile or Corporate Clients
All client work is conducted with strict confidentiality and discretion. For clients or organisations requiring additional assurance, I am open to reviewing and signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), provided it does not conflict with my ethical or legal obligations under the BACP Ethical Framework or the laws of England and Wales.

5. Your Responsibilities

Therapy is a collaborative process built on mutual respect and trust. As a client, you agree to:

Attend scheduled sessions punctually and provide at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule.
Avoid attending sessions under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Keep mobile devices on silent during sessions.
Maintain respectful communication at all times.
Refrain from recording sessions (audio or video) without written consent.
Recognise that therapy is a professional relationship, not a social one; outside contact is limited to administrative or scheduling matters.
Understand that I do not connect with clients via personal social-media accounts.

If we meet unexpectedly in public, I will not initiate contact to protect your confidentiality. You are, of course, free to acknowledge me if you wish.

6. Sessions

Duration: Standard sessions are 50 minutes.
Format: In-person (Liverpool) or online via secure video platform.
Frequency: Weekly, fortnightly, or as agreed.
Initial Session: The first meeting includes assessment and exploration of goals.

If therapy continues, we may review goals or re-contract to ensure ongoing alignment with your needs.

7. Fees and Payment

Individual sessions: £75 per 50 minutes
Group sessions or training: Rates provided upon request
Payment is due at the end of each session via cash, bank transfer or PayPal.

8. Cancellation Policy

24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Cancellations within 24 hours or missed sessions will be charged at 50% of the session fee (£37.50).

9. Termination of Therapy

You may end therapy at any time.
Ideally, we will plan an ending session to reflect on your progress and closure.

I reserve the right to end therapy if:

Fees remain unpaid
Boundaries are repeatedly broken
Therapy is no longer clinically appropriate

In such cases, I will endeavour to provide referrals or recommendations for continued support.

10. Professional Standards and Ethics

I abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and the NCPS Code of Ethics, ensuring professional integrity, ongoing supervision, and continuous CPD.

I maintain full professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

11. Professional Insurance, DBS Certification, and Liability

I hold full Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance for my psychotherapy practice, which covers all sessions conducted in person in Liverpool and online across the UK and internationally (where permitted).

I also hold a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, confirming my suitability to work safely with adults, children, and young people.

At present, I do not work directly with insurance providers or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), and session fees must be paid privately by the client. However, clients who wish to claim reimbursement from their insurer may request a receipt for proof of payment, which I am happy to provide.

10. Emergencies

Therapy is not an emergency service.
If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please contact:

Samaritans: 116 123 (UK, free 24/7)
Emergency services: 999
Your GP or local crisis team

12. Data Protection & Record Keeping

I collect and store only the data necessary to deliver services safely and effectively.
This includes your contact details, session notes, and payment records.

Data Retention Periods:

Therapy records: 7 years after therapy ends
Financial records: 6 years

All records are securely stored and then permanently deleted after the retention period. For more detail, see my Privacy Policy & Cookie Policy.

13. Case Studies & Professional Writing

From time to time, anonymised client experiences may be used for educational or professional writing.
No personally identifying information is ever shared, and explicit written consent is obtained beforehand.
You may withdraw consent at any time.

14. Liability

Kate Auguste - Psychotherapy is not liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including business or financial loss, arising from therapy, training, or consultancy services.
Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

15. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

16. Complaints

If you have concerns about your experience, please contact me directly at hello@kateauguste.com.
If we are unable to resolve the issue, you may contact my professional bodies:

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): www.bacp.co.uk
National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS): www.the-ncps.org.uk