Website Terms of Use and Therapy Service Agreement
Last updated: 1 April 2026
Part 1: Website Terms of Use
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using this website (paulapsychotherapist.com), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use this site.
2. Intellectual Property
The content of this website including text, graphics, logos, images, and software is the property of Paula Williams and is protected by UK and international copyright laws. You may:
- View and download content for personal, non-commercial use
- Print pages for your personal reference
You may not:
- Reproduce, duplicate, copy, or exploit material for commercial purposes without written permission
- Edit or modify any document without prior written consent
- Use content in a manner that infringes my rights or the rights of third parties
3. Website Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute:
- Medical advice or diagnosis
- A substitute for professional therapeutic consultation
- Emergency mental health services
Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
4. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Paula Williams shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of this website. This does not exclude liability for:
- Death or personal injury caused by negligence
- Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
- Any other liability which cannot be excluded by law
5. External Links
This website may contain links to external sites. I am not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.
6. Virus Protection
I take reasonable steps to ensure this website is virus-free, but I recommend you implement your own virus protection measures. I shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by distributed denial-of-service attacks, viruses, or other harmful material.
Part 2: Therapy Services Agreement
7. Service Description
I offer psychotherapy, counselling, EMDR therapy, and clinical supervision services. The nature, frequency, and duration of therapy will be discussed and agreed upon during our initial consultation.
8. Confidentiality
All therapy sessions are confidential. However, there are legal and ethical exceptions where I may be required to breach confidentiality:
- If you pose a serious risk of harm to yourself or others
- If there is safeguarding concern regarding a child or vulnerable adult
- If ordered by a court of law
- If required under the Prevention of Terrorism Act or Proceeds of Crime Act
- For clinical supervision (with anonymised details)
9. Appointments and Cancellations
Sessions: Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes for individual therapy and 60 minutes for EMDR sessions, unless otherwise agreed.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged at the full session fee
- Cancellations with 48-72 hours' notice will be charged at 50% of the session fee
- Cancellations with more than 72 hours' notice incur no charge
- Failure to attend without notice (DNA - Did Not Attend) will be charged at the full session fee
Late Arrivals: Sessions will end at the scheduled time regardless of late arrival.
10. Fees and Payment
Fees are discussed and agreed upon before commencing therapy. Payment terms:
- Payment is due at the end of each session unless otherwise agreed
- Bank transfer is preferred; cash and card payments accepted where available
- Session fees may be reviewed annually with one month's notice
11. Emergency Contact
I am not an emergency service. If you are in crisis:
- Contact your GP or out-of-hours GP service
- Call NHS 111 or 999 in life-threatening emergencies
- Contact Samaritans at 116 123 (24-hour helpline)
- Attend your local A&E department
12. Therapy Boundaries
To maintain a professional therapeutic relationship:
- Contact between sessions should be limited to appointment scheduling
- I do not engage in social media connections with current clients
- Gifts are not expected or encouraged
- Dual relationships (business, social, romantic) are prohibited
13. Data Protection
Your personal data is processed in accordance with my Privacy Policy and UK data protection laws. By engaging in therapy, you consent to the processing of your health data as described in the Privacy Policy.
14. Complaints Procedure
If you are dissatisfied with my service:
- Discuss concerns directly with me to attempt resolution
- If unresolved, you may contact my professional body [BACP/UKCP] for mediation
- You may complain to the ICO regarding data protection matters
15. Termination
Either party may terminate therapy. I recommend we have at least one ending session to conclude our work properly. I reserve the right to terminate therapy if:
- I believe I cannot meet your needs (with referral suggestions)
- There are repeated breaches of these terms
- There are threats or violence towards me or my property
Part 3: General Provisions
16. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
17. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
18. Changes to Terms
I may update these Terms and Conditions periodically. Continued use of the website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
19. Contact Information
For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions:
Paula Williams
Email: contact@paulapsychotherapist.com
Address: Hubspace, Devonshire Business Centre, Letchworth, Herts SG6 1GJ
United Kingdom
By using this website and/or engaging in therapy services with Paula Williams, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.