top of page

Terms & Conditions

A legal disclaimer

Paul Madden Counselling and Psychotherapy provides professional counselling and psychotherapy services for personal and emotional wellbeing. The information shared on this website, in emails, or during therapy sessions is intended for therapeutic support and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a doctor, psychiatrist, or other licensed medical professional.

  • If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please contact your GP, call 999, or use appropriate emergency services immediately.

  • While counselling can support a range of emotional and psychological issues, it does not guarantee specific outcomes, and the effectiveness of therapy varies for each individual.

  • Paul Madden is a qualified therapist operating in accordance with UK law and the ethical standards of professional bodies (such as the BACP or equivalent), but does not offer legal, financial, or medical advice.

  • No responsibility is taken for actions taken by individuals based on the content of sessions or information provided on this website outside the scope of therapy.

By using this service, you confirm that you understand these limitations and agree to engage with counselling as a voluntary and supportive process.

Appointments

  • Sessions are delivered online and typically last 50 minutes.

  • Appointments are scheduled in advance and held at a mutually agreed time.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have a quiet, confidential space and a stable internet connection for each session.

Fees & Payment

  • The standard fee is £70 per session, payable in advance via bank transfer.

  • Concession rates or prepaid plans may be available by agreement.

  • Block bookings (e.g. 10-session plans) are non-refundable and subject to their own terms, which will be provided at the time of booking.

Cancellations & Missed Sessions

  • Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

  • Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice or missed without prior notice will be charged in full.

  • Exceptions may be made in genuine emergencies, at the therapist’s discretion.

Confidentiality

  • All personal information shared in counselling is treated as strictly confidential.

  • Confidentiality may only be broken in exceptional circumstances, such as:

    • If there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or others

    • If required by law (e.g. in cases of terrorism, money laundering, or court orders)

  • Where possible, any need to break confidentiality will be discussed with you first.

Note-Taking

  • Brief clinical notes are taken after each session, solely for therapeutic and professional purposes.

  • Notes are stored securely and in compliance with data protection regulations (see below).

  • You have the right to request access to these notes, though this may be subject to certain professional considerations.

Data Protection & GDPR

  • Paul Madden Counselling and Psychotherapy is fully compliant with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

  • Any personal data you share will be:

    • Collected and stored lawfully and transparently

    • Used only for the purpose of providing you with a counselling service

    • Stored securely, with limited access, and retained only as long as necessary

  • You have the right to:

    • Access your data

    • Request corrections

    • Withdraw consent

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if needed

Therapeutic Boundaries

  • Counselling is a professional relationship, with clear boundaries in place to protect both client and therapist.

  • Contact outside of sessions should relate only to administrative matters (e.g. booking or cancellations).

  • Any therapeutic content should be brought into session time.

Ending Therapy

  • You may end therapy at any time. Where possible, a planned ending session is encouraged.

  • The therapist also reserves the right to end therapy if it is no longer appropriate or beneficial.

Crisis Support

  • This is not an emergency service.

  • If you are in crisis or immediate danger, please contact your GP, call 999, or reach out to:

    • Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7)

    • Shout – text “SHOUT” to 85258 (free, 24/7)

bottom of page