What to expect from your counsellor What your counsellor expects from you Further Information

NOTES FOR CLIENTS

What to expect from your counsellor

• A counsellor qualified to recognised standards in both counselling and philosophy who has agreed to adhere to the SPP Code of Practice (available on request)

• A safe setting of mutual respect in which you can discuss your issues in private

• Confidentiality - like other forms of counselling, philosophical counselling is confidential, with the following exceptions

1. If you give your counsellor information which leads them to believe that someone is in danger of serious harm then, after giving the matter careful consideration, they may take steps to minimise this danger. Any action would normally be discussed with you first.

2. There are some situations ( where the safety of the client or others is at risk) where your counsellor is required by law to communicate information to relevant authorities.

3. Counsellors may receive professional support and supervision from other experienced professionals to maintain the quality of their work and for the protection of the client. Your material may be discussed though every reasonable effort will be made to maintain your anonymity.

4. If material is used for academic/research purposes this would be done only after your consent had been obtained and/or identifying details had been removed.

• Impartiality - your counsellor's role is not to make judgements about your situation, nor to provide advice. Your counsellor works with you in a dialogue aimed at helping you to clarify your own thinking and come up with your own answers.
• Should you feel you have cause for complaint against your counsellor, you can complain to the Society of Consultant Philosopher's management committee which can result in disciplinary action

What your counsellor expects from you

To attend on time for your appointment(s). If you cannot attend, please telephone and cancel so someone else may have your appointment time.

• Some counsellors work in a way that means they reveal private information about themselves during the dialogue. The counsellor may negotiate the degree of confidentiality which applies to this information.
• Counselors will normally agree a "contract" with clients to clarify arrangements including fees, frequency of sessions, cancellations, missed appointments, and the termination of counselling. Often this is done verbally in the first session, though some counsellors produce two copies of a written agreement which both parties sign and keep. In either case the intention is to avoid misunderstandings between counselor and client.
  

  For further information

  If you would like to find a qualified philosophical counsellor, get a copy of the ethical code, register a complaint, or simply get further information please contact

  Sam Brown
  Philosophical Counselling Information
  8, Richmond Rd
  London,
  N2 8JT

  email spp.webmanager@gmail.com