Terms & Conditions

Nikki Verity Counselling & Coaching

Effective date: 18 February 2026
Version: 1.1
Data Controller: Nikki Verity
Location: Leeds, UK
Privacy contact: hello@nikkiverity.co.uk

Sessions: Face to face at The Tower Clinic (Leeds) or online via Zoom / WhatsApp Video

Applies to: All counselling/coaching services provided by Nikki Verity Counselling & Coaching

1) About these Terms

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) explain how I work with clients, including fees, cancellations, boundaries, confidentiality, and what you can expect from counselling/coaching with me. By booking and attending sessions, you agree to these Terms.

I am a BACP-registered practitioner and work in line with the BACP Ethical Framework, including the importance of clear contracting and informed consent.

2) Eligibility, suitability and inclusive practice

  • Services are for adults aged 18+.
  • I work with clients in the UK and internationally.
  • This service is not an emergency or crisis service (see Section 12).
  • If I believe you need a different type or level of support (for example, urgent or specialist care), I will discuss this with you and offer signposting.

Inclusive practice: I am committed to providing an inclusive, respectful and anti-discriminatory service. If something about our work together doesn’t feel culturally safe or inclusive for you, I welcome you raising it so we can address it.

3) Nature of the service

I offer:

  • Counselling
  • Coaching
  • A blended counselling/coaching approach where requested and appropriate

Sessions are a collaborative process. We’ll agree what you’d like to get from our work and regularly review what’s feeling helpful, adjusting the pace and approach to suit your needs.

Session length: 50 minutes
Recordings: Sessions are not recorded (audio or video)

How I work: I use an integrative approach, drawing on counselling and coaching methods tailored to your needs and goals.

4) Fees and payment

Session fees

  • Initial consultation (30 minutes): Free
  • Individual session (50 minutes): £70
  • Block of 6 sessions: £390
  • Block of 12 sessions: £720

Individual sessions can be booked as a one-off or on an ongoing, flexible basis, depending on what feels right for you.

Payment method and timing

  • Payment is by bank transfer.
  • Individual sessions: payment is due 48 hours before the session to confirm and hold your appointment.
  • Block bookings: payment is due 48 hours before the first session. Sessions from the block are then scheduled.

Missed or late payment

Sessions are only considered booked/confirmed once payment has been received. If payment has not been received within the required timeframe, the appointment may be released to other clients and/or further bookings may be paused until payment is received.

5) Block booking terms (discounted packages)

To keep discounted blocks fair and workable:

  • Blocks are non-transferable (they can’t be used by someone else).
  • Block sessions must be used within:
    • 6-session block: within 6 months of purchase
    • 12-session block: within 12 months of purchase
      (unless we agree an extension in writing due to exceptional circumstances)
  • Refunds: As blocks are discounted, refunds are not normally offered once the block has started. If a refund is agreed in exceptional circumstances, any sessions already used will be charged at the standard single-session rate (£80) and the remaining balance refunded.

6) Cancellations and rescheduling

If you need to cancel or move an appointment, please notify me by email as soon as possible so I can offer the time to someone else.

Your cancellation terms

  • You may cancel or reschedule with 48 hours’ notice without charge.
  • If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours’ notice, 50% of the session fee is payable.

Non-attendance (DNA)

If you do not attend a session and do not give notice, the session is chargeable at 50%.

If I need to cancel

If I need to cancel a session, I will give as much notice as possible and offer an alternative appointment. If you have paid and do not wish to reschedule, the amount paid will be refunded.

7) Lateness

If you arrive late (or join late online), the session will still end at the scheduled time and the full fee remains payable.

If I am late, I will extend the session where possible or offer an appropriate alternative arrangement.

For online sessions, please join from a private space where possible and test your connection a few minutes before we start.

8) Between-session contact and boundaries

To keep the work safe and boundaried:

  • Between-session contact is available for brief practical/admin matters (appointments, payments, links).
  • Limited supportive messages can be used if agreed, but this does not replace sessions and is not a crisis service.
  • I aim to respond within 2 working days, and I’ll usually respond sooner where I can.

9) Confidentiality

  1. Counselling/coaching is confidential. I will not normally share what you tell me without your consent.

    There are limits where information may need to be shared, for example:

    • if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else
    • safeguarding concerns involving a child or adult at risk
    • when disclosure is required by law or court order

    Where safe and appropriate, I will aim to discuss this with you first and share only the minimum necessary information.

    For fuller detail, please read my Privacy & Record Keeping Policy and Safeguarding Policy.

10) Supervision

I work with a clinical supervisor to support safe and ethical practice. I may discuss my work in supervision using anonymised/pseudonymised information wherever possible.

11) Online sessions (Zoom/WhatsApp)

Online sessions work best when:

  • you are in a private space where you cannot be overheard
  • you are using a stable connection (where possible)

If a call drops, I will attempt to reconnect. If we cannot reconnect, I will contact you by the agreed method to rearrange or complete the session where appropriate.

12) Crisis and emergency support

This service is not an emergency service.

If you or someone else is at immediate risk:

  • Call 999 (UK) or your local emergency number

For urgent medical advice in the UK:

  • NHS 111

For emotional support (UK, 24/7):

  • Samaritans: 116 123

If you are outside the UK, please use your local emergency/crisis services.

13) Data protection, records, and privacy

I keep appropriate records (e.g., session notes, worksheets, outcome measures) and store data securely using a combination of encrypted devices, secure cloud storage, and secure paper storage.

Full details are set out in my:

14) Letters, reports and third-party information

If you request a letter or report (for example, for an employer, insurer, solicitor, or other third party), this will be discussed with you in advance.

  • I require your written consent before sharing any information.
  • Any letters/reports are usually factual and based on the information held.
  • Letters/reports are charged based on the time required (this will be agreed in advance).

15) Holidays and planned time off

I will give as much notice as possible of planned leave. If you have holidays or planned absences, please let me know as early as you can.

Where clients take extended breaks, it may not always be possible to hold a regular appointment slot open indefinitely and a new slot may need to be agreed.

16) Ending work

You can end counselling/coaching at any time. If helpful, I may suggest a final session to reflect on progress and next steps, but there is no minimum notice requirement.

I may pause or end work if, for example:

  • the work is no longer beneficial or appropriate
  • there are repeated issues with payment or attendance
  • I am unable to continue due to illness/leave
  • I believe you require a different level/type of support

Where possible, this will be discussed with you and appropriate signposting offered.

17) Complaints

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, I encourage you to raise it with me first so we can try to resolve it.

If you feel unable to do this or remain dissatisfied, you can consult the BACP complaints process via the BACP website.

18) Changes to these Terms

I may update these Terms from time to time. The latest version will be available on my website. If changes materially affect you, I will highlight this to you.

19) Client Agreement, acknowledgement and consent

Before we begin ongoing sessions, you will be issued with a Client Agreement  to confirm the practical arrangements and boundaries of the work. This will include acknowledgement that you have received and understood these Terms & Conditions and the related policies listed below.

By signing the Client Agreement and/or attending sessions, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions and have been directed to the following policies:

If you would like a signed copy for your records, I can provide the Client Agreement electronically.