Terms and Conditions

Mark Frost t/a Thurrock Psychotherapy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Thurrock Psychotherapy. I’m Mark Frost, a sole trader, offering integrative psychological support through CBT, EMDR, integrative counselling, and clinical hypnotherapy. These Terms and Conditions explain how we’ll work together, what you can expect from therapy, and how the therapeutic relationship will run.

2. Sessions and Fees

Each therapy session lasts around 50 minutes, in some agreed cases, sessions may be up to 90 minutes.
To keep things simple and ensure continuity of care, sessions must be paid for 24 hours before they start—either online, by card, or bank transfer. If you have arranged to pay at the start of the session, you can do so by cash or card.
You may also choose to pay for blocks of sessions in advance. Not only does this lock in your booking, but I also offer a discounted fee for prepaid bundles. This approach helps maintain rhythm and momentum in therapy and provides you with a small saving.

3. Cancellations and Rescheduling

If something comes up and you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact me with 24 or more hours’ notice—no charge will apply.
Cancelling with less than 24 hours’ notice will automatically incur a 50% fee of the session rate.
I understand emergencies happen. If you face a genuine crisis, I may waive the fee entirely as a gesture of goodwill and compassion.
Repeated short-notice cancellations or missed sessions may require me to review whether ongoing therapy is practical and may affect your ability to book future sessions.

4. Building Trust Through Confidentiality

Your privacy matters. Everything we explore together—thoughts, feelings, personal history—stays between us. I keep case notes confidential and secure in BACPAC, the client-record system provided by Mayden, in line with GDPR requirements.

I will only breach confidentiality in rare, but essential situations:

• If there’s an immediate risk of serious harm to you or someone else

• If a child or vulnerable adult is at risk

• If legally required to do so (such as by court order or legal statute).

Where possible, if confidentiality needs to be breached, I will endeavour to speak with your in the first instance. There are some instances were breaching confidentiality without informing you is a legal requirement.

5. If you're in crisis:

It’s important to know that I do not provide crisis or emergency services. If ever you find yourself in crisis, consider these options. If you ever feel unsafe with your thoughts or situation, please treat that as urgent and seek help through these services:

• Call NHS 111 and choose option 2

• Dial 999 for immediate emergency needs

• Phone Samaritans on 116 123 (https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/)

• SHOUT - Text Shout to 85258 (https://giveusashout.org/get-help/)

• Staying Safe (https://stayingsafe.net/)

• Speak with your GP.

6. Your Role in Therapy

Therapy is a partnership that works best when you bring honesty, self-reflection, and commitment. Try to arrive on time and free from substances like alcohol or drugs that could cloud your engagement.
This is your time—sharing openly allows us to explore patterns of thinking, unhelpful behaviours, and emotional processes. It gives us material to work with in CBT, EMDR, or hypnotherapy.

7. My Role as Therapist

As your therapist, I strive to provide a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental space. I’m guided by professional codes of conduct from BACP, BABCP, and EMDR Association, and I regularly attend clinical supervision to ensure best practice.
If at any point I believe your needs go beyond my expertise, I’ll suggest a referral or alternative support. You’re welcome to discuss therapy progress and direction at any time.

8. When and How We End Therapy

You are free to stop therapy at any time. It benefits both of us to talk openly about ending, ideally with at least a couple of sessions dedicated to closure—this supports integration of insights and prevents abrupt endings.
I may suggest ending therapy if it seems no longer helpful or if I believe you'll benefit more from someone else. If that happens, I’ll talk through options and can recommend trusted colleagues.

9. Complaints Process

If something doesn’t feel right or you’re unhappy with our work, please tell me. I will handle your concern with care and openness.
If we cannot resolve the issue together, you may contact the relevant professional organisation:

• BABCP (for CBT)

• BACP (for counselling)

• EMDR Association (for EMDR)

These bodies uphold high standards and are available to support clients and practitioners alike.

10. Liability and Expectations

Psychotherapy often helps people experience meaningful change, but I cannot guarantee specific outcomes. You remain responsible for how you use what emerges in therapy.
Thurrock Psychotherapy is not liable for events outside of our sessions. If you’re experiencing crisis, please reach out for immediate help as detailed above.

11. Data Protection and Privacy

I’m committed to keeping your data confidential in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. You have the right to access, correct or request deletion of your records, except where legal or ethical obligations require retention.
I keep records securely for at least seven years. You can ask to view or receive a copy of your notes at any time.

Thurrock Psychotherapy is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office.

12. Online Sessions

With prior agreement, some clients choose online therapy via secure video platforms. By attending online sessions, you agree to maintain a private, interruption-free environment.

13. Updating These Terms

I may update these Terms occasionally. If I do, I will let you know via email or mention it at your next session. By continuing with therapy, you accept the updated Terms. If you prefer to review them before proceeding, you are welcome to request the updated version.

14. Legal Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales. Any legal matters will be dealt with under the jurisdiction of English courts.

Agreement

By scheduling or attending sessions with Thurrock Psychotherapy, you are confirming that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions.