The Therapy Exchange – Membership Agreement
Thank you for joining The Therapy Exchange.
This document sets out the terms and conditions of your membership (“the Agreement”). By becoming a member, you are accepting these terms. Any disputes arising out of or relating to its formation, interpretation, or performance shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales for the resolution of any such disputes.
1. What The Therapy Exchange Agrees To
The Therapy Exchange will:
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Handle members’ data in line with GDPR regulations, retain ICO membership, and maintain confidentiality.
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Act within the best interests of members and use the NCPS Ethical Framework as a frame of reference for our work.
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Respond to email queries as promptly as reasonably possible.
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Match each therapist-member to both a therapist and a client, usually within two weeks of joining. If this takes longer, we will keep you informed.
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Accept only therapists who are qualified and members of a recognised professional body for counselling and psychotherapy, such as the BACP, UKCP, NCPS, or similar, and who hold appropriate insurance.
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Allocate a new therapist to you as soon as reasonably possible if your current allocation is not suitable, or if your therapist can no longer provide sessions.
2. Responsibilities of Members – Therapist Role
As a therapist within The Therapy Exchange, you agree to:
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Abide by the ethical framework of your professional membership organisation (e.g. BACP, NCPS, UKCP).
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Put in place your own working agreement with your client.
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Provide therapy online on a platform of your choosing, unless otherwise agreed between you and your client.
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Be available to offer one therapy session per week (some clients may prefer fortnightly or monthly).
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Contact new client allocations within three working days of being provided with their contact details.
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Inform The Therapy Exchange if:
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you do not hear from a new client within two weeks,
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if a client misses two sessions in a row without contacting you.
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Give at least four weeks’ notice to both The Therapy Exchange and the Client if you need to discontinue your membership.
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Ensure your membership with your professional body and your insurance cover remain current at all times.
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Act within the best interests of your client and work within the ethical framework of your professional body.
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Provide The Therapy Exchange with the date of the first and last session you hold with your client.
3. Responsibilities of Members – Client Role
As a client within The Therapy Exchange, you agree to:
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Keep your therapist updated regarding your availability.
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Let The Therapy Exchange know if your allocated therapist has not contacted you within three working days of allocation.
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Contact your therapist directly if they do not arrive for a session. If you do not hear back within four working days, inform The Therapy Exchange.
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Accept that all arrangements for sessions (time, day, frequency) are between you and your therapist.
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Understand that The Therapy Exchange is not responsible for the quality of therapy or the nature of the therapeutic relationship.
4. Fees and Payment
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Membership fees are payable monthly (or annually if subscribed to that option).
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Late or non-payment of membership fees may result in termination of membership. If you experience difficulties paying fees, please contact Anne Lewis at anne@annelewistherapy.co.uk.
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If you have subscribed to an annual membership, this will not be renewed automatically. No refunds are given for unused membership.
5. Cancellation and Membership Pause
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You must give at least four weeks’ notice if you wish to cancel or pause your membership and notify both your therapist and The Therapy Exchange.
6. Ending your therapy
You are free to end therapy at any time. We encourage you to give your therapist notice so that you can have a proper ending session if possible. Please also check your therapist’s own Therapy Agreement, as this may set out further details. If you would like to take a break from therapy, let us know so we can pause your membership. If you would like to work with a different therapist, please contact us and we can look at who might be a good fit for you.
7. Ending your role as therapist
If you need to end work with a client, please follow the process set out in your own client contract. Once you have let your client know, please also inform The Therapy Exchange so we can reallocate their slot to another therapist.
8. Confidentiality and ethical practice
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Information you provide will be shared on an anonymised basis for matching purposes. Once a match is made, only the relevant information will be shared with your therapist/client.
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As a therapist, you must maintain confidentiality in line with the requirements of your professional body for counselling and psychotherapy and the ethical framework.
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Whilst a member of The Therapy Exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you attend regular supervision.
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Whilst a member of The Therapy Exchange you are responsible for ensuring that you remain a member of a recognised professional body for counselling and psychotherapy, such as the NCPS or BACP, and maintain valid insurance.
9. Emergencies
The Therapy Exchange is not an emergency service.
If you are in distress and do not feel safe, please call 999, or contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, confidential, and will not show on your bill).
10. Privacy and GDPR
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All confidential information is held in accordance with GDPR (2018).
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Data Controller: Anne Lewis Counsellor.
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ICO Reference: A9091119.
11. Acceptance of Agreement
By continuing to arrange and access therapy sessions through The Therapy Exchange, you confirm that you accept the terms of this Agreement. If you have any queries, please contact Anne Lewis at anne@annelewistherapy.co.uk.
We warmly welcome you to The Therapy Exchange. We hope you feel supported and valued here – both in your role as therapist and as client.