Terms and Conditions
Introduction
These Terms and Conditions explain how I work, what you can expect from me, and what I ask from you in return. Please read them carefully before booking.
By booking a consultation or therapy session through this website and confirming acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, you agree to the terms set out below. Acceptance of these terms forms the service agreement between you and Helen Travis Counselling for each session booked.
These terms apply to all services provided through this website.
1. Services Provided
I provide online counselling sessions and therapeutic support through scheduled appointments.
Therapy is a collaborative process intended to support emotional wellbeing, self-understanding and personal development. While many people find therapy helpful, specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
My services are intended for adults aged 18 and over.
If at any stage I believe the support you require falls outside the scope of my practice, competence, or availability, I may recommend alternative sources of support.
2. International Clients
I work with clients in different countries through online sessions.
You are responsible for ensuring that receiving online therapy from a practitioner based in France is permitted within your own country or jurisdiction.
All services are provided from France and are governed by the laws of France.
3. Website Use and Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including written material, resources, and membership content, is protected by intellectual property law.
You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, publish, or download any content from this website without written permission.
I reserve the right to update, modify, or withdraw website content, services, or access to membership areas at any time.
These Terms and Conditions may be updated periodically. The most current version will always be available on this website.
4. Bookings and Payments
Appointments must be booked through the website booking system.
Appointments must normally be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Sessions may be booked up to one month in advance.
Payment for therapy sessions is required in full at the time of booking.
The free consultation does not require payment.
It is your responsibility to contact me if you experience any issues with the booking system.
5. Cancellations and Rescheduling
Paid Sessions
Sessions may be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice through the booking system or by emailing:
Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed sessions, are non-refundable.
If I need to cancel a session for any reason, I will provide as much notice as possible. You may choose either:
• a full refund
• rescheduling the appointment
Free Consultation
Each new client may request one free 30-minute consultation.
I reserve the right to decline consultation requests if they do not appear appropriate or aligned with my services.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your consultation, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
Consultations cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed consultations, cannot be rebooked as a free session. You are welcome to arrange a full paid session instead.
If I need to cancel the consultation, you may rebook at a convenient time.
6. Technical Issues
Online sessions rely on internet and technology that may occasionally fail.
Both of us agree to check that our technology is functioning before the session begins.
If a technical issue prevents the session from taking place, the session will normally be rescheduled.
7. Session Guidelines
Sessions begin and end at the scheduled time.
If you are not present within 10 minutes of the session start time, the session will be considered a missed appointment and the session fee will not be refunded.
If I do not attend within 10 minutes of the session start time, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
You are responsible for ensuring that your environment supports privacy and confidentiality during the session.
If your environment does not support privacy or safety, I may end the session in order to protect confidentiality. In this situation the session fee will not be refunded.
Sessions must be attended free from alcohol or recreational drugs.
If prescribed medication significantly affects your ability to participate in sessions, please inform me.
My therapy dog may occasionally be present during sessions. If this presents a concern, please inform me in advance and arrangements can be made.
Sessions are usually weekly at the beginning of therapy to support continuity and the development of the therapeutic relationship, although frequency may be adjusted by agreement.
Either of us may end the therapeutic relationship at any time.
If a session is missed without notice, I will not follow up. You are welcome to return and book further sessions if you wish.
8. Contact Between Sessions
The best way to contact me is by email at:
I may not respond immediately as I am often in session, but I will reply as soon as reasonably possible.
Therapeutic support is provided only within scheduled sessions. I cannot provide therapy by email, phone, or text between appointments.
9. Emergency and Crisis Support
My services are not designed to provide emergency or crisis support.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, or believe that you or someone else may be at risk of immediate harm, please contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service in your local area.
10. Ethics and Professional Standards
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with their Ethical Framework.
I receive regular professional supervision and may discuss aspects of my work with a supervisor to ensure safe and ethical practice.
Your identity will not be disclosed in supervision, and my supervisor is also bound by professional confidentiality.
11. Confidentiality
Everything discussed within therapy sessions is treated as confidential, with certain legal and ethical exceptions.
Confidentiality may need to be broken if:
• there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others
• there are safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable individuals
• there are disclosures relating to terrorism
• disclosure is required by law or court order
Where possible, I will aim to discuss any required disclosure with you before taking action.
12. Notes and Record Keeping
I may keep brief notes to support our therapeutic work.
These records are stored securely and managed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.
You may request access to your personal data in accordance with data protection law.
Further information about how personal data is handled can be found in the Privacy Policy on this website.
13. Liability
Therapy is a collaborative process and you remain responsible for your own decisions, actions, and wellbeing during and after therapy.
My services are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care, and I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
While every effort is made to provide safe and professional support, specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
By choosing to use online services, you acknowledge that digital communication carries inherent risks.
To the extent permitted by law, I cannot be held liable for outcomes beyond what is reasonably expected within a professional therapeutic relationship.
14. Right to Refuse or Withdraw Services
I reserve the right to decline or discontinue services where I believe therapy is not appropriate, where boundaries are not respected, or where continuing therapy would not be in the best interests of either party.
Where appropriate, alternative sources of support may be suggested.
15. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of France.
Any disputes relating to services provided through this website will fall under the jurisdiction of the courts of France.