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Terms & Conditions

Michael Boyce Therapy: Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: May 24, 2025

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Welcome to Michael Boyce Therapy. These Terms and Conditions outline the agreement between you and I, Michael Boyce, a BACP registered therapist, regarding the provision of online counselling services. By engaging with my services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

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1. About Michael Boyce Therapy

Michael Boyce Therapy provides professional, personal 1:1 counselling services to individuals aged 18 and over, located within the United Kingdom. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere strictly to their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. All sessions are conducted exclusively online via Google Meet.

  • Contact Email: michaelboycetherapy@gmail.com

  • No Physical Address or Phone Number: Please note that Michael Boyce Therapy operates solely online and does not have a physical registered address or a dedicated company phone number. All communications should be directed to the provided email address.

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2. My Professional Commitment and Ethical Practice

  • Ethical Framework: My practice is guided by the BACP Ethical Framework, which sets out professional standards for competence, good practice, confidentiality, and accountability. I am committed to providing a safe, confidential, and ethical therapeutic space.

  • Confidentiality: All information shared during therapy sessions is treated with the strictest confidence.

    • Limits to Confidentiality: There are specific circumstances where I may be legally or ethically obliged to break confidentiality. These include:

      • If I believe you are at serious risk of harming yourself or others.

      • If I become aware of safeguarding concerns regarding a child or vulnerable adult.

      • If I am legally compelled by a court order.

      • In such cases, I will, where possible and appropriate, discuss this with you first before any disclosure.

    • Clinical Supervision: As a BACP registered therapist, I engage in regular clinical supervision as an essential part of my ethical practice. During supervision, I may discuss aspects of our work with a qualified supervisor to ensure the highest quality of care. All discussions are conducted anonymously, and your identity is always protected.

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3. Online Working Specifics

  • Platform: All sessions are conducted using Google Meet. You are responsible for ensuring you have a stable internet connection and a suitable device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) to access the platform.

  • Confidentiality of Environment: It is your responsibility to ensure you are in a private, quiet, and confidential space for your sessions, free from interruptions and where you cannot be overheard. Similarly, I will ensure my environment is private, professional, and free from distractions during our sessions.

  • Technical Issues: In the event of a technical issue (e.g., internet outage, platform malfunction) that prevents or significantly disrupts a session, we will attempt to reconnect. If reconnection is not possible, the session will be rescheduled at no additional cost, or the remaining time will be credited, at my discretion.

  • Security: While Google Meet offers robust security features, no online platform is 100% secure. I will take all reasonable steps to protect your privacy and data during online sessions. By engaging in online therapy, you acknowledge the inherent, albeit minimal, risks associated with electronic communication.

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4. Appointments, Fees, and Cancellations

  • Session Duration: Each standard counselling session lasts 50 minutes.

  • Fees: The fee for each counselling session is £50 and is subject to periodic review. Any changes to fees will be communicated at least one month in advance.

  • Payment: Payment is required in advance of each session via bank transfer. Details on how to make payments will be provided upon booking your first session.

  • Cancellations and Rescheduling:

    • A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required for any cancellation or request to reschedule an appointment.

    • Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, or non-attendance at a scheduled session, will incur the full session fee (£50).

    • In exceptional circumstances, such as sudden illness or an emergency, I may waive this fee at my discretion.

  • Lateness: If you are late for a session, the session will still end at the scheduled time, and the full fee will be charged.

  • My Cancellations: In the rare event that I need to cancel a session, I will provide as much notice as possible, and we will reschedule the session or provide a full refund for the cancelled session.

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5. Data Protection and Privacy (GDPR Compliance)

  • Data Controller: I, Michael Boyce, am the Data Controller for the personal data you provide. My ICO registration number is currently being processed and will be provided shortly.

  • Information Collected: I collect and process personal data necessary for providing safe, ethical, and effective therapy services. This includes:

    • Contact Information: Your full name, email address.

    • Emergency Contact Information: Name and phone number of your designated emergency contact, which you provide. This information will only be used in urgent situations where I have serious concerns for your safety or well-being and cannot reach you directly.

    • Identification Data: Your date of birth.

    • Session Notes: Brief, anonymised clinical notes regarding session content and themes, for the purpose of clinical record-keeping and to support the therapeutic process.

    • Health and Background Information: Relevant personal history, current circumstances, and any health information you choose to share that is pertinent to your therapy. This is considered "special category" data under GDPR.

    • Communication Records: Records of emails or other communications between us related to scheduling, administrative matters, or your therapy.

    • Payment Records: Details related to payments received. I do not store your bank account or card details directly; payments are processed via bank transfer.

  • Purpose of Processing: Your data is collected for the purpose of providing professional counselling, managing appointments, fulfilling my professional and legal obligations (including BACP guidelines), and for my clinical supervision.

  • Lawful Basis for Processing: I process your data based on:

    • Contract: To fulfil my contractual obligations in providing therapy services.

    • Legitimate Interests: For managing my practice, clinical supervision, professional development, and responding to enquiries.

    • Legal Obligation: To comply with legal requirements (e.g., safeguarding duties).

    • Explicit Consent: For processing "special category data" (such as health information and emergency contact details) for the provision of health care. Your engagement in therapy and provision of this data signifies your explicit consent.

  • Data Storage and Security:

    • All electronic data is stored securely on password-protected and encrypted devices.

    • I implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

  • Data Retention: I retain client records for a period of 5 years after the cessation of therapy. This retention period is in line with professional accountability and legal compliance. After this period, all records are securely destroyed or permanently deleted.

  • Your Rights: Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

    • Right to be informed: About how your data is used.

    • Right of access: To request a copy of the information I hold about you.

    • Right to rectification: To request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.

    • Right to erasure (the "right to be forgotten"): To request the deletion of your data, subject to my legal and ethical obligations for retention.

    • Right to restrict processing: To request that I limit the way I use your data in certain circumstances.

    • Right to data portability: To receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.

    • Right to object: To certain types of processing.

    • To exercise any of these rights, please contact me directly at michaelboycetherapy@gmail.com.

  • ICO Registration: I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), registration number to be provided shortly.

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6. Client Suitability and Referrals

  • While counselling can be beneficial for many, it may not be suitable for all situations or individuals. If, during our initial consultation or at any point during therapy, I determine that my services are not the most appropriate for your needs, I will discuss this with you and may suggest alternative support or refer you to another professional or service.

  • Crisis Intervention: I do not offer crisis intervention services. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feel at immediate risk, please contact your GP, NHS 111, emergency services (999), or a crisis line such as the Samaritans (116 123) or your local mental health crisis team.

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7. Complaints Procedure

  • Initial Resolution: If you have any concerns or complaints about the service you receive, I encourage you to discuss them with me directly in the first instance. Many issues can be resolved informally through open communication.

  • Formal Complaints: If you are not satisfied with the outcome of an informal discussion, or if you feel unable to discuss the matter with me directly, you have the right to make a formal complaint.

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8. Limitation of Liability

  • While I will always provide my services with professional care and skill, I cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results from therapy. The effectiveness of therapy is influenced by many factors, including your active participation.

  • I shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the provision of my services.

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9. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

I reserve the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on this website, and the effective date will be updated. Continued engagement with my services after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms and Conditions.

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10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

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