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Terms & Conditions
Effective from: 18/10/2026
1. Introduction
These Terms & Conditions explain the general arrangements under which Adam Coombes, trading as Adam C Therapy, provides counselling, psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), clinical supervision and associated professional services.
Adam C Therapy is an independent, self-employed practice providing services in person and online.
These terms are intended to help clients understand the nature of the services offered, the respective responsibilities of the practitioner and client, and the arrangements governing appointments, payments, confidentiality and the ending of services.
Before commencing therapy, clients will also be provided with a Therapeutic Agreement setting out the arrangements for their individual therapeutic work.
These Terms & Conditions should be read alongside the following documents, where relevant:
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Therapeutic Agreement, Counselling Contract or Supervisory Contract.
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Any separate agreement relating to clinical supervision, insurer-funded treatment or another specific service.
These documents serve different purposes. The Privacy Notice explains how personal information is processed, while the AI Policy explains the practice's approach to artificial intelligence and associated technologies.
Where an individual written agreement contains service-specific arrangements that differ from these general terms, the individual agreement will ordinarily take precedence for those arrangements, subject to applicable law.
Nothing in these terms is intended to exclude or restrict any statutory rights that clients have under applicable law.
2. Professional status and standards of practice
Adam Coombes provides counselling, psychotherapy and EMDR services within the limits of his professional competence, training, experience and applicable professional standards.
Professional qualifications, accreditations, memberships and relevant registrations are described on the Adam C Therapy website.
Services are delivered with regard to the ethical and professional standards applicable to the service being provided, including the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and relevant EMDR professional standards.
The practitioner undertakes appropriate continuing professional development, clinical supervision and reflective practice to support safe and effective working.
The practitioner maintains appropriate professional insurance for the services provided.
Clients are welcome to ask questions about qualifications, experience, therapeutic approaches or the suitability of a proposed service before agreeing to commence.
3. Nature and limitations of the service
Counselling, psychotherapy and EMDR are collaborative therapeutic processes intended to support psychological wellbeing, emotional processing, personal development and the exploration or treatment of difficulties within the scope of the service offered.
Therapeutic work may involve discussing distressing experiences, emotions, memories or patterns of behaviour. Clients will be supported to work at a pace that is clinically appropriate and responsive to their needs.
No particular therapeutic outcome can be guaranteed. Progress may vary according to individual circumstances, the nature of the difficulties being addressed and other relevant factors.
The practitioner will discuss the suitability of the service with the client and review this where necessary.
Therapy is not a substitute for emergency services or urgent psychiatric or medical care.
Adam C Therapy does not provide a 24-hour crisis response.
If a client requires immediate emergency assistance, they should contact the appropriate emergency service. In the UK, this may include calling 999 in an emergency or attending their closest A&E arranging appropriate transportation if ambulances are not available. Clients are encouraged not to drive themselves in a state of crisis.
Where a client requires support beyond the scope of the practice, appropriate alternatives, signposting or onward referral may be discussed.
4. Appointments and booking
Appointments may be arranged following an initial enquiry or consultation.
Before the first substantive appointment, clients will be provided with information about the relevant service, fees, cancellation arrangements, privacy practices and therapeutic boundaries.
The booking process will explain any applicable payment or authorisation requirements.
An appointment is considered booked when the date and time have been agreed and the booking has been confirmed by the practice.
Clients are responsible for checking their appointment confirmations and notifying the practice promptly if they identify an error or need to request a change.
The practitioner will make reasonable efforts to accommodate appointment requests, but particular dates, times or appointment frequencies cannot be guaranteed.
Where clinically appropriate, the practitioner and client may agree a regular appointment schedule.
5. Fees and payment
The applicable fee will be communicated before a client commits to the relevant service.
Fees may differ according to the type, duration and setting of the service. The agreed fee will be confirmed during the booking process or in the individual Therapeutic Agreement.
Payment arrangements, including whether payment is required in advance or on the day of the appointment, will be communicated clearly.
Clients / Supervisee'sare responsible for paying agreed fees for services provided, subject to the terms of any applicable third-party funding arrangement and their statutory rights.
Where a service attracts an additional charge, such as an agreed report, letter or other work outside the standard appointment, the fee and scope of work will be explained and agreed before the work begins.
The practice will provide appropriate payment information and receipts or invoices where applicable.
Any proposed change to an agreed fee will be communicated in advance. A change will not be applied retrospectively to services already provided.
6. Late payments and outstanding balances
Where payment is outstanding, the practice will ordinarily contact the client to explain the balance and seek to resolve the matter. The practice uses software that may automate chases for late payments.
Clients who anticipate difficulty making a payment are encouraged to contact the practice promptly.
Where an outstanding balance remains unresolved, the practitioner may consider suspending further bookings or taking proportionate steps to recover a legitimately owed debt.
Any recovery costs or interest will only be sought where legally recoverable and appropriately applicable. The practice will not impose arbitrary or disproportionate administrative charges.
Where an outstanding balance may affect the continuation of therapy, the practitioner will consider the circumstances, communicate the position clearly and take reasonable account of relevant clinical and ethical considerations.
Nothing in this section prevents either party from raising a genuine dispute about an invoice or the applicable contractual arrangements.
7. Cancellation, rearrangement and missed appointments
The practice recognises that circumstances can change and that clients may occasionally need to rearrange appointments.
Cancellation notice period:
The cancellation policy will be explained before the client agrees to the booking and will be included in the applicable Therapeutic Agreement.
Where an appointment is cancelled within the agreed notice period, or where a client does not attend, a cancellation charge may apply in accordance with the agreed policy.
Any charge will be communicated clearly in advance and will be subject to applicable consumer protection law. The practice will consider the circumstances, including the notice provided, the nature of the booking and whether the appointment can reasonably be offered to another client.
Where exceptional circumstances arise, the practitioner may exercise reasonable discretion.
If the practitioner needs to cancel or rearrange an appointment, the client will be informed as soon as reasonably practicable. An alternative appointment will be offered where possible.
Where the practitioner cancels an appointment and the client has already paid for that appointment, the practice will explain the available options, including rearrangement or an appropriate refund where applicable.
For intensive EMDR, extended appointments or other specially arranged services, any different cancellation arrangements will be explained and agreed in advance.
8. Insurance and third-party funding
Some services may be funded in whole or in part by a health insurer, employer, agency or another third party.
Where applicable, clients may need to obtain authorisation before commencing treatment and comply with the relevant funding arrangements.
The client and practitioner will clarify, as far as reasonably practicable, the arrangements for authorisation, session limits, reporting and payment before treatment begins.
Clients should check any applicable policy conditions, excesses, contribution requirements and authorisation limits with their funder.
The practice will explain any known funding limitations relevant to the proposed service.
Where a funder refuses, reduces, delays or withdraws payment, the parties will consider the circumstances and the applicable agreements before determining whether any amount is payable by the client.
The practice will not automatically assume that a client must pay a disputed amount simply because a third party has refused payment. Any liability will depend on the relevant agreement, the circumstances and applicable law.
Where a funding issue arises during treatment, the practitioner will explain the position and discuss available options before proceeding with further chargeable appointments, wherever reasonably practicable.
Any reporting or information-sharing required by a funder will be subject to the relevant contractual arrangements, confidentiality obligations and data protection requirements.
9. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship.
Information shared during therapy will ordinarily be treated as confidential and handled in accordance with applicable legal requirements, professional standards and the practice's Privacy Notice.
However, confidentiality is not absolute. Information may be disclosed where:
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The client has provided appropriate authority for the disclosure.
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Disclosure is required by court order through law or a valid legal obligation.
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The practitioner reasonably considers disclosure necessary and proportionate to address an anticipated serious risk of imminent harm or another significant safeguarding concern.
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Another lawful and ethically justified basis for disclosure applies in the circumstances.
Any decision to disclose confidential information will take account of the circumstances, the nature and seriousness of the concern, the information necessary to address it and the applicable legal and professional requirements.
Where reasonably practicable and safe to do so, the client will ordinarily be informed before information is disclosed.
Only information reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose should be shared.
Requests for information from family members, employers, insurers, other professionals or organisations will not automatically entitle those parties to confidential clinical information.
Where a client wishes information to be shared with another person or organisation, the arrangements and scope of any disclosure will be clarified in advance wherever practicable.
10. Clinical supervision and professional consultation
Clinical supervision and professional consultation support safe, reflective and accountable practice.
Relevant clinical material may be discussed in professional supervision or consultation where appropriate to support the quality, safety and effectiveness of the service.
The practitioner will take reasonable steps to minimise identifying information and protect client confidentiality.
Information will be handled in accordance with applicable professional obligations, data protection requirements and the circumstances of the consultation.
Supervision does not ordinarily involve the routine transfer of identifiable client records to the supervisor.
Where a particular circumstance requires a different approach to information-sharing, the practitioner will consider the relevant legal, ethical and confidentiality requirements.
EMDR Consultancy ensures that the clinical responsibility of the cases are held by the practitioner and not the consultant.
11. Safeguarding and serious risk
The practitioner takes safeguarding and the management of serious risk seriously.
Where concerns arise about a client's safety or the safety of another person, the practitioner may need to consider further assessment, consultation, signposting or disclosure of relevant information.
The response will depend on the circumstances and may involve discussion with the client, where appropriate, and consideration of other sources of support.
Where there is a serious and immediate concern, the practitioner may need to take proportionate action to help protect those at risk.
The practitioner will act in accordance with applicable law, relevant professional standards and the practice's clinical risk-management procedures.
Clients should understand that therapy is not an emergency monitoring service and that messages or emails outside appointments may not be reviewed immediately.
Where a client requires urgent help, they should contact an appropriate urgent or emergency service rather than relying on a response from Adam C Therapy.
12. Online therapy
Online appointments are delivered using the platform agreed for the service.
Clients are responsible for taking reasonable steps to participate from a private location where they can speak freely and without unnecessary interruption.
The practitioner will take reasonable steps to provide a confidential environment and use appropriate security measures for online sessions.
Online work depends partly on technology and internet connectivity. Temporary disruption may occasionally occur.
If a connection fails, the practitioner and client may attempt to reconnect or use an agreed alternative communication method where appropriate.
If the session cannot continue, the parties will discuss whether it should be rearranged or whether another reasonable arrangement is appropriate.
Any payment or cancellation implications will be determined in accordance with the agreed terms and the circumstances, taking account of whether the disruption was attributable to the practitioner, the client or circumstances outside either party's reasonable control.
For online therapy, the practitioner may need to establish the client's current location and appropriate emergency arrangements, particularly where clinically relevant to risk management.
The suitability of online therapy will be reviewed where necessary.
13. Boundaries and communication outside sessions
Professional boundaries are intended to support a safe and effective therapeutic relationship.
Communication outside appointments should ordinarily relate to practical matters such as bookings, cancellations, payments or other arrangements necessary for the service.
Messages received outside normal working arrangements may not be answered immediately.
Email, text messages and other administrative communication should not be treated as an emergency service or a substitute for a scheduled therapeutic appointment.
The practitioner will explain any relevant communication arrangements in the individual Therapeutic Agreement.
Clients are encouraged to discuss any concerns about professional boundaries or communication arrangements during therapy.
14. Clinical suitability, suspension and ending therapy
Therapy is a collaborative process. The practitioner and client may review the suitability, purpose and progress of the work as it develops.
There may be circumstances in which the current service is no longer appropriate, the client's needs fall outside the practitioner's competence, or the working relationship cannot continue safely or effectively.
The practitioner may also need to consider changes to the service where significant boundary, payment, attendance or risk-management concerns arise.
Where reasonably practicable, the reasons for a proposed suspension or ending will be discussed with the client.
The practitioner will consider whether the difficulty can be addressed within the existing therapeutic relationship and whether an alternative arrangement may be appropriate.
Where therapy is ending, reasonable efforts will be made to support an appropriate ending, taking account of the circumstances and the client's needs.
This may include reviewing progress, discussing the ending, providing reasonable notice where practicable, or offering signposting or onward referral where appropriate.
There may be circumstances in which immediate suspension or termination is necessary, including serious safety concerns or other situations where continuing the service would be inappropriate. Where this occurs, the practitioner will take reasonable steps to explain the position and consider any appropriate onward support.
Clients may choose to end therapy. Where possible, they are encouraged to discuss this with the practitioner so that the ending can be considered and planned appropriately.
Nothing in this section requires either party to continue a therapeutic relationship that cannot safely or ethically continue.
15. Clinical records and documentation
The practitioner maintains appropriate records relating to the service provided.
Records are managed in accordance with applicable legal requirements, professional obligations and the practice's Privacy Notice.
The nature and extent of records retained will depend on the service provided and the information reasonably necessary for professional, clinical, administrative and legal purposes.
Clients may have rights to access their personal information under applicable data protection law. These rights are subject to relevant legal provisions and exemptions.
Requests for copies of existing records will be considered in accordance with applicable law.
Requests for new reports, letters, assessments or other professional documentation are separate from requests to access existing personal information.
Where additional work is requested, the scope, fee and timescale will be discussed before the work begins.
The practitioner may decline a request where it falls outside their competence, would be misleading, conflicts with professional obligations or cannot appropriately be undertaken.
16. Privacy, data protection and technology
Adam C Therapy processes personal information in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
The Privacy Policy & AI Transparency Statement explains the personal information collected, the purposes for which it is processed, the applicable lawful bases, retention arrangements, relevant recipients and clients' data protection rights.
Clients should read the Privacy Policy before commencing therapy.
The practice uses professional systems to manage appointments, clinical records, communication, payments, accounting and other administrative functions necessary to provide its services.
Some service providers may use automated processing or machine-learning technologies for functions such as security, fraud prevention, scheduling or financial administration. The nature of these activities depends on the service and its configuration.
The practice takes reasonable steps to assess the suitability of the systems it uses and to protect personal information through appropriate technical and organisational measures.
Information may be processed or accessed outside the United Kingdom, depending on the provider and the relevant service. Where applicable, the practice will take steps to ensure that international transfers comply with relevant data protection requirements.
The practice seeks to collect and retain information that is adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for its stated purposes.
Further information about the practice's data protection arrangements, retention periods and clients' rights is available in the Privacy Policy & AI Transparency Statement.
17. Artificial intelligence and automated technologies
Adam C Therapy maintains a separate AI Policy explaining the practice's approach to artificial intelligence, automated technologies and their potential use alongside therapy.
The AI Policy should be read alongside the Privacy Policy & AI Transparency Statement and the Therapeutic Agreement.
The practice distinguishes between general administrative uses of technology and uses that involve client information, clinical material or other confidential data.
AI is not used as a substitute for the practitioner's professional judgement. The practitioner remains responsible for clinical decisions, therapeutic interventions and the accuracy and appropriateness of clinical records.
The practice does not enter identifiable or confidential client information into public or consumer AI services for general AI assistance.
Under the practice's current stated arrangements, AI is not used to independently transcribe or summarise therapy sessions. Any proposed change to this arrangement will be assessed before implementation and communicated to affected clients.
Where a proposed AI activity involves personal information, the practice will consider its purpose, necessity, proportionality, confidentiality implications, security, lawful basis and applicable safeguards before proceeding.
Clients will receive appropriate information about any proposed use. Where consent is required, or where the practice has committed to obtaining consent for a particular activity, that consent will be obtained before the activity begins.
Consent to optional AI use is separate from agreement to receive therapy. Clients may decline optional AI activities without this, in itself, disadvantaging them or automatically affecting their access to therapy.
The practice will review its AI arrangements when relevant systems, purposes or data-handling arrangements change.
The AI Policy and Privacy Policy provide further details about the technologies used, their purposes and the safeguards applied.
18. Complaints and concerns
The practitioner aims to provide a professional, respectful and effective service.
Clients are encouraged to raise concerns about their experience, the therapeutic relationship, administrative arrangements or any aspect of the service.
Where appropriate, the practitioner will seek to understand the concern, discuss it openly and identify whether a resolution is possible.
Clients may raise a formal complaint using the following process:
Contact: adamc.therapy@gmail.com
Acknowledgement: The practice will ordinarily acknowledge a complaint within 3 working days.
Review: The complaint will be considered fairly, with appropriate regard to confidentiality and any relevant records.
Response: The practice will aim to provide a substantive response within 30 working days, or explain if further time is required.
Where appropriate, the practitioner may seek professional advice in considering a complaint, while protecting confidential information.
Clients are not required to resolve a concern informally before contacting an appropriate professional body or exercising any legal rights available to them.
Information about relevant professional complaint routes is available from the applicable professional body, including BACP where relevant to the service and membership concerned.
19. Changes to these Terms & Conditions
The practice may update these Terms & Conditions where necessary to reflect changes in the service, professional standards, legal requirements or operating arrangements.
The current version will be made available through the Adam C Therapy website.
Where a change materially affects an existing client's contractual arrangements, the practice will communicate the change in advance and, where necessary, seek agreement before it takes effect.
Changes will not retrospectively alter fees or contractual rights already accrued.
Where a client does not agree to a material change, the practitioner will discuss the implications and any reasonable options available.
Nothing in this section permits the practice to vary a contract in a way that is prohibited by applicable law.
20. Applicable law and statutory rights
These Terms & Conditions are intended for services provided by Adam C Therapy in England and Wales.
The application of law to an individual service or contract will depend on the relevant circumstances.
Nothing in these terms excludes, limits or overrides statutory rights or legal protections that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
Where any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
21. Contact details
For questions about these Terms & Conditions, appointments or the services provided, please contact:
Adam C Therapy
Adam Coombes
Website: www.adamc-therapy.com
Email: adamc.therapy@gmail.com
For privacy and data protection enquiries, please refer to the contact details in the Privacy Notice & AI Transparency Statement.