The Service
Online Counselling / Coaching is for anybody aged 18 and over who would like to receive support, as long as the client is able to understand and acknowledge what is involved in this service and is willing to co-operate and follow the terms of use.
We reserve the right to decline online counselling or suggest alternative support if we feel that we cannot support you, either due to the nature of your problem or if we feel you need emergency face to face support. Your wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we will endeavour to help you and signpost you elsewhere if we feel we cannot offer the support needed via Online Counselling.​

Online Sessions
They can be via video (face to face), instant messaging (chat) or telephone calls over the internet (VoIP). You will need access to the software (Zoom,Skype etc.) on your computer which is free to download and set up a user name. Skype and Zoom conversations are encrypted. You will receive a link to our meeting room with your booking confirmation. You will need to ready to connect at the agreed time for your session. Sessions are 50 minutes long.​

Conduct
While therapy sessions provide the space for clients to work through difficult feelings and emotions, Counsellors/Coaches will not accept threatening or abusive behaviour.  Such behaviour may result in the session ending and the client being liable for the full session fee. Future sessions may be cancelled.
We ask that you do not attend therapy sessions under the influence of alcohol or drugs​.

Sessions
The sessions are 50 minutes long and bookable online via solasmind.com or your private booking link.

​Payment of Fees
Payment is required when booking unless a discount has been agreed or you are receiving counselling via a work place scheme.

Cancellation policy
If you are unable to attend your appointment 24 hours’ notice is required. Where there is less notice, or you fail to attend your appointment, the fee for that session will be incurred or the session will be counted if no fee is paid as part of a workplace scheme.
We will endeavour to give you as much advance notice as possible in terms of holidays or of any need to cancel a future appointment.
In case of unforeseen situations which result in you being late for your online session, we will allow at least 20 minutes for you to turn up if you have not contacted us.
When you turn up, the session will end at the normal time and you will be charged the full fee or it will be counted as a full session.​

Skype/Zoom Details
Please ensure that you give the correct details and contact information at the time of booking. For sessions that do not take place due to the incorrect information being provided no refunds will be given.​

Privacy Policy
In order to get the maximum benefit from the counselling work together, it is important that you have read our privacy policy, terms and conditions and boundaries. Counsellors will reiterate the key points at the first session.​

Code of Ethics
Solas Mind Counsellors / Coaches are fully qualified and experienced and are registered members of a leading industry body BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), UKCP, HCPC, NCS, ICF and abide by their code of ethics.​

Confidentiality
As a counsellor/coach, we are ethically required to protect your confidentiality. Everything you choose to share during sessions stays with us and is not disclosed to third parties. However, there are some legal exceptions to your right to confidentiality: if a counsellor believes you are at risk of causing serious harm to yourself or others, they must inform the relevant authorities. If we receive information from you regarding ongoing abuse towards a child or a vulnerable adult, we will be forced to break confidentiality. When possible, we will inform you before we take any action. ​​

Supervision
All counsellors and coaches are required to have regular supervision to ensure that they maintain best level of care. Anonymity is protected by withholding names and any other identifying details.​

Social Media
Counsellors / Coaches do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former clients on any social networking site in order to protect your confidentiality and to keep the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship.​

Termination
Counsellors/ Coaches will not suddenly or without warning stop supporting you, except in exceptional circumstances, which would become clear in the course of the work together. This would be fully discussed at that time. Please note any threats or acts of violence will invalidate this agreement and counselling will cease. Sessions will not take place if you are under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed medication.

Liability Waiver
This liability waiver relates to all Solas Mind sessions, whether online or in person, as well when you attend any training, events, talks, or other services provided by Solas Mind.  
By using our services, you agree to the following:

• You agree that you are at least 18 years old.
• Solas Mind’s website, booking application, and services are not offered as a substitute for clinical mental health services or medical care. Our Providers focus on wellness guidance and support only. If yous uspect that you may have an illness that requires medical attention, you should consult with a doctor in your area
• You agree that you are not experiencing a suicidal crisis and are not at risk of harming yourself or anyone else.
• You understand that online counselling is not be suitable if you are having thoughts of suicide
  
• In case of emergency, you authorize us to contact your emergency contact(s) provided when you booked our services.
• You agree that online services may not be as effective for all individuals. Thus, Solas Mind reserves the right to choose whether or not to work with you online.
• Solas Mind reserves the right to choose whether to work with you. Our Providers have the same right. If we, or our Providers, feel you may need additional support above what we can offer,any services may be terminated, and we may refer you to a more appropriate provider (but have no obligation to do so).
• You agree and understand that Counselling / Coaching can be challenging, as uncomfortable emotions and thoughts may arise as part of the treatment process. Things may get worse before they start to improve on the counselling journey.
• You understand that, after booking a session it is your responsibility to be online and available at the start of your appointment slot.
• Solas Mind and our Providers can’t promise or guarantee a positive outcome. Results can vary from individual to individual.
• You agree that your participation in online support is only for your personal therapeutic benefit. You agree that your participation will not be shared for any other reason or in any form. You agree not to record or tape sessions.
• You agree that if you are disconnected during a session that you will email as soon as possible and also check your inbox for correspondence from them.
• You agree that if you do not hear from your Counsellor / Coach at the agreed session time you will email them by replying to your booking confirmation and also cc in us contact@solasmind.com within 5 minutes of the agreed session time.
• You understand that we do not hold any liability for technological glitches that can take place with Skype sessions. However, any glitch or mishap on our part will not be at the client’s loss - clients will receive all of the session time which they have paid for.‎
• Technology is not always secure. You accept the risks to confidentiality related to the use of email, text, phone, Skype, Zoom and other similar technology
• We are not in the position to write reports on progress made in counselling by way of request from external agencies, for e.g. Social Services or NHS.  We provide a duty of confidentiality to our clients. Solas Mind provide this therapy online and are unable to fully assess or verify certain needs.
• Our Providers are ethically required to protect your confidentiality. However, specific requirements can differ from location to location or Provider to Provider. Yet, there are some legal exceptions to your right to confidentiality that are typically the same in all places, as follows:
  If we, or a Provider, have a good-faith belief you are risk of causing harm to yourself or someone else.
  If a legal obligation to share information arises related to drug trafficking, money laundering, acts of terrorism, or safeguarding children or vulnerable adults.
• Solas Mind reserves the right to resist legal requests to produce records in court. We do this in order to protect our duty of confidentiality to all clients. We are unable to provide records or information for legal proceedings when asked by clients, their solicitors, the police and the courts unless a Subpoena ordered by a UK court is ordered. We do not take detailed notes, record sessions or hold any information other than contact details received at the time of booking.
• We are a UK-based company, as such the laws of England and Wales apply. Solas Mind will not be liable to you or to any other person or entity for any losses, costs, or damages caused by, attributable to, or in connection with the performance, non-performance, or delayed performance of any services provided to you by us or our Providers. You permanently agree to release and indemnify Solas Mind and your Provider from all lawsuits, claims, demands, or right to compensation originating from services provided through Solas Mind as more fully described in our Terms of Services.
• You permanently agree to release and indemnify Solas Mind from all lawsuits, claims and actions originating from Counselling / Coaching, provided through Solas Mind Online Services.

Courses/Workshops/Talks
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We understand the nature of the creative industries and the freelance world; however, we subsidise our courses and our training is always oversubscribed.​ 
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Subsidies / Grants
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If you are in receipt of a subsidy this is an arrangement strictly between yourself and your funding source. Whilst we are happy to provide confirmation of course booking or any other material required by the funder, the responsibility of payment lies with you.​

Solas Mind reserves the right to cancel or postpone a course if deemed necessary or to change course tutors.
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Our cancellation policy is as follows: -

• Cancelling 2 weeks or over – full refund

• Cancelling less than 2 weeks – 50% refund

• Cancelling less than 2 weeks – 50% refund