Counselling Policy and Agreement
This Agreement is entered into by and between:
the Counsellor [“I”]: Carlotta Lazzaro
the Client [“You”]: Your name
Purpose of Counselling
The purpose of counselling is to provide a confidential and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Counselling is a collaborative process in which we work together to increase self-awareness, understanding, and clarity. Through this process, you may gain insight into patterns in your thinking and behaviour, recognise links between past and present experiences, and focus on what is most relevant to you in the present. Counselling provides an opportunity to reflect, gain perspective, and explore what matters most to you.
Confidentiality
Everything you share in sessions will be treated as confidential. There are some exceptions where confidentiality may need to be broken:
If there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others.
If there is a disclosure of child or vulnerable adult safeguarding concerns.
If required by a court of law.
Where possible, I would discuss this with you before taking any further action.
Sessions
Sessions last 50 minutes and are held online through Doxy.me, a secure and HIPAA compliant platform. Sessions take place weekly at the same time to maintain consistency. Payment is required in advance of each session or programme.
Current fees are listed on mind-mastery.com.
Sessions involve a collaborative and conversational process designed to explore what is most relevant to you. They may involve reflecting on challenges, identifying patterns, exploring thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. While counselling is at the centre of the work, I may also incorporate other therapeutic approaches, including Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and somatic practices, weaving these into the process where they may be helpful.
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will not be refunded. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late without notifying me, the session will be considered missed and no refund will be given.
Refund Policy
Sessions that have already taken place are non-refundable. If a counselling programme is ended early, no refund will be issued for any remaining sessions. If I terminate the programme due to a breach of professional boundaries, a refund will be provided for unused sessions. Clients are encouraged to raise any concerns or difficulties before ending the programme, so these can be addressed where possible.
Professional Practice
I am a counsellor registered with the Association of British Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am a counselling psychology trainee and a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and UPCA. I work in line with ABCAP’s Code of Ethics and Practice.
I attend regular supervision to ensure safe and ethical practice. Client identities are kept confidential within supervision.
Although I am based in the UK, I am insured to work with clients internationally.
Records
Notes may be kept after each session.
Notes are kept for a limited period of time after counselling ends and then securely destroyed.
Ending Counselling
You are free to end counselling at any time. I recommend an ending session so we can review your progress and close the work together. Either party may terminate this agreement with two weeks’ written notice. You agree to pay for all counselling or coaching services provided up to the effective date of termination.
Limitation of Liability
While I provide counselling with care and professionalism, I do not guarantee any specific outcomes or results. Counselling may involve emotional work, and clients may experience a range of feelings or make decisions based on insights gained. My liability for any claim arising from counselling services, including any emotional or personal decisions made by the client, is limited to the amount paid for the sessions.
Consent
By participating in the session, you agree that you have read and understood this agreement and consent to enter into counselling under these terms.