Welcome to a Discerning Life with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t. - Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Practice, Spalding House, 90 Queen St, Broughty Ferry, Dundee providing Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy services.
a Discerning Life offers one-to-one sessions and two-to-one where needed for adults and young people, over the age of 16 years.
THERAPEUTIC OUTCOMES
Your Therapist is dedicated to working with you to reach your desired outcomes and goals through therapeutic support. Like all therapy, results will vary and they depend partly on your mindset, motivation and commitment to engage with the process; including ‘out of session’ practise and reflection. Your active participation is key to our collaborative success. While therapy has been shown to be helpful and effective addressing issues and creating change there are no guarantees given on outcomes.
Outcomes are greatly improved for clients who attend their allocated sessions in consecutive weeks – weekly or fortnightly. Too long a break between sessions such as monthly reduces the cumulative impact and benefits of the therapy undertaken.
Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy does not substitute the need to obtain medical advice.
SESSION LENGTH
A session lasts an average of 1 hour (between 50 minutes and 1 hour and 15 mins). Please ensure that you allocate enough time for your session. If you are running late, please let the Therapist know as soon as possible, she will do her best to accommodate a full session but this cannot be guaranteed. Curtailed sessions will attract the full session fee.
CONTACT
If you need to contact the service in-between sessions, you can do this by phone during office hours Monday to Thursday 10am to 6pm and e-mail anytime. Your Therapist will aim to respond within 24 hours where possible.
SESSION CONDUCT
a Discerning Life adheres to the General Hypnotherapy Register’s (GHR) Professional Code of Ethics and Practice and the Complementary Natural Healthcare Council’s (CNHC) Code of Conduct.
As a client, you agree to avoid alcohol and drugs prior to sessions (except medication prescribed by your doctor); arrive at sessions ready to engage; disclose honestly any issues or reasons why you are not suitable for therapy when asked. This is necessary for your own safety and wellbeing.
The Therapist is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for therapy. If current or future sessions are discontinued for instances of antisocial behaviour, refunds will not be issued.
SAFETY
Unfortunately, a Discerning Life cannot offer an emergency service, although urgent appointments may be available. If you are concerned about your safety, or the safety of others, you should alert relevant professionals: call a General Practitioner (GP), call 999 (or your local emergency number), or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
If you feel you require extra emotional support, you may find it helpful to contact local or national services such as The Samaritans (Telephone: 116 123).
CONFIDENTIALITY
a Discerning Life maintains confidentiality in accordance with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) Code of Ethics and Complementary Natural Healthcare Council’s (CNHC) Code of Conduct.
You can read more about the data gathered by a Discerning Life in its Privacy Policy available on https://adiscerninglife.co.uk/privacy-policy
At times, your case may be discussed in supervision, the purpose of which is to ensure that your Therapist is abiding by the principles of ethical practice and continuing professional development. Supervision is also bound by an ethical framework, and this includes confidentiality.
In cases where safety is concerned, information about you may be passed on to other relevant professionals (e.g. GP, Social Work and/or the Police):
1. If you intend to harm yourself or another person;
2. if a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm or neglect; and/or
3. if a Court instructs the provision of this information.
In the above cases, your Therapist will endeavour to discuss with you their decision for breaking confidentiality but it may be the case that the urgency of the situation requires them to act immediately without prior consultation with you.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
50% of the agreed session fee applies if the session is missed without 24 hours’ notice or if cancellation is received within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment.
Due to other work commitments, your Therapist may cancel a session with you. If this occurs, your Therapist will offer to reschedule your session as soon as possible.
Refunds will not be issued to clients under any circumstance.
PAYMENT
Session rates are as agreed with your Therapist and may be subject to an annual increase.
Payment is due at the end of your appointment when in person via Sum Up card system or cash. If the session is online payment is due 24 hours before and can be made by transfer, details provided when needed.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All content on the website, including text, graphics and logos is the property of a Discerning Life and is protected by copyright laws.
LIABILITY INSURANCE
As required by the General Hypnotherapy Register’s (GHR) Professional Code of Ethics and the Complementary Natural Healthcare Council’s (CNHC) Code of Conduct your Therapist holds Professional Liability Insurance with Towergate.
UK AND INTERNATIONAL ONLINE THERAPY – GOVERNING LAW CLAUSE
This agreement, and any dispute, controversy, proceedings or claim of whatever nature arising out of or in any way relating to this agreement or its formation (including any non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Scottish law, irrespective of the country in which you are based.
If you are unhappy with the therapy you receive or with any other aspect of your contact with a Discerning Life, it may be helpful to discuss this with your Therapist in the first instance. If you feel this is not possible, you can access information and guidance from the regulatory body for the profession: General Hypnotherapy Register Complaints Procedure
Last revised: 1 November 2024
Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns or complaints, you can contact Paula Hamilton, at:
paula@adiscerninglife.co.uk
07757 112998
Spalding House, 90 West Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 1AJ, United Kingdom