Last updated: 3 February 2026
These Therapy Terms apply to psychotherapy (and related consultation/supervision services where stated) provided by Openforwards and should be read alongside our Therapy Client Privacy Notice.
1) Important information about psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be beneficial and can change your life. It is also important to understand:
- it can feel worse before it feels better, as difficult memories and feelings may emerge
- changes you make may influence those close to you
- outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty
We recommend committing to a minimum of six sessions before reviewing progress. Many people benefit from more than six sessions.
2) Appointments and session structure
Sessions are typically weekly or fortnightly and last 60 minutes. We encourage you to take an active role in planning: we’ll usually ask you to decide what to focus on at the start of each session.
We will email you a session summary after the appointments.
3) How to get the most out of therapy
Therapy is most effective when you:
- attend consistently with willingness to learn
- aim to be honest with your therapist and yourself
- practise skills between sessions
- discuss urges to end therapy rather than acting on them immediately
4) Fitness to attend (alcohol/drugs)
Therapy cannot take place if you arrive under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive drugs.
5) Contacting your therapist and out-of-hours support
You are welcome to contact your therapist outside sessions for cancellations or support requests, within reasonable limits.
If you need support outside office hours, you may find these helpful:
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Mind infoline: 0300 123 3393
6) Boundaries and involvement of others
The therapy relationship is professional. In some circumstances, it can be helpful for a partner/family member to attend a session to support you, but individual therapy has one client, and involvement of others is limited and discussed in advance.
7) Questionnaires and outcome measures
You may be asked to complete questionnaires at different points to help clarify difficulties and monitor progress.
8) Recording sessions
Occasionally, recording sessions for developmental purposes may be helpful. Recording is voluntary and does not affect your statutory rights or the therapy process. If recording is considered, your therapist will seek formal consent. If you wish to record for your own use, please request this during the session.
9) Confidentiality and record keeping
Openforwards holds personal information in line with data protection requirements. Please refer to your Therapy Client Privacy Notice (and any consent paperwork) for details about the information we hold and how it is used.
10) Fees, payment methods, cancellations and refunds
Payment methods
Therapy (and consultation/supervision) may be paid via Stripe or PayPal.
Initial consultations
Initial consultations require payment in advance.
- More than 48 hours’ notice cancellation/reschedule: we will refund the payment, minus any non-recoverable payment processing/admin fees (e.g., Stripe charges).
- Less than 48 hours’ notice: the full fee is payable and no refund is due.
Ongoing sessions
- More than 48 hours’ notice cancellation/reschedule: no fee is charged.
- Less than 48 hours’ notice: the full fee is charged.
After an appointment
No refunds are issued once an appointment has taken place.
11) Ending therapy
Ending therapy can be emotionally challenging. We encourage you to discuss endings openly so you can consolidate learning and bring the work to a thoughtful close.
12) Service standards
Our therapists are appropriately qualified/accredited and practise in line with relevant professional standards and ethics (e.g., BABCP, BACP, HCPC, BACB, as applicable).
13) Complaints
If you are unhappy with the service received, please inform your therapist or email support@openforwards.com. If you wish to complain formally, you can request our complaints procedure.