1. Company information

The date of these terms and conditions is 09 of May 2024.

This is a contract by Bright4life.com under Michelle Akgul who is self employed as a sole trader (“I/We/Us” in this contract); and the client (“You” in this contract) each a “Party” and together the “Parties”.

2. Overview

These are the terms and conditions referred to in your order (‘Order’) for Us to supply You with counselling, coaching and any ancillary services (“Services”). The object of this contract is to facilitate the best possible environment and experience for You to benefit from the Services.

These terms and conditions are deemed to be binding upon You following enrolment to any Services.

You must read these terms and conditions in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and that policy is incorporated by reference here.

They describe the terms on which We will supply the Services to You, and they explain our responsibility to You if We fail to meet these standards and your obligation to Us, including your consumer rights.

3. The Counselling & Coaching Contract

3.1 The Order is your offer to buy the Services from Us (Bright4life.com) on these terms and conditions, and You must make sure that the Order (and any specification that forms part of your Order) is correct.

3.2 We offer a FREE initial consultation for 25 minutes, where your counsellor (“Counsellor”) will explain her education, methods and process and see whether both Parties think they can work together. It is important that you feel safe and comfortable and assess if the style is suitable to your needs. During this process, you will be guided to a bespoke service and suggested length of sessions that might suits your individual needs with regular reviews that considers any change in circumstances. You will be offered either online or face-to-face counselling or coaching at Suite 74, Regus, 26 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, ME19 4AE.

3.3 After the consultation process, you will be given the option to book either online or face-to-face sessions with the following information:

3.3.1 Online counselling

Your Counsellor is qualified to work with clients on a digital platform to offer services to all adults and young people aged 12-17 years of age with the written consent of their parent or guardian. Each session is a minimum of 50 mins to 1 hour long. After a session (s) have been booked and paid for a confirmation email will be sent, followed by a digital link to access the online session.

On occasion there are technical IT issues, such as the digital platform cutting out or the internet service is slow and therapeutic counselling cannot continue effectively. If this is the case, a client will always be offered an alternative option, such as to move to the telephone, close the video option or rearrange to another suitable date and time within two weeks of the initial disrupted session, however refunds are not provided, unless there is a fault on our end that cannot be solved with alternative options. Every effort is made to ensure security and confidentiality during these online sessions.

The Counsellor reserves the right to refuse any further sessions without providing a reason or can decide to terminate the online (digital session) should confidentiality or safety standards be compromised, that would make the sessions dangerous or ineffective (such as another person or child entering or immediate danger to a client at the property) where the session is taking place. In the event of a perceived or actual danger/emergency, the Counsellor reserves the right to follow ethical and proportionate action (in accordance to BACP requirements) to ensure full safety for the client, without gaining their consent. This may include calling the emergency services to aid the client to ensure the safest possible outcome. A password is issued at the start of therapy for clients who first work online, to ensure safety measures are put in place between both Parties and clients must provide accurate and full address details to the Counsellor prior to session’s commencing, in order for the Counsellor to be able to provide correct emergency address details to the relevant emergency departments. This ensures transparency and good safety practice at all times.

3.3.2 Face-to-Face counselling

Your Counsellor is qualified to work with clients in a face-to-face capacity and to offer services to all adults as individual or couple counselling or coaching sessions including young people aged 12-17 years of age with the written consent of their parent or guardian. Each session is a minimum of 50 mins to 1 hour long and will be held at Suite 74, Regus, 26 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, ME19 4AE.

The Counsellor reserves the right to refuse any further sessions without providing a reason. After clients have booked and paid for their sessions, a confirmation email will be sent, with details of the room, location, map and parking and confirmation of payment received. The room is then securely booked. Both Parties are obliged to adhere to the agreed terms of the written contract, which is discussed on the first session itself and includes adherence to all health and safety and security regulations whilst visiting the premises at Regus, Kings Hill. Every effort is made to ensure safety, comfort and security for the client during their visit, however the Counsellor is not liable for unforeseen events that may occur during the visit or at the building, that are not within her remit or control.

In the event of an emergency or situation that poses any danger for either Parties, the Counsellor reserves the right to contact the necessary emergency services and/or building manager and act in a matter that is fair, proportionate and with safety in mind for all parties concerned. This may mean that clients who breach their contract or pose a danger to the Counsellor, building or other staff members, could be asked to leave the premises (and if necessary escorted off the premises by security services), and would result in an immediate termination of their contract.

The Premises at Regus offers a safe environment with toilet facilities and disabled access and entry points in and out of the building including security entry and exit points. It also offers relevant parking facilities with pay and display options or wider free parking near the venue, including disabled parking facilities.

4. Our obligations

4.1 We can change the Services if necessary to comply with any regulations or legal requirements, or so long as our changes do not materially change the nature and quality of the Services. If We decide to make a change, We will tell You in a notice (by email).

4.2 In supplying the Service, we (Bright4life) shall:

4.3.1 perform the Services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with the ethical framework of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) as a registered professional member (member number 394517). This outlines the way in which a Counsellor and coach should conduct themselves ethically and with moral principles that meets their set of principles and standards.

4.3.2 observe all reasonable health and safety regulations and security requirements (applicable for face-to-face counselling) that apply at any of our premises (Kings Hill Therapy room) in accordance with requirements provided by Regus themselves and offer the most effective safe space to clients that are comfortable and calming.

4.3.3 to agree to observe confidentiality (point 5) at all times (including not divulging any personal or private information to any third party) with some limitations in accordance with the BACP’s ethical guidance and framework and legal obligations under UK law.

4.3.4 Inform without permission relevant emergency services or an appropriate third party including your GP, if we consider that a client is putting themselves or others (including the public) in serious danger. This includes reporting any criminal activity that is divulged during sessions about the client or other third parties (for example involving the abuse of adults or children). However, where possible, we would attempt to discuss this with you first. We can also contact your GP on your behalf for other issues, with Your written or verbal consent.

4.3.5 recognise the limitations of counselling and/or coaching and Your Counsellor reserves the right to end the contract at any time. For example, if we (Bright4life) believe you are a crisis client, rather than in recovery and require more immediate and relevant services, we can signpost to more relevant services that suits Your needs, other than the counselling role. Your Counsellor is also not liable for any expectations perceived by any client, and we do not offer any guaranteed effective outcomes.

4.3.6 We cannot guarantee satisfactory progress in relation to any particular issue, condition, issue or circumstance (or resolution of it) and We make no warranty or representation that any particular progress or result will be brought about as a result of Our providing or You taking part in any counselling provided by Us.

5. Confidentiality and Data Privacy

5.1 Your personal data will be strictly held in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the data protection and privacy legislation in force from time to time in the UK including (i) the UK GDPR; (ii) the Data Protection Act 2018 (and regulations made thereunder); and (iii) all other legislation and regulatory requirements in force from time to time which apply to a party relating to the use of personal data.

5.2 Each Party shall keep confidential:

(a) the terms of this contract; and

(b) any and all confidential information that it may acquire in relation to the business or affairs of the other Party.

5.3 Neither Party shall use the other Party’s confidential information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations under this terms and conditions. Each Party shall ensure that its officers and employees comply with the provisions of this Clause 5.

5.4 The confidentiality obligations on a Party set out in this contract shall not apply to any information which:

5.4.1 work under this contract makes it necessary to disclose;

5.4.2 the other Party approves for disclosure;

5.4.3 the law says a Party must disclose; or

5.4.4 is in the public domain.

5.5 The provisions of this Clause 8 shall survive any termination of this contract for a period of 2 years from termination.

6. Your Obligations

6.1 You must do the following things:

6.1.1 co-operate with our requests or instructions so that We can supply the Services properly.

6.1.2 Observe confidentiality in accordance with point 5 and in accordance with our Privacy Policy, and agree to supply us with your personal information including your name, address, gender (if desired) email, telephone and GP name and surgery address and number, should we require them in the future to secure your safe wellbeing, This will be taken at the start of the first session, together with the counselling contract, to ensure full transparency of how to manage emergencies and each person’s obligations and boundaries during counselling.

6.1.3 agree to not deliberately withhold any relevant mental health condition or physical health issue or condition from Us that could hinder the counselling or coaching process, or cause danger to the Counsellor or themselves in the process. This may be knowledge of a specific diagnosis obtained by hospitals or NHS or private health authorities for example). The Counsellor reserves the right to terminate the contract immediately, if a breach of this nature takes place and information has been deliberately withheld.

6.1.4 agree to pay for the services prior to session taking place or inform Us with at least 24 hours’ notice of a cancellation or amendment for prepaid online discount block booking, or 48 hours’ prior notice for face-to face or online individual or couple counselling sessions.

6.1.5 observe the cancellation policy and know that this forms part of the contract for services. (See cancellation 8)

6.1.6 You accept the Counsellor is not acting as a mental health Counsellor or medical practitioner and any Services provided is not a substitute for general medical practice, counselling, psychotherapy, mental health care and the like.

6.1.7 You accept that You are fully responsible for your own well-being during any Session which includes any subsequent choices and decisions You make after a Session.

6.1.8 You acknowledge that all comments and feedback from the Coach during any Content is solely for the purpose of aiding You to reach any goals You set.

6.1.9 You are responsible for providing accurate and complete information about yourself.

6.1.10 You agree to use the Services for lawful purposes only and not to engage in any illegal or harmful activities.

6.1.11 You understand that the services are not a substitute for emergency services, and in the case of an emergency, you should contact your local emergency services immediately.

6.1.12 Understand the limitations posed by the counselling or coaching process and agreed to the terms of the contract without unrealistic expectation of guaranteed effective outcomes.

7. Our Charges

7.1 You are required to pay for your session in full at the time of making your booking date and time (either by phone, email, website or text) unless a discretionary written (in text or email) agreement has been made with Your counsellor to pay at a later date, at the discretion of Your counsellor. This should be done via bank transfer, which is provided by email or text prior to the session date and confirmation with be given in text or email on receipt. The Counsellor reserves the right to cancel an advance provisional agreed date at any time, until full payment is made.

7.2 We regularly offer a block booking discount option (off the original individual or joint prices per hour) to all clients who choose online counselling and wish to book and pay for 4 or 6 sessions in advance. This offer, including the price, is discussed at the first FREE consultation meeting and followed up on text soon after. No further discount applies under this offer. You have the option to book all your session dates in advance with Your Counsellor. The first session date needs to be selected via Our website or text and payment for the full sessions paid upfront from the instructions email sent to You. Further paid session dates and times can be booked using the “book a prepaid session” button located on the website or booked each week directly with Your Counsellor after the previous session ends.

This offer is not available for face-to-face counselling. No further discount applies for friends or family (see 7.4). For further information, please read the cancellation, amendments, and refunds section in point 8.

The following options are available:

Individual online counselling sessions – prebook 6 sessions for £240 total (equivalent to £40 per hour)

7.3 We will charge You £45 standard fee per hour for weekly individual (online) counselling sessions, £50 per hour for weekly face-to-face counselling sessions, £50 standard fee per hour for individual counselling sessions for 50 minutes to 1 hour for fortnightly sessions, £60 standard fee for joint counselling sessions for 50 mins to 1 hour, £20 for 30 mins of coaching or £40 for 1 hour of coaching.

7.4 We offer a friends and family discount rate of 10% off the standard fee when booking for single online coaching or individual counselling sessions. We also offer discretionary discounts for clients who are experiencing financial hardship. This is discussed during the consultation process and is bespoke to each client. Proof will be required to receive a financial hardship discount.

7.5 we may offer from time-to-time promotional marketing and advertising. If you do not wish to receive such marketing and advertising, then please email Us at hello@bright4life.com.

8 Cancellations, amendments and refunds

8.1 Block bookings (discount offers)

If you select the discounted block booking option for online individual or joint counselling, you will not be able to request a refund at a later date should you wish to cancel any unused sessions as this is a special offer price, unless you cancel the booking within 14 days of the booking date and you have not accessed a counselling session at that time. However, You can change your session dates and times with 24 hours’ notice by text or email subject to Your Counsellor’s next available option. All prepaid block bookings can be used any time for up to a maximum of one year from the date you first paid. With less than 24 hour’s notice in writing (via text or email), We will be entitled to charge You for any net financial loss that we suffer due to Your cancellation, but that charge will be limited to the amount of the fee paid for that session. We may waive this cancellation charge in certain circumstances and at our discretion.

In the event of an emergency or serious illness or bereavement, We reserve the right to remain sensitive to the client and offer a discretionary refund for funds that have been paid for in advance but unused.

8.2 Individually paid sessions

Online bookings

You may cancel an online individual session (single or joint), if you give at least 24 hours’ prior notice by text or email. In that event, We will refund to you any fee paid for that session; or, if when you cancel, you ask to rebook for a later substitute, We may in Our reasonable discretion decide to accept that requested substitute booking, subject to availability.

If you do not give us 24 hours’ prior notice of cancellation, or if You do give such notice but there is no such rebooking, We will be entitled to charge You for any net financial loss that we suffer due to Your cancellation, but that charge will be limited to the amount of the fee paid for that session. We may waive this cancellation charge in certain circumstances and at our discretion.

Face-to-Face bookings

You may be able to change your face-to-face booking, subject to room availability. Please allow at least 48 hours prior notice.

A deposit of £10.00 will need to be paid to secure a space at the therapy room for the hour, which is non-refundable if changes or cancellations need to be made. If payment has been made in full, refunds will only be given in the event of a cancellation with 24 hours prior notice, minus the £10 deposit paid, to cover the cost for the room hire charge. This will be deducted from the original fee paid for that session.

9. Complaints

9.1 We will use our best efforts to negotiate in good faith and settle any dispute that may arise out of or relate to this contract or any breach of it.

9.2 If any such dispute or complaint cannot be settled amicably through negotiations between the Parties, or either or both is or are unwilling to engage in this process, either Party may propose to the other in writing that structured negotiations be entered into with the assistance of a fully accredited mediator before resorting to litigation, such as the BACP for example.

9.3 Any dispute shall not affect the Parties’ ongoing obligations under this contract.

9.4 The Parties agree that the courts of England and Wales are the only place where disputes or claims relating to or connected with this contract (including non-contractual disputes or claims) may be decided.

10 Limitation of Liability

10.1 We will not be responsible for any foreseeable loss or damage that You may suffer as a result of our negligence. We provide the Services only for Your personal and private use. Results of the Services will depend on the frequency, completion of any tasks assigned to You, your aptitude, attitude and previous experience and We make no warranty or representation that any particular result will be achieved.

10.2 The Counsellor will not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to the Services.

10.3 The Counsellor’s liability for any damage howsoever caused including direct damages arising out of or related to the Services shall be limited to the amount paid by you for a specific session(s) giving rise to the claim.

11. General

11.1 This contract contains the whole agreement between the Parties in respect of the provision of the Services and supersedes any prior written or oral agreement between them relating to the provision of the Services. Any samples, drawings, advertising, catalogues and other promotional or descriptive material provided do not form part of the contract unless it has been expressly agreed in this contract.

11.2 Both Parties acknowledge that in entering into the contract it does not rely on and shall have no remedies in respect of any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made innocently or negligently) that is not set out in the contract. Each Party agrees that it shall have no claim for innocent or negligent misrepresentation based on any statement in the contract.

11.3 No variation of this contract shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the Parties (or their authorised representatives).

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This contract is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and any disputes arising out of or in connection with this contract shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

By using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy.