The Dóchas Practice is committed to providing safe, ethical, accessible and evidence-based psychological therapy. The policies below explain how our service operates and what clients can expect from us.

Clinical Standards Policy

Our practice operates in accordance with relevant professional and ethical standards, including guidance from COSCA and other applicable professional and regulatory bodies. We currently provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based psychological therapy which can support people experiencing a range of mental health and wellbeing difficulties. Therapy will be tailored to each person's individual needs, circumstances and goals. Where CBT is not considered appropriate for someone's needs, or where another service would be better placed to provide support, this will be discussed and an alternative service or referral may be recommended.

Accessibility & Fees Policy

We aim to make therapy as accessible as reasonably possible, both financially and practically. The standard fee is £65 per 50-minute session. Reduced fees may be available for students and people experiencing financial difficulty. These are considered on an individual basis and are subject to availability. Clients wishing to discuss a reduced fee are welcome to contact The Dóchas Practice. Therapy is available online and, where applicable, in person in Ayr. We aim to make our service as accessible as possible and will discuss reasonable adjustments where these may help someone access therapy.

Professional Standards & Ethics

The Dóchas Practice is committed to maintaining appropriate professional standards and working within relevant ethical guidance. This includes maintaining appropriate professional membership, supervision, continuing professional development (CPD), professional conduct, confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding arrangements. We maintain appropriate professional boundaries throughout therapy and work in a way that prioritises the wellbeing, dignity and autonomy of clients.

Confidentiality & Safeguarding Policy

Information shared during therapy is treated as confidential. Therapy notes, records and other personal information are handled securely and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

There are circumstances where confidentiality may need to be limited. These may include:

• Where a client gives consent for information to be shared.

• Where disclosure is required by law or a court.

• Where there is a serious concern about risk of harm to the client or another person.

• Where there are concerns relating to the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable person.

Where it is appropriate and safe to do so, we aim to discuss any need to share confidential information with the client beforehand.

Referral & Therapy Agreement Policy

Initial enquiries and referrals can be made through this website or by email/call. Before therapy begins, relevant information will be requested to help determine whether CBT is appropriate and suitable. This may include information about the difficulties someone is experiencing, relevant contact information, emergency contact details and GP details where appropriate. Before treatment begins a therapy agreement will be provided. This sets out important information about the therapeutic relationship, appointments, fees, confidentiality, cancellations and other relevant arrangements. Therapy will begin once the necessary information has been provided and the therapy agreement has been accepted.

Endings Policy

The length of therapy varies according to individual circumstances, difficulties, goals and progress. At the beginning of therapy, goals will be identified collaboratively. These goals will be reviewed throughout treatment and will help guide decisions about when therapy is coming to an end. When therapy goals have been achieved, or where ongoing therapy is no longer considered clinically indicated, the ending of therapy will be discussed. Depending on individual circumstances and the nature and length of therapy, endings may take place over one or more sessions. The aim of CBT is to support clients in developing skills and strategies that can be used independently beyond therapy. If further difficulties arise after therapy has ended, a return to therapy may be possible depending on availability and whether CBT remains appropriate at that time.

Availability Policy

We limits the number of clients seen to ensure that therapy can be provided safely and effectively, while allowing appropriate time for clinical administration, supervision, CPD and other professional responsibilities. Appointments are offered according to available working hours and may vary depending on annual leave, training, supervision and other professional commitments. We will make reasonable efforts to offer appointment times that are suitable for clients, although a particular day or time cannot always be guaranteed.

Regular & Ad-Hoc Sessions

Regular therapy appointments are generally recommended because CBT benefits from continuity and treatment momentum. For this reason, ad-hoc sessions are not normally offered during the active treatment phase. Regular appointments allow clients and therapists to work consistently towards agreed therapeutic goals. In some circumstances, occasional follow-up sessions may be appropriate after the main course of therapy has been completed. This may be discussed where a client has made substantial progress and would benefit from occasional support in maintaining the changes made during therapy. Any follow-up or occasional sessions remain therapeutic sessions and must have an appropriate therapeutic purpose. They are not intended to provide an indefinite therapy arrangement where there is no identified therapeutic need. Availability for occasional follow-up sessions cannot be guaranteed.

Disengagement, Re-engagement & Returns Policy

Regular attendance and communication are important parts of effective therapy. If a client does not attend an appointment or has no contact for a period of time, The Dóchas Practice may contact them to check whether they wish to continue therapy. If there is no response, therapy may be considered to have ended and the appointment may be offered to another client. If a client later wishes to return to therapy, they may need to make a new referral or join the waiting list again, depending on availability and the circumstances at the time. Where possible, individual circumstances will be taken into account. If a planned break from therapy is needed, clients are encouraged to discuss this with us so that the most appropriate arrangement can be agreed.

Cancellation & Missed Appointment Policy

The Dóchas Practice requires at least 24 hours' notice when an appointment needs to be cancelled or rearranged. Where less than 24 hours' notice is provided, or an appointment is missed without notice, the session may be chargeable at the usual session fee. We understand that emergencies and unexpected circumstances can happen. These will be considered on an individual basis. If The Practice ever needs to cancel or rearrange an appointment, as much notice as reasonably possible will be provided.

Sickness, Annual Leave & CPD Policy

There may be occasions when appointments need to be cancelled or rearranged due to sickness, annual leave, training, supervision or continuing professional development. As much notice as reasonably possible will be provided when appointments need to be changed. In the event of unexpected sickness or an emergency, notice will be provided as soon as reasonably possible. Continuing professional development and clinical supervision are important parts of safe and ethical practice and may occasionally affect appointment availability.

In-Person Sessions

Where in-person therapy is offered, sessions will take place at the agreed therapy location in Ayr. Clients will be provided with information about accessing the premises, including any relevant arrangements for arrival, accessibility, privacy and safety. If a client has accessibility requirements that may affect their ability to attend in person, please let The Dóchas Practice know so that reasonable adjustments can be discussed where possible.

Record Keeping & Paperwork Policy

Appropriate clinical records are maintained as part of therapy. These records may include assessment information, treatment plans, session notes, correspondence and other information relevant to a client's care. Records are maintained securely and handled in accordance with applicable legal, professional and data protection requirements. Clinical records support safe treatment planning, continuity of care, professional supervision and appropriate clinical practice. Any recordings will only be made where there is an appropriate therapeutic or professional reason and where the necessary consent and arrangements are in place.