ShenWise Policies & Important Information

  • ShenWise

    Last updated: 10\03­\2026

    Introduction

    Welcome to the ShenWise website.

    These Terms and Conditions govern your use of this website. By accessing or using this website, you agree to comply with these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use the website.

    Throughout these Terms, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to ShenWise. “You” refers to the user or visitor of this website.

    Purpose of This Website

    The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only.

    It does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional mental health care.

    Viewing this website, sending an enquiry, or communicating via email or contact forms does not establish a therapist–client relationship.

    A therapeutic relationship is only formed once an initial consultation has taken place and a formal therapy agreement has been agreed.

    Emergency Notice

    The services described on this website are not intended for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis.

    If you are in immediate danger or require urgent support, please contact your GP, local emergency services, or an appropriate crisis support service.

    Acceptable Use

    You agree to use this website only for lawful purposes.

    You must not:

    • misuse the website or attempt to disrupt its operation

    • attempt to gain unauthorised access to systems or data

    • introduce malicious software or harmful material

    • copy or distribute website content without permission.

    Intellectual Property

    All content on this website, including text, graphics, images, and design, is the property of ShenWise unless otherwise stated.

    Content may be viewed for personal use only. Reproduction or distribution of any content without written permission is prohibited.

    Therapy Services

    Information about therapy services on this website is intended as a general overview only.

    Specific details relating to therapy sessions, fees, and policies will be provided through a separate therapy agreement before therapy begins.

    Limitation of Liability

    While reasonable efforts are made to ensure the information on this website is accurate, ShenWise makes no guarantees regarding completeness or reliability.

    ShenWise is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this website or reliance on the information provided.

    Changes to These Terms

    These Terms may be updated from time to time. Updated versions will be published on this page with the revised date.

    Governing Law

    These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

  • 1. Introduction

    At Shenwise, we are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).‍‍ ‍

    2. What Personal Data We Collect

    We may collect the following types of personal data through contact forms, email communications, or other direct interactions:‍ ‍

    • Full name

    • Email address

    • Telephone number

    • Any information you choose to provide in your message or enquiry‍ ‍

    We do not collect personal data automatically or use third-party analytics or cookies for profiling.‍‍ ‍

    3. How We Use Your Personal Data‍ ‍

    We collect and use your personal data for the following purposes:‍ ‍

    • To respond to your enquiries

    • To schedule therapy sessions

    • To manage and maintain our professional relationship

    • To comply with legal or regulatory obligations as a therapy provider‍‍ ‍

    4. Lawful Basis for Processing‍ ‍

    We process your data based on one or more of the following lawful bases under the UK GDPR:‍ ‍

    • Consent – where you have given explicit permission

    • Contract – where processing is necessary to provide our services

    • Legal obligation – where we must comply with legal or regulatory requirements

    • Legitimate interests – for running and improving our practice, provided these do not override your rights‍‍ ‍

    5. How We Store and Protect Your Data‍ ‍

    Your personal data is stored securely and accessed only by authorised personnel. We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect it from unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure.‍‍ ‍

    6. How Long We Keep Your Data‍ ‍

    We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including for legal, accounting, or clinical recordkeeping obligations.‍ ‍

    For therapy clients, data is generally retained for 7 years from the date of last contact, in accordance with professional guidelines.‍‍ ‍

    7. Sharing Your Data‍ ‍

    We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.‍ ‍

    In limited cases, we may share data with trusted third parties such as:‍ ‍

    • Legal authorities (if required by law)

    • Professional indemnity insurers (only if necessary and lawful)‍ ‍‍

    8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

    ‍ ‍You have the right to:

    • ‍ ‍Access your personal data

    • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data

    • Request erasure of your data (where appropriate)

    • Restrict or object to processing

    • Withdraw consent at any time

    • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

    To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the details below.‍‍ ‍

    9. Contact Us

    If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

    Shenwise

    Email: shenwise@shenwise.com

    ‍Website: https://shenwise.com

  • ShenWise

    Last updated: 10\032026

    What Are Cookies?

    Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website.

    They help websites function properly and improve user experience.

    How Cookies Are Used

    Cookies may be used to:

    • ensure the website operates correctly

    • understand how visitors interact with the site

    • improve website performance and functionality.

    Managing Cookies

    Most internet browsers allow you to manage or disable cookies through browser settings.

    Disabling cookies may affect how some parts of the website function.

     

  • ShenWise

    Last Updated: 10­\03\2026

    1. Contract Introduction

    1.1 The following document forms a working agreement between the therapist at ShenWise (“the Therapist”) and you (“the Client”) for the provision of psychotherapy services.

    1.2 The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that you are fully informed about how therapy is conducted, including the practical arrangements, responsibilities, and boundaries involved in the therapeutic process.

    1.3 Please take time to read these terms carefully before booking your first session. This agreement will remain available to you throughout the duration of our work together.

    2. Initial Assessment

    2.1 The first session, and sometimes additional sessions if required, will focus on assessment. During this time we will explore the issues that have led you to seek therapy and develop a shared understanding of your current difficulties and goals.

    2.2 The assessment period provides an opportunity for both therapist and client to determine whether the therapeutic relationship feels appropriate and beneficial.

    2.3 You are under no obligation to continue therapy after the initial session if you feel the approach is not suitable for you.

    2.4 As part of my professional duty of care, if it becomes clear that your needs may be better supported by a therapist with a different specialism or by another form of support, this will be discussed with you and appropriate suggestions may be offered.

    2.5 If you have any questions or concerns about the therapeutic process, you are encouraged to raise them at any point during therapy.

    3. Regularity of Sessions

    3.1 Therapy sessions typically take place on a weekly basis at an agreed time.

    3.2 Sessions usually last approximately 50 minutes, unless otherwise agreed.

    3.3 Regular sessions allow for continuity and provide a consistent space for therapeutic work to take place.

    4. Cancellation Policy and Planned Breaks

    4.1 If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice.

    4.2 Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments without notice, will be charged at the full session fee.

    4.3 If you anticipate planned absences, holidays, or difficulties attending sessions, please inform the therapist in advance where possible.

    5. Contact Outside of Sessions

    5.1 Therapy work primarily takes place during scheduled sessions.

    5.2 Outside of sessions, contact should generally be limited to practical matters such as scheduling or cancelling appointments.

    5.3 The therapist will aim to respond to messages within a reasonable timeframe but cannot guarantee immediate replies.

    6. Fees and Payment

    6.1 Session fees will be communicated prior to the start of therapy.

    6.2 Payment arrangements will be agreed in advance and payment is typically required before or at the time of the session.

    6.3 Failure to make payment may result in the cancellation of the session.

    7. Therapist Absence

    7.1 The therapist will provide as much notice as possible regarding planned holidays or absences.

    7.2 Clients will not be charged for sessions that are cancelled due to therapist unavailability.

    8. Attendance and Late Arrival

    8.1 Clients are expected to attend sessions at the scheduled time.

    8.2 If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time to respect the timing of other appointments.

    9. Safety and Professional Boundaries

    9.1 Clients are expected to attend sessions in a condition suitable for therapeutic work. Sessions may be ended early if the client appears to be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed substances.

    9.2 Therapy can sometimes bring up strong emotions. If the therapist believes that continuing the session may not be safe or beneficial at that moment, the session may be brought to a close.

    9.3 Abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behaviour towards the therapist will not be tolerated and may result in the termination of therapy.

    9.4 The therapist reserves the right to end the therapeutic relationship if professional boundaries are repeatedly breached.

    10. Ending Therapy

    10.1 Therapy is a collaborative process and both therapist and client share responsibility for the progress of the work.

    10.2 If at any point you feel that therapy is no longer helpful or you wish to end therapy, you are encouraged to discuss this openly so that the ending can be managed constructively.

    10.3 Either the therapist or the client may decide to end therapy. Where possible, a final session is recommended to reflect on the work completed.

    10.4 In certain circumstances, the therapist may decide that it is appropriate to end therapy, particularly if the work falls outside their competence or if professional boundaries have been compromised.

    11. Confidentiality

    11.1 Therapy sessions are treated as confidential.

    11.2 However, confidentiality may be broken in limited circumstances, including where:

    • there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others

    • safeguarding concerns arise

    • disclosure is required by law or court order

    • disclosure is necessary for the prevention or investigation of serious crime.

    11.3 These situations are rare, and where possible the therapist will attempt to discuss this with you before taking action.

    11.4 As part of professional practice, therapists may discuss aspects of their work in clinical supervision. This supports safe and effective therapy. In these discussions, identifying details are minimised wherever possible.

    11.5 By agreeing to these Terms and continuing with therapy, you consent to the therapist securely holding relevant information related to your therapy in accordance with data protection legislation and professional standards.

    12. Additional Work

    12.1 If you request written reports, letters, or documentation relating to your therapy, the therapist may charge additional fees for the time required to prepare such documents.

    12.2 Requests for reports relating to legal matters or formal proceedings must be discussed in advance and may not always be possible.

    13. Emergency Situations

    13.1 ShenWise does not provide crisis or emergency services.

    13.2 If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or feel at risk of harm, you should contact your GP, local emergency services, or an appropriate crisis support service.

    13.3 Therapy sessions are not intended to replace emergency care.

    14. Insurance

    14.1 The therapist practising under ShenWise holds appropriate professional indemnity insurance for the provision of psychotherapy services.

    15. Feedback and Complaints

    15.1 Feedback about therapy is welcomed and can be discussed during sessions.

    15.2 If you have concerns or complaints about the therapy provided, you are encouraged to raise these with the therapist so they can be addressed constructively.

    15.3 If a complaint cannot be resolved directly, you may choose to contact the therapist’s professional body in accordance with their complaint’s procedures.

    16. Agreement

    By booking and attending therapy sessions with ShenWise, you confirm that you have read and understood these Therapist to Client Terms & Conditions and agree to work within them.

    17. Online Therapy and Technology

    17.1 ShenWise provides psychotherapy sessions online using secure video communication platforms.

    17.2 While reasonable steps are taken to protect privacy and confidentiality, online communication may carry risks such as technical failure, internet disruptions, or unauthorised access.

    17.3 Clients are responsible for ensuring they attend sessions from a private and secure location where conversations cannot be overheard.

    17.4 Clients are also responsible for maintaining the security of their own devices and internet connection when participating in online therapy sessions.

    17.5 If technical difficulties prevent a session from taking place, reasonable efforts will be made to reconnect or arrange an alternative session where possible.

    18. Record Keeping

    18.1 As part of professional practice, the therapist will maintain brief notes relating to therapy sessions.

    18.2 These records are kept securely and are used to support safe and effective clinical practice.

    18.3 Therapy records may be retained for a period consistent with professional, ethical, and insurance requirements.

    18.4 After the appropriate retention period, records will be securely destroyed.

    19. Safeguarding

    19.1 The therapist has a professional responsibility to take appropriate action if there are concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a client, a child, or a vulnerable adult.

    19.2 If safeguarding concerns arise; it may be necessary to contact appropriate services or authorities in order to protect those involved.

    19.3 Where possible, the therapist will aim to discuss this with the client before taking such action.

    20. Scope and Limitations of Therapy

    20.1 Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that can support personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and improved understanding of psychological difficulties.

    20.2 However, therapy outcomes cannot be guaranteed and progress may vary between individuals.

    20.3 Therapy is not a substitute for medical care. Clients should continue to seek appropriate medical advice and treatment where necessary.

    20.4 The therapist does not prescribe medication or provide medical diagnoses.