Face-to-Face sessions during Covid-19

Distancing and hygiene

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To keep us as safe as possible and reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19, the following is in place at Evolve Counselling and Therapy Centre at 31 Park Square West:

 

  • The banisters and door handles leading up to the Evolve Counselling and Therapy Centre are cleaned daily and the premises are fully cleaned weekly;

  • There is hand sanitizer available at the entrance/exit of Evolve and in the therapy room;

  • There are gloves and masks outside the rooms of the centre;

  • There are posters on the walls providing guidance on social distancing and hand sanitizing;

  • Please note: The toilets have been temporarily closed and the waiting room is not in use.

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We will also agree to do the following:

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  • Sit 2 metres apart during sessions;

  • Outside of the therapy room, remain at least 2 metres apart from others, such as when going up and down the stairs and entering/exiting the building;

  • Use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting Evolve Counselling and Therapy Centre;

  • Have the window open to allow air to circulate;

  • Use tissues to catch a sneeze or cough and dispose of them in the bin.

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Masks and gloves are available if you would like us to use them, but they are optional.

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In addition, I ask you to do the following:

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  • Arrive on time for the scheduled start of the session and not earlier because the waiting room is currently not in use;

  • Attend sessions alone unless you need help from a carer;

  • Bring your own hot drink to sessions if you would like one;

  • I suggest that you bring your own water and tissues to sessions, but I will have bottles of water and tissues if you need them;

  • Send documents electronically wherever possible;

  • Pay for sessions by bank transfer before a session, so that we do not have to handle cash.

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I will also do this:

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  • Clean surfaces and door handles in the counselling room and tidy the room between sessions;

  • Provide plastic bottles of water, disposable cups and tissues (but please feel free to bring your own);

  • Send documents electronically rather than hand them to you wherever possible.

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I have done what I can to minimise the risk and keep us safe, but I cannot eliminate risk entirely. Therefore, in choosing to come to face-to-face sessions you are acknowledging this and attend sessions at your own risk.

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Self-care

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If you are feeling unwell with symptoms relating to the Covid-19, e.g.:

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  • A high temperature;

  • A new, continuous cough;

  • Loss of or change to your sense of taste or smell.

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Please contact me to cancel our appointment in the interest of your recovery and preventing spread of the virus.

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If I develop any of the symptoms, I will contact you as soon as possible to rearrange our appointment.

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Self-isolation

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If you need to self-isolate please contact me to discuss how you would like to manage sessions throughout that period, we can discuss the possibility of a managed break, online or telephone sessions.

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If I need to self-isolate, I will contact you and discuss the options with you.

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The latest NHS coronavirus guidance can be found at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

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Confidentiality

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If I test positive for Covid-19, I may be required to provide details of people who I have been in contact with to NHS Test and Trace. With public interest in mind I would need to provide your name and contact details and therefore breach confidentiality. However, I will not need to disclose that you are accessing therapy.

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Changing to online or phone sessions

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I regularly review government restrictions and professional guidance, as well as the current pandemic situation, to determine whether face-to-face sessions are possible. If at any point it is necessary to change to working remotely, I will discuss with you alternatives such as online or phone sessions.