Therapeutic agreement
This agreement sets clear frame boundaries, roles, and expectations for the therapeutic relationship. Starting process-based music therapy with Ben Richardson (That Music Therapy Lot) means we each commit to the points below. You will also be asked to confirm you have read and agree to this agreement at the start of work (for example in a first session or via an intake form).
1. What the therapist agrees to
Time & attendance
Attend sessions promptly on the agreed day and time.
Notice of changes
Provide clear advance notice when sessions are coming to a natural pause or end (for planned breaks, holidays, or block completion), or if a session needs to be rescheduled or cancelled.
Illness
Inform you of any sudden illness or inability to attend as soon as reasonably possible.
Availability
Be fully present and available to you during session times, and respond to administrative or logistically necessary queries outside of session times within reasonable working hours.
Transparency & safeguarding
Always communicate clearly if something shared in a session needs to be disclosed externally due to a safeguarding concern or a risk to your safety or the safety of others.
Technical contingencies
If an online session call drops due to connection issues, follow up immediately via telephone to reconnect or safely conclude the session.
Professional accountability
Maintain active registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Music Therapist, adhere to HCPC standards of proficiency and conduct, and provide registration details upon request so you know how to raise concerns regarding fitness to practice. Concerns about fitness to practice may be raised with the HCPC and, where relevant, via the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT).
Unconditional regard
Always regard you positively, working from the foundation that you are doing the best you can.
2. What you (the client) agree to
Attendance
Attend sessions on time, at the agreed-upon day and time.
Notice & absence
Provide as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend a session, and notify the therapist of sudden illness as early as possible. Cancellation and fee terms are set out in the Payment & cancellation policy.
Approach
Attend sessions with an open mind and a curiosity about what is possible in your process.
Communication boundaries
Ensure that contacting the therapist outside of session times (for example via email or messaging) does not replace or substitute the therapeutic work itself. This includes avoiding:
- Frequent or high-volume messaging between sessions.
- Expecting instant or immediate responses outside of scheduled times.
- Engaging primarily over email rather than attending agreed session times.
Communication in session
Communicate if you are finding a session difficult, distressing, or overwhelming, so that a sudden departure (for example closing a laptop or leaving the room) is not mistaken for a dropped internet connection or a sudden acute medical emergency.
Mutual respect
Assume that the therapist regards you positively and that questions asked during sessions stem from a place of therapeutic exploration, not judgment.
Related policies
Please also read the Privacy policy, Payment & cancellation policy, and Safeguarding & complaints policy.