Client Information
Most of the information shared on this page is in the contract form you are asked to complete at the start of working with me.
However, I have duplicated some of the key aspects of that here too in case it is helpful. I regularly update my annual leave dates on this page and share links to resources.
Initial Paperwork
Please read through the contract before your initial session and complete the form at the bottom before we begin working together.
Children and young people’s form
The second part of the form is completely optional. It may give us both insights into your current day-to-day experience, and so can be useful.
Further information about the sliding scale for fees can be found here.
Payment info
Fees are payable by cash or bank transfer.
Bank transfer information:
Account name: V Bear; Triodos Bank
Account: 22126597; Sort code 16-58-10
Payment within 48 hours after the session, please.
Session Cancellation Policy
I operate on a basis of mutual trust and boundaries. This means that clients select their own pricing band from the sliding scale, and I do not evaluate this myself. Similarly, I generally apply the cancellation policy without any evaluation of the reasons that people are not able to attend sessions. I do not make individual decisions on a case-by-case basis about whether a cancellation fee applies or not.
Less than 48 hours notice (2 days) of a session - the full fee is charged for the missed session.
If you choose to move the session to another day/time or to an online session within that week, where available, this fee (minus the £12 cancellation fee) will be waived. So you would pay your usual session fee + cancellation fee. If an alternative space is not available that week, the full fee is still payable.Less than 7 days notice (but more than 48h): A cancellation charge of £12.
This is still payable if the session is moved to another day/ time that week.More than 7 days notice, no cancellation fee.
It is much appreciated to give as much notice as you can, where possible to avoid fee and so that I can rearrange room use or offer to a client who may need to switch appointments. Also, if you'd like to switch time/day for a session, it gives us enough time to work that out.
Pre and Post Session Journalling
I thoroughly recommend journalling before and after your therapy sessions. Journalling after sessions can help to increase self-awareness and can help in creating new patterns in the way you think. Journalling before sessions can help you to notice on what you want or need from the sessions so that we can focus the session around those needs.
You could journal in a notebook or sketchbook or on your phone or voicenotes, writing or drawing or speaking or typing, whatever is best for you. I have a prompt sheet that you can access here that may be useful.
Illness
Please do not attend a session in-person if you or your child are ill. Also, if you are not yet showing symptoms but someone in your household is ill. This includes any of the following:
a high temperature or shivering (chills)
a continuous cough
a sore throat
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted (along with another of these symptoms or for no “reason”, or if you’d be too tired to focus in the session)
an aching body
brain fog
headaches (along with another of these symptoms or for no “reason”, or if it would affect your ability to focus and be present in the session)
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
If you/ your child are well enough, we can arrange an online session, or postpone until you are well. This is because my own health is important, and essential for me to be present and effective with all my clients. I also work with some clients who are immuno-compromised and endeavor to be as careful as possible not to pass on viruses etc.
I also feel that when you are unwell, therapy isn’t usually helpful.
Please let me know with as much notice as possible if you wish to rearrange or be online. If you/ your child do attend a session and are unwell I reserve the right not to continue the session.
If I am ill, I believe that it is important that I do not return to work until I am able to be fully present with you. I will let you know with as much notice as possible.
Annual Leave
Due to the nature of the profession, to maintain professional levels of self-care I tend to take at least a week annual leave every 6-8 weeks, as well as a break of four consecutive weeks once a year, usually this is either in August or January as they tend to be when most clients also take some time away.
This is to ensure that I am able to be as effective as possible. If I am ill, I believe that it is important that I do not return to work until I am able to be fully present with you.
Due to the nature of my work, regular CPD is imperative and therefore some working weeks I will be also unavailable due to training. I will give as much notice as possible for this.
Dates currently in my diary as annual leave and professional development:
Tuesday 27th May to Friday 6th June
August (the full month)
Wednesday 17th September to Wednesday 1st October
Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th October
Monday 10th to Friday 14th November
Monday 1st – Friday 5th December
Monday 22nd December to Monday 5th January
I also do not work bank holidays.
Where I am on leave for part of the week it is sometimes possible to arrange an appointment on a different day that week, however, this is subject to availability.
If you require additional support during these times, I list a variety of support helplines and contacts here.
In place of the session, I suggest you still spend that time doing something that is a resource for you.
For example:
A walk outdoors, using your senses to hold awareness
Journalling- you may wish to share some of your writing when we meet at our session.
An exercise from the 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery Workbook or from the Wild and Wellbeing Card Deck.
Do something nourishing with someone who you care about
Make a note of things that bring you joy and do something on the list
Parents- use the theraplay games here with your child or do something fun together, such as baking your favourite treats, going to your favourite place, reading your favourite books.
Go to a local or online yoga/ dance/ swim/ pilates/ creative class
The resources section of this website may give additional ideas.
Resources
I frequently update the resources pages on this website.
Resources- this contains videos, sound recordings, links to recommended reading and psychoeducation videos, as well as links to other organisations that may be able to offer you additional support.
Resources for Parents- this page includes a variety of activities, videos and links to support parents.
Working hours
I do not work as a therapist on Monday or Wednesday afternoons.
I do not work evenings or at weekends, other than workshops.
Contact info
Email: nes@wildandwellbeing.com
If you send me an e-mail: I usually respond to e-mails within a week. I am not able to respond straight away as much of my work is away from a computer. If I am away on professional development or holiday, you will receive an automatic e-mail response informing you when I will return to work.
Necessary: If you do not want me to respond to your e-mail, please tell me explicitly in your message.
I am the only person who has access to my e-mails. However, emails are generally not guaranteed to be secure. Therefore, please do not include personal or sensitive information about you or a child.
Outdoor sessions
What do I need to bring to an outdoor session?
It is good to be prepared for any weather, especially here in the Lakes.
Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy
Wear shoes with some grip
Bring waterproof coat and trousers, even if it’s sunny where you are.
Bring a drink, water or a flask of tea
Wear layers and bring a spare jumper
Bring suncream and a hat if it’s sunny. Gloves and a hat if it’s cold.
I will have a map etc. with me and we will be keeping to areas that I know very well.
What's the usual itinerary for a walk and talk or outdoor session?
Meeting at the designated place
Make decisions together about the route, landscape, terrain, distance, speed etc.
Journey through the session, with pauses for mindfulness, Nature-connection, land art… whatever comes up.
Homeward journey
Return to origin
Parting