Information on the conditions and framework of the counselling process

1. Concept and competences of counselling

Psychological consultation, although not necessarily physically visible, is a very valuable service. It is worth making yourself aware from the beginning that self-knowledge is sometimes difficult in the short term, but in the long term it can improve life-quality . In the course of my work, I use my qualifications in a personalized way in each case. For the sake of professional quality assurance, I work with continuous supervisory cooperation.

As a Psychologist, I only carry out activities for which I have appropriate qualifications and competence . As a result, I do not provide the client with medical care, diagnostic care or psychotherapy. If Icome into contact with a case that exceeds my competence, I will refer the client to an appropriate specialist. The focus of psychological counselling is not the so-called treatment of psychopathology. The consultation is a psychological intervention working with a counselling focus, based on a situational assessment diagnosis, aimed at solving the current life situation, and improving self-strength and coping.

Maintaining professional objectivity and trust is of utmost importance in psychological counselling. Therefore, I do not engage in individual counselling with:

• family members, relatives, friends, close colleagues, or individuals with whom I have another close relationship,
• individuals who have a close relationship with another client of mine (exception: couples counselling).

2. Confidentiality

All information shared during consultations is treated with strict confidentiality, in line with the professional ethical code of psychologists and GDPR guidelines. This applies to written notes during consultations as well as photographic capture of drawings and other works. Exceptions to confidentiality include cases of self-harm, public danger, drug use, and pregnancy among those under 18 years of age. Confidentiality obligations continue even after the client-psychologist relationship ends.

As I take notes on the sessions, I am responsible for the necessary data management . I may use the aggregated data of the clients (anonymously, avoiding the possibility of identification) exclusively for scientific purposes.

3. Place and time of counselling

Counselling sessions may be held in person or online.

The in-person sessions are held at the JóLÉlek Psychological Foundation 's office:
1011 Budapest, Markovits Iván street 4., high-ground floor, door 3., doorbell 36. 

Clients are kindly requested to ring the bell only 2-3 minutes before their session, as I cannot open the door earlier due to the lack of reception.

The online sessions are held on the Google Meets platform, for which the link is sent to the client via an invitation email after an appointment has been made. It is also important that the following factors are present during online sessions:

• an electronic device with a stable internet connection, camera and microphone (a laptop/computer/tablet is recommended, i.e. a device with a larger screen);
• a space/room where the client can be alone and undisturbed during the 50-minute-long session.

Each session lasts 50 minutes and takes place at a pre-arranged appointment. The duration cannot be extended, even in the event of a delay.

Cancellation or rescheduling must be requested at least 48 hours before the appointment, with the exception of vis maior cases. If the cancellation is made by the client within the last 24 hours, the session is considered attended in all cases, and the client agrees to pay the psychologist the price of the pre-arranged appointment.

In case of a delay, the client may join the session within the first 15 minutes if they notify the psychologist in advance. For delays exceeding this timeframe, or if the client does not notify within the first 10 minutes, the session is considered attended, and the fee will be invoiced.

4. Counselling fee

You can find out more about the hourly fee for counselling HERE .

Payment can be made by bank transfer or cash.

The fee for the first consultation must be paid in advance by bank transfer, which will confirm the appointment. In order to issue an invoice, the client must provide their full name and address in advance.

The payment method for subsequent sessions will be agreed during the first session. In the case of cash payment, the counselling fee is payable on site at the end of the session; in the case of bank transfer, the payment deadline is 2 calendar days from the date the invoice is issued.

We can only hold the next session if previous invoices have been paid. A session that cannot be held due to an unpaid invoice will still be invoiced, provided it was not cancelled within the cancellation period.

5. Undertaking by the client

The client agrees to report honestly about their feelings, problems, possible other treatment and medication habits. The psychologist cannot be held responsible for the lack of information given to them. The client undertakes to attend the sessions in a state free of mind-altering drugs or alcohol.

Counselling provides support with self-awareness, life management, and relationship issues. However, it is not suitable in cases of severe psychiatric disorders, crisis situations (e.g., suicidal thoughts, self-harm), or substance addictions (alcohol, drugs). In such situations, psychiatric or psychotherapeutic care is necessary. The client understands the conditions for suitability for the counselling process and agrees that if these conditions are not met, they will seek the more appropriate form of care recommended by the psychologist.

The client undertakes not to commit suicide or self-harm during the consultation process. In case of suicide risk, the GP or competent institution providing acute psychiatric specialist care should be contacted immediately (psychiatric outpatient clinic (SZTK), regionally assigned hospital’s psychiatry, etc.), or the general emergency number (112) can provide acute help. Phone number of the crisis hotline in Hungary (free of charge): 116-123. Hungarian mental health first aid telephone numbers that can be called for a fee from abroad: +36 66441 300; +36 62 436 570; +36 88 422 205.