Therapeutic Framework and Practical Information
Individual sessions with Olivier Passebecq
This document sets out the framework I work within, the nature and limits of the support I offer, and the practical and ethical terms of our work together. I invite you to read it carefully before beginning.
Nature and scope of the work
I offer therapeutic support grounded in IR therapy (Relational Intelligence) and informed by Nonviolent Communication and embodied awareness.
This work is not medical or psychiatric treatment. I do not make medical or mental health diagnoses, and I am not qualified to prescribe medication.
If at any point your situation calls for medical, psychiatric, nutritional or specialist support, I may recommend that you consult a qualified professional. This may include, among other things, situations involving eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, severe depression, addiction, or a significant risk to yourself or others. Our work together can continue alongside that support, or pause when another form of care is more suitable.
The therapeutic process
This form of therapy is usually a medium to long term process. Some people experience insight or relief early on, and deep, lasting change often asks for time, regularity and commitment. The work may last from several months to several years, depending on your situation and goals.
The first one to three sessions are usually given to exploring your personal history, your relational patterns and your current challenges, and to building a foundation of safety, clarity and trust.
As the work unfolds, sessions may include verbal exploration as well as attention to bodily sensations, emotions and nervous system states. This is not only a talking therapy. It is an embodied and relational approach that supports awareness of your inner experience, at a pace that honours your capacity and your consent.
This work can sometimes bring up intense or unexpected emotions, memories or physical sensations. My intention is to support regulation and safety, and some discomfort or emotional intensity may still arise at times as part of the process.
The relational dimension of IR therapy
IR therapy works through the relationship itself. At times, I may transparently name what is happening for me, including where my own nervous system is in the moment.
I share this as part of the therapeutic work. What arises in me can shed light on what you are experiencing in relation to me, and gives us something real and present to explore together.
You are never asked to do anything about what I share, and you are never responsible for my emotions. I receive my own support for that through supervision and personal therapy.
Physical contact and professional boundaries
Some aspects of this work may draw on embodied or relational approaches for co-regulation. In certain situations, and only when it is part of the practice of IR therapy, brief and non-invasive physical contact may be used. This may include, for example, a hand placed on the back or on the shoulder.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time, verbally or non-verbally, without explanation and without any negative consequence for the therapeutic relationship.
Physical contact is always non-sexual, limited in time, and held within clear professional boundaries. Your autonomy, your dignity and your personal boundaries are respected at all times.
Responsibility and personal autonomy
Therapy is a collaborative process that asks for your active participation. You remain fully responsible for your choices, actions and decisions in your life, both during sessions and outside them.
Our work together aims to support awareness, understanding and integration. It does not replace personal responsibility, medical care or other forms of support. I encourage you to seek additional help when needed and to take care of yourself between sessions.
Rhythm and length of sessions
A rhythm of one session a week to one session every two weeks is usually recommended, to support the continuity and depth of the work. Longer gaps between sessions may sometimes happen because of work commitments, training, travel or personal circumstances. We can adapt the rhythm together when needed.
Sessions usually last one hour. Ninety minute sessions are available on request. For the first session, a ninety minute format is usually recommended, to allow enough time for initial exploration, questions and clarifying this framework.
Where sessions take place
Sessions take place online. In-person sessions in London can also be arranged. For these, we first exchange by email to agree on the details before meeting.
Confidentiality and safeguarding
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of this work. Everything shared during sessions, including personal and identifiable information, is treated as confidential.
Confidentiality may only be broken where there is a serious risk of harm to you or to others, or where disclosure is required by UK law. Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you before making any decision.
This work is carried out in line with UK safeguarding principles and professional ethical standards.
Data protection
Brief session notes may be kept for professional purposes. All personal data is handled in accordance with UK data protection law (UK GDPR) and is not shared with third parties without your consent, unless required by law.
Fees and cancellations
Sessions are offered on a sliding scale, agreed together.
If you cancel or reschedule a session with less than 24 hours’ notice, I ask you to contribute 50 percent of the amount you chose on the sliding scale. This honours the time, preparation and availability set aside for your session.
Contact
For anything related to our work, such as scheduling, questions or practical matters, please contact me by email at olivierpassebecq@gmail.com.
If you need to reach me quickly, for example if the internet connection drops during an online session, you can call or text me on +44 7449 284723.
I also invite you to share a phone number where I can reach you if needed.
Emergencies
I am not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, in crisis, or there is a risk to your life or someone else’s, please contact emergency services or a crisis line without delay:
emergency services
urgent mental health support (England)
Someone to talk to, whatever you are going through. Confidential and non-judgemental.
116 123, free, 24 hours a day
Text support for anyone feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, especially if speaking on the phone feels hard.
text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24 hours a day
My commitment
I do this work with care, presence and integrity. Accompanying people on their personal and relational path is meaningful to me, both professionally and as a human being.
As a practitioner, I take care of my own process and my own limits. I am supported by ongoing professional supervision and by my own therapeutic work within IR therapy.
I am committed to offering a respectful, attentive space that is as safe as possible, where your experience can be explored with honesty, compassion and responsibility.
Consent
By engaging in this work, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to the framework described above.
