A written therapy agreement (or "contract for therapy") is standard practice and recommended by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). It sets clear expectations on confidentiality, boundaries, and the therapeutic relationship.

• Confidentiality: therapist may break confidentiality in specific circumstances (risk of harm, court order)
• GDPR: therapy notes are health data — special category personal data under UK GDPR
• Registration: check your therapist is registered with BACP, UKCP, BPS, or equivalent
• Self-referral vs GP: private therapy does not require GP referral
• Dual relationships: therapist must avoid conflicts of interest (e.g. can't also be your friend)

Legal reference: BACP Ethical Framework 2018; UK GDPR Article 9 (health data); Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018