Patient Policy

Last updated: September 30, 2026

This policy explains how counselling works with Ayesha Siddique Counselling and what you can expect from us, as well as what we ask of you. Please read it before your first session. Booking a session means you agree to these terms.

1. Nature of our services

We offer individual, couples and family counselling and psychological assessment, in person in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and online. Sessions are held in Urdu or English.

Counselling focuses on talking, understanding and learning practical coping skills, such as cognitive-behavioural techniques. We do not prescribe medication. If you need a formal diagnosis, medication or specialist treatment, we will refer you to a qualified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.

2. Not an emergency service

Our service is not designed for emergencies or crisis situations. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please:

  • Go to your nearest hospital emergency department
  • Call Rescue 1122 or Police 15 in Pakistan
  • Contact Umang Mental Health Helpline: 0311 7786264
  • Outside Pakistan, contact your local emergency number

We may not be able to respond to messages outside working hours.

3. Booking and first session

You can book through our website form, phone or WhatsApp. Your first session focuses on understanding your concerns and background and agreeing on goals together. We may ask you to complete an intake form beforehand.

4. Session length and frequency

Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes. Most clients attend weekly or every two weeks, depending on their needs. We will review your progress together regularly.

5. Fees and payment

  • Individual session: PKR [amount]
  • Couples session: PKR [amount]
  • Family session: PKR [amount]
  • Assessment: PKR [amount] (varies depending on the assessment)

Payment is due [before / at the time of] the session by [bank transfer / JazzCash / Easypaisa / cash / card]. For online clients abroad, payment must be made before the session. Fees may be updated with advance notice.

6. Insurance

If you plan to use insurance, please check your coverage with your provider before your first session. You are responsible for any amount not covered by your insurer.

7. Cancellations and missed appointments

  • Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule.
  • Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged [50% / the full] session fee.
  • Missed sessions without notice will be charged the full fee.
  • If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time and the full fee applies.
  • If we need to cancel, we will give as much notice as possible and offer another time at no extra charge.

8. Confidentiality

What you share stays confidential. The only exceptions are:

  • Serious risk of harm to yourself or others
  • Concerns about the abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult
  • When required by law or a court order

In couples and family counselling, we do not keep secrets shared by one person from the others if it affects the work. We will explain this in the first session.

9. Online session guidelines

  • Join from a quiet, private space where you cannot be overheard
  • Use a stable internet connection and your own device
  • Do not record the session without written agreement
  • Have a phone number ready in case the call disconnects
  • Tell us your location at the start of each session in case of an emergency

10. Communication between sessions

You can contact us by [phone / WhatsApp / email] for scheduling. Messages are not monitored constantly and are not suitable for counselling or urgent matters. Please save important topics for your session.

11. Clients under 18

Clients under 18 need consent from a parent or legal guardian. Parents may receive general updates on progress, but the details of what a young person shares are kept private unless there is a safety concern.

12. Respectful conduct

We aim to provide a safe, respectful and judgement-free space. We ask the same of our clients. Aggressive or abusive behaviour, or attending a session under the influence of alcohol or drugs, may lead to the session ending or services stopping.

13. Your rights as a client

You have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect and without judgement
  • Ask questions about your counselling and our approach
  • Know the qualifications and experience of your counsellor
  • Refuse or stop counselling at any time
  • Ask for a referral to another professional
  • Raise a concern or complaint

14. Ending counselling

You can end counselling at any time. We recommend a final session to review your progress and plan next steps. If we feel another professional would better meet your needs, we will discuss this with you and help with a referral.

15. Feedback and complaints

If you are unhappy with any part of our service, please contact us at [email address]. We take all feedback seriously and will respond as soon as possible.