ABSTRACT
Contracting and establishing a framework within which therapy can take place are integral parts of the counselling and psychotherapy process. Once the frame and contract have been established and agreed upon, both parties can feel safe enough to begin the therapeutic work. This chapter examines how the contract is important in establishing the frame for therapeutic work with children and young people and where particular care and attention are required due to the complexities of contracting with this group in private practice. Before thinking more specifically about how long to contract to work with a client there must first be some consideration of what the goals or aims are for therapy. Breaks are a significant part of therapeutic work in private practice in work with children and young people. Endings are a big part of therapeutic work and need to be held in mind from the very beginning within the contract.
