Confidentiality Policy
In my counselling service, I prioritise your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information. I understand the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment where open and honest communication can take place. I adhere to strict ethical and legal guidelines regarding confidentiality.
Everything discussed during your counselling sessions will be kept strictly confidential. I am committed to maintaining the privacy of your personal information, including the content of our conversations, your background, and any records or documentation related to your therapy.
Exceptions to Confidentiality
Legal Requirements
There are three situations in which I am legally required to break confidentiality:
- If you disclose involvement in money laundering, acts of terrorism, or drug trafficking, I must inform the appropriate authorities.
Risk of Harm to Self or Others
If I believe that you are at risk of harming yourself or others, I may be obligated to break confidentiality. I will make every effort to discuss this with you beforehand, whenever possible.
Supervision
I attend regular supervision to ensure the quality and integrity of my work. During these discussions, your identity remains anonymous to maintain confidentiality.
Data Protection and Record Keeping
I take great care to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, or alteration. My electronic systems and physical records are securely maintained in compliance with data protection laws.
Contact Details
Your contact details are stored securely and used only for communication related to your sessions. These details will be destroyed one month after we finish working together.
Session Notes
I keep brief, factual notes after each session to support continuity of care and reflective practice. These notes are handwritten and stored securely in a locked cabinet accessible only to me.
Notes are retained for seven years, as required by law, after which they are safely destroyed. You have the right to view your notes at any time, and they will never be shared with anyone else without your explicit consent or legal requirement.
Phones and Recording of Sessions
Please be aware that if you bring a device such as a smartphone or smartwatch into our sessions, I cannot guarantee that it will not be listening, which may compromise confidentiality. I do not have any of my own devices in the room during sessions.
To protect both your confidentiality and mine, recording of sessions is not permitted without my prior written consent. This includes audio or video recordings, whether made intentionally or automatically (such as through certain online platforms).
Concerns About Confidentiality
If you have any concerns or questions about my confidentiality policy, please feel free to discuss them with me. I am here to provide support, address your concerns, and uphold confidentiality to the best of my ability.
I am registered as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
If you believe I have breached your confidentiality, please raise this with me first so I can address and rectify the situation.
If you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to contact the ICO at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.