Ethical & Legal.
Confidentiality.
Attending counselling and psychotherapy can offer freedom and enough safety to talk and express what you may not be able to elsewhere; this level of privacy is called confidentiality. Confidentiality aligns with my respect for you and my valuing of your autonomy. There are, however, limits, meaning I may need to break confidentiality due to lawful practice in certain circumstances. Please see my downloadable PDF - Limits to Confidentiality
Regulations.
My work is regulated by the ethical standards of good practice outlined by the BACP Ethical Framework. I also comply with the General Data Protection Regulation GDPR and the Data-Protection Act (2018). I am a registered member of the Information Commissioner’s Office ICO. I hold up-to-date professional indemnity and professional treatment insurance and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). I have firewall active protection on my personal computer.
Storage of Information.
I mitigate the risk of the detrimental effects of a data breach by ensuring that all files are kept coded and password protected. Records are archived for seven years and are kept in an accessible file for six 6-months after your last session. Artwork is stored confidentially. Any personal information is written as unidentifiable. Contact details and calendars are coded/unnamed. Under GDPR you can request access, and removal of your notes; no one else can access these, other than a court Subpoena.
Our agreement requests contact information and names only. If you have a medical condition that you feel is important to disclose, I will invite you to complete a form to be kept secure. This can include the location of any emergency medication (on your person) and an emergency contact. Any sensitive information will be destroyed at the end of our sessions together. If no medical disclosure is necessary, yet a medical situation occurs, I will call the emergency services.
Supervision.
Client work requires regular clinical Supervision. Whereby I will work through our sessions with a trusted professional to ensure your best interest and to maintain my well-being.
Your Rights.
You may request or remove any personal stored data and information by GDPR. If you have an issue, I hope you can discuss this with me in any form of communication you wish. The BACP also have a formal complaints procedure.
Risk of Harm.
It could be identified that it’s harmful for you to start therapy due to your situation, perhaps due to present circumstances, limits to the number of sessions you can attend (inappropriate to your distress) or possible expectations of solely relying on counselling for a reduction in addictive substance use. If risk is identified within the initial session/assessment, and it is considered that continuing would threaten your well-being, a referral or signposting to a more appropriate form of support will be offered.
Safeguards.
BACP Accredited membership
Professional Liability Insurance
ICO registration - ZA480253
DBS - current