Therapy built on trust

The ethics of confidentiality

As a registered member of the BACP I adhere to their ethical guidelines. One of the important factors is the need for client confidentiality, which allows clients to feel they can speak freely.

This means that I will not share the content of our sessions with others, nor disclose the fact that you are attending counselling sessions at all.

There are some limitations on the confidentially I can offer, which are detailed below:

• If there is a risk to you or someone else it may be necessary to inform other professional services.
• As part of following the BACP guidelines I am required to attend supervision sessions. I would occasionally talk about client work as part of this process. I would not provide client details to my supervisor, who is also bound by the same ethical guidelines and requirements to maintain confidentiality.
• In the cases of disclosure of money laundering or knowledge of terrorist acts, I would be required to inform the police.

In all cases where at all possible, I will speak to you before breaking confidence.

Maintaining your privacy

As part of maintaining privacy, I keep minimal notes on clients. I do not make notes on the content of sessions; the only notes that I keep are contact details which I am required to have for insurance purposes.

I will only use the contact details I hold to communicate with you if it is necessary to inform you of a cancellation, or by prior arrangement.

I will not share the contact details I hold with anyone else, unless required to do so by law, or in an unexpected emergency where I would be unable to continue my practice.