Confidentiality
Whatever
you bring to counselling is private, and I treat all information as highly confidential.
I keep very brief, factual
written notes about the sessions, which are kept securely and not ever removed from the premises. I am the only person who
legally has access to these notes, unless a court of law requires me to produce them. Session notes are destroyed on completion
of your work with me.
Exceptions to confidentiality:
Supervision
As a professional
counsellor and member of the BACP, I regularly see an experienced supervisor (also a BACP member). This is a requirement of
the BACP for all counsellors and psychotherapists. A supervisor helps a counsellor think about her work with clients, and
this regular input helps to maintain the highest possible standards of professional practice. Confidentiality continues to
be a priority and is protected during these meetings.
Risk of Harm
If I believe that your safety
is at risk, or another person’s safety,
I might feel the need to inform another professional about it. I would aim to do this
with your full consent. However if this is not possible, I will still take the action I believe to be necessary. I will do
all I can to keep you informed, and provide, or help you access, support during this time.
Legal Requirements
Occasionally
counsellors might be required by law to produce records, and are legally required to report information about terrorism and
drug trafficking.
Employers
If your counselling is being financed by your employer, insurance
company or other organisation, information about the dates and duration of your counselling will inevitably be passed on as
part of the contract, but the content of your sessions will remain confidential under the conditions outlined in this statement.
Your
request
Please be aware that I do not write letters or reports to third parties (i.e. employers, college tutors,
solicitors), even if it is at your request. The only exception to this is if I am required to do so by law, or if in
my opinion the above paragraph regarding ‘Risk of Harm’ applies.