Privacy Policy

I am governed by the BACP and adheres to the Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions.

Session Number and Fees

Clients are offered a free initial assessment. Thereafter, sessions are ongoing on a weekly basis and last 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Sessions cannot take place if a client is under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is fundamental in establishing trust between the client and the counsellor. However, there are times when the counsellor may be required to break confidentiality. It is important you are aware of the boundaries of counselling. Confidentiality may be broken in certain circumstances, for example if the counsellor has serious concerns that there is a risk to your safety or the safety of another person. If this is the case, the counsellor may contact your GP or other relevant professional. The counsellor will aim to discuss any action with you first and seek to gain co-operation.

There are some circumstances when the law requires that we breach the confidentiality agreement to:

Ø Prevent a death

Ø Safeguard children or vulnerable persons when abuse is suspected.

Ø Prevent or assist in the detection of a crime.

Ø To honour the request of HM courts.

All counsellors are required to have regular supervision and will need to discuss their work with a supervisor. They may use your first name but will not disclose any information that would enable you to be identified.

In addition, your counsellor might keep brief relevant notes. Notes are not kept on a computer. When your counselling has ended, your notes are archived and kept for 3 years after which they will be confidentially shredded. You have the right to access your records and how to do this will be explained if you should wish to do so.

Cancellation Policy

Ø 24 hours notice of cancellations is required, otherwise the fee will be charged.

Ø If you do not attend for a session, you will lose that session and the fee will still be charged.

Ø If you cancel three times, with or without notice, I will discuss with you whether counselling remains appropriate.

Annual Leave/work commitments

Ø I will give you as much notice as possible regarding my annual leave and other work commitments. If I fall ill on the day of your counselling session I will make every effort to contact you.

In Crisis

Ø I do not operate a crisis or emergency service. In emergencies clients can call emergency services, their GP or the Samaritans on 116 123.

Ø I shall therefore not be contactable by phone or any messaging service outside our agreed counselling hour.

Aggressive behaviour

Ø If a client displays aggressive behaviour either towards a counsellor directly or during a session, the counsellor reserves the right to end/close the session immediately and to end future sessions.