Confidentiality Policy

1. My Commitment to Confidentiality

As a BACP registered counsellor, I am bound by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I am committed to:

• Respecting your privacy and dignity
• Protecting information shared in counselling
• Being transparent about confidentiality limits
• Maintaining professional boundaries
• Storing information securely

2. What Confidentiality Means

Confidentiality means that everything you share with me during counselling sessions remains private. This includes:

• What you say during sessions
• Written communications between us
• The fact that you are attending counselling
• Any notes or records I keep
• Information about your life, relationships, and experiences

I will not discuss your counselling with anyone without your explicit written consent, except in the specific circumstances outlined below.

3. Limits to Confidentiality

While I strive to maintain complete confidentiality, there are legal and ethical situations where I may need to share information:

3.1 Risk of Serious Harm to Yourself

3.2 Risk of Serious Harm to Others

If you disclose intentions to seriously harm another person, I have a duty to warn and may need to:

• Contact the police
• Warn the intended victim (if identifiable)
• Take other appropriate protective action

3.3 Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

If you disclose that a child (under 18) or vulnerable adult is being abused or is at risk of abuse, I am legally required to report this to:

• Local Authority Safeguarding Team
• Police (if immediate danger)
• Relevant safeguarding bodies

3.4 Legal Requirements

I may be required by law to disclose information if:

• Ordered by a court (subpoena or court order)
• Required under the Terrorism Act 2000
• Required under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (money laundering)
• Required by other statutory obligations

3.5 Professional Supervision

4. Young People (14-17 Years)

4.1 Gillick Competence

Young people aged 14+ who are assessed as Gillick competent can consent to counselling and have the same confidentiality rights as adults, with the following considerations:

• Enhanced safeguarding responsibilities apply
• Parental involvement encouraged where appropriate
• Best interests of the young person paramount

4.2 Parental Involvement

While I encourage parental awareness, I will not share session content with parents/guardians without the young person's consent, except where safeguarding concerns arise.

5. Information Sharing With Your Consent

5.1 Healthcare Professionals

With your written consent, I may communicate with:

• Your GP
• Psychiatrist
• Other mental health professionals
• Medical specialists

5.2 Purpose of Information Sharing

Information may be shared to:

• Coordinate your care
• Ensure medication compatibility
• Provide comprehensive support
• Make appropriate referrals

6. Record Keeping

6.1 What Records I Keep

Type of Record	Information Included	Purpose
Contact Information	Name, address, phone, email	Communication & administration
Session Notes	Brief notes, themes, progress	Track therapy progress
Risk Assessments	Safety concerns if relevant	Ensure client safety
Consent Forms	Written agreements	Legal compliance
Correspondence	Relevant emails or letters	Communication record

6.2 How Records Are Stored

• Digital Records: Password-protected and encrypted
• Paper Records: Locked filing cabinet in secure location
• Access: Only I have access to your records
• Backup: Secure backup systems in place

6.3 Record Retention

• Adult client records: 7 years after last contact
• Young people's records: 7 years or until 25th birthday (whichever is longer)
• After retention period: Secure destruction

7. Your Rights

7.1 Access to Records

You have the right to:

• Request access to your counselling records
• Receive copies of your records (may be a fee)
• Request corrections to factual inaccuracies
• Understand what information is held about you

7.2 Third-Party Information

If your records contain information about other people, this may be redacted to protect their confidentiality.

8. Online and Phone Sessions

8.1 Additional Considerations

• Ensure privacy in your location
• Use secure internet connections
• Be aware of who might overhear
• Sessions are not recorded without explicit consent

8.2 Platform Security

I use secure, encrypted platforms (Microsoft Teams/Zoom) for online sessions. These platforms have their own privacy policies which you should review.

9. Walk & Talk Therapy

9.1 Public Spaces

During walk and talk sessions:

• We choose quiet, less populated routes
• We pause therapeutic conversation if others approach
• You can request to avoid specific areas
• Indoor alternatives available if needed

10. Social Media and Public Encounters

10.1 Social Media

• I will not connect with clients on social media
• I will not search for clients online
• Please do not contact me via social media platforms

10.2 Meeting in Public

If we meet in public, I will not acknowledge you unless you acknowledge me first. This protects your confidentiality and privacy.

11. Questions About Confidentiality

I encourage you to ask questions about confidentiality at any time. Understanding these boundaries helps create a safe therapeutic space. Topics we can discuss include:

• Specific scenarios you're concerned about
• How information would be shared if needed
• Your rights and choices
• Any anxieties about confidentiality

12. Agreement

13. Contact

For questions about this Confidentiality Policy: