What information will I keep

If you contact me via the contact form or email I will be in receipt of your name, email and phone number.

If you attend a session I will ask you to provide information beforehand (via email) such as:
– Address
– Date of birth (DOB)
– Name of GP
– Contact details in case of emergency
– Relevant medical information
– Brief summary of why you are attending counselling

Following each session I make very brief notes which are kept electronically and securely. Any hand written information will be kept in a locked filing cabinet.

Why do I need this

The information we share helps us work together to work towards your goals of counselling. Your contact details and GP details are needed in case of emergency.

How I will use your information

As part of my professional membership of the BACP I have to have monthly supervision with a clinical supervisor. This is ensure that my work is conducted within the ethical guidelines.

During supervision I may discuss my work with you, but I will only refer to you by first name and I will not use any information that will make you identifiable.

Your rights

Under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) you have certain rights about the information I hold e.g. right of access, right to request erasure, right of rectification etc. For more information please visit ico.org.uk

Due to my governing body restrictions and insurance purposes all requests will be considered but not guaranteed.

All information will be destroyed after seven years of us ceasing working together.

Confidentiality

Counselling offers a confidential space for you. However there may be time when I have to breach this confidentiality.

Situations may include:
– If I have reason to believe that you, or someone else, is at risk of harm.
– If I have reason to believe that a serious crime has been, or is about to be, committed.
– If there is a concern that a child may be at risk.
– If I were intending to disclose confidential information to the appropriate person or authority, I would endeavour to do this following informing you of my plan. However in certain situations e.g. emergencies I may do this without your consent or knowledge.

By proceeding with counselling you agree to the above terms.