Confidentiality Policy

 

Confidentiality is a foundational aspect of the therapeutic relationship. It allows you to speak freely, knowing that what you share will be treated with respect and discretion. As a therapist and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I am committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and UK data protection law (UK GDPR).

This policy outlines how your information will be handled and under what circumstances it may be shared.

1. What Confidentiality Means

Confidentiality means that anything you share with me in the course of therapy is kept private and is not disclosed to others without your knowledge or consent. This applies to both the content of our sessions and the fact that you are attending therapy.

2. The Limits of Confidentiality

There are specific circumstances in which I may be legally or ethically required to share information without your consent:

a. Professional Supervision

In line with BACP requirements, I receive regular clinical supervision to support the quality and ethical integrity of my work. I may discuss elements of our work with my supervisor, but your identity will not be disclosed, and your privacy will be protected. My supervisor is also bound by strict confidentiality.

b. Risk of Serious Harm

If I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person (including a child or vulnerable adult), I may need to share relevant information with appropriate professionals (e.g. your GP or emergency services).

Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you first, unless doing so would increase the risk of harm.

c. Legal Obligation

In rare situations, I may be legally compelled to share information—for example, by a court order or in cases of serious criminal activity (e.g. terrorism, drug trafficking, or money laundering). I will always seek to limit disclosure to what is necessary and explain the process if this becomes relevant.

d. Therapeutic Will

In the event of my death or incapacity, a nominated therapeutic colleague will access your basic contact details to inform you and will securely dispose of all case notes and records. This colleague is bound by confidentiality and UK GDPR standards.

3. Confidentiality in Online Work

Absolute security in digital spaces cannot be guaranteed. I use a secure, encrypted video conferencing platform and encrypted email (ProtonMail) to protect your information. However, it’s important that you also choose a private, quiet location for online sessions to help maintain your own privacy.

4. Social Media and Public Spaces

While I take care to keep my professional and personal online presence distinct, social media is a public space and there is always a possibility of incidental contact (e.g. seeing each other’s accounts). To preserve boundaries and confidentiality:

  • I do not accept friend or follower requests from clients on personal accounts.

  • You can read more about this in my Social Media Policy

5. Your Rights and Consent

  • You have the right to ask questions about confidentiality at any time. I encourage open conversation about what is or isn’t protected so that you can feel safe in our work together.

  • You may withdraw your consent for me to share your information (where applicable) at any time, either verbally or in writing.

  • In almost all cases, confidentiality survives the death of a client, and I am ethically bound to continue protecting your records and privacy.

6. Confidentiality and GDPR

Confidentiality is also protected by the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation ensures that your personal data—any information that could identify you—is collected, stored, and processed lawfully, fairly, and securely.

You can learn more about how your data is handled in my Data Protection and Privacy Policy

If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please bring them up at any point. It’s important to me that you feel informed and supported as we build a safe, respectful therapeutic relationship.