Confidentiality Agreement

All interactions which take place in the setting of therapy are considered confidential. This includes requests by telephone, all interactions with this counselor, any scheduling or appointment notes, all session content records and any progress notes that I take during your sessions. I will not even verify that you are a client. You may choose to give me permission in writing to release any or specific information about you to any person or agency that you designate.

​

The work we do together is confidential. However, there are particular circumstances in which as therapists we can break confidentiality and this comes under the code of ethical guidelines for counsellors and psychotherapists . A need for breaking confidentiality focuses on keeping you as the client and others safe from harm. If through our work together, there is a genuine risk for your safety or the safety of others then we have a duty of care to raise that concern with appropriate professionals to support you further. We will always explore this with you first.

​

Computer Privacy, Safety and Data Protection

When working online it is important to maintain security through reasonable measures to ensure confidentiality and safe working procedures.

​

Password Protection - Many of us have our own personal computer, ensuring you have a password gives you extra security so that others do not gain access to your documents and information you have stored. If you have access to a shared computer then is it important you have your own personal password that other people do not have access too. Saving information to your own password protected key/ dongle gives you added security.

Own personal security – Please ensure that you have a private and safe space in which to have your sessions and that you will not be disturbed whilst in session.

Data Protection – When we have completed our work, all material such as email exchanges etc are removed from the computer and safely stored on a password protected memory stick. Any electronic records of our work will be deleted at the end of our contracted work. All transcripts, counselling emails and notes that are made as part of our work are owned by the therapist. Please do not post extracts or whole copies of our communication on social forums or third parties.

​

Technical Difficulties

If technical difficulties are experienced, for example computer or internet breakdown we will undertake to contact each other via text (SMS) message so that an alternative session can be made.

​

Attending sessions

We work with all clients in a professional manner. We ask that you do not attend therapy sessions under the influence of alcohol or drugs and ask you to dress appropriately for skype (face to face) sessions.

​

Session Times and Personal Space

Your session times are important and this is your “space”. Being prepared is an important part of therapy. Ensuring that you are comfortable, having a safe and private space to work from is important and having a pen and paper for you to make notes etc can be useful. All session times are 50 minutes long and are conducted at an agreed time between you and your therapist. It is also important to be able to give yourself a bit of time and space after each session. Therapy uses energy and can bring up a host of emotions. Ensuring you have some time after a session is healthy self care. Try to make sure you do not have to rush off for an appointment or pick up the children straight away, having a cup of tea or a glass of water and doing something pleasurable for 5 – 10 mins can help. Your therapist will talk with you about this during initial assessment.

​

Late or Missed Sessions and Cancellation

Session are organised for an agreed date and time. If you are late attending the session we will stay online for 15 minutes to allow for any eventualities. If you do not make contact with in this time then the session will be considered missed and will be cancelled. You will be charged for this. If you are late attending your session, we will still end on the original time for the session. If you wish to cancel a session you are asked to give a minimum of 24 hours notice by either email or SMS. If you miss your agreed session and have not given sufficient notice then your payment will be kept

​

​