I do all that I can to ensure that I am practising ethically in your best interest, first and foremost this involves being a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), meaning that I adhere to their Ethical Framework which includes:
- Having full liability insurance.
- Meeting with a clinical supervisor on a regular basis to discuss elements of our sessions.
- Taking care of myself physically and emotionally so that I have the capacity to practise safely.
- Taking part in continuous professional development.
- Educating myself about people’s experiences that are different from my own to ensure the counselling space and relationship is free from discrimination (Equality Act 2010).
- Keeping your personal details safe or removing information on request in accordance with The Data Protection Act 2018 and to avoid any breach in confidentiality.
Confidentiality
Counselling sessions are completely confidential, meaning that whatever you say in the room stays in the room. However, there are some exceptions which are outlined below and in the counselling agreement that we both sign at the beginning of our initial session:
- I will discuss some areas of our sessions with my supervisor to ensure I am practicing ethically and in your best interest.
- I may need to break confidentiality if you disclose a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person but would keep you involved and informed throughout this process.
- It is a legal requirement for me to break confidentiality if you were to disclose involvement with money laundering or terrorism.
- For clients that are covered under the Children’s Act (2004), confidentiality would be broken upon disclosure of serious risk to self or another, but I would aim to inform you of this decision whenever possible.
I am always happy to answer questions about confidentiality and the counselling agreement at any point in our sessions together.