Cancellation and Missed Appointments Policy
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let me know within 48 hours of appointment date, otherwise, it will be charged at the full session rate.
Confidentiality
Counselling and psychotherapy are conducted on the understanding that everything you say is confidential and that counselling is a unique private and separate space from your everyday life and relationships. Confidentiality and trust are a vital element to the therapeutic relationship and I feel it is important for individuals to feel able to share private information freely, knowing that what you say is confidential and that your privacy is profoundly respected.
It is also lawfully protected under The Human Rights Act 1998 (Legislation.gov.uk 1998).
However, there are exceptional circumstances where confidentiality may be breached and information may need to be passed on: either by consent of the client, or by legal obligations. I will seek the client’s agreement wherever possible; although I may have to pass on information without the client’s consent due to the law. Disclosure of information is discussed with the client if possible and done with the utmost respect, and mindful of protecting the client’s autonomy, trust and safety in line with the BACP Ethical Framework.
This includes;
- To discuss information with a third party for example; my supervisor.
- To prevent significant harm to others for example; child abuse (Children’s Act 1989) (Children’s Act 2002) or harm to self, or from others such as; domestic violence, or to prevent harm to others and by the therapist not breaching confidentiality would leave an individual at risk of serious harm.
- For the prevention and detection of serious crime for example; arson, murder, manslaughter, rape, child abuse, treason, kidnapping, or any cause of serious harm to others. (Bond, 2015, p.174)
- If an authority such as; a court orders information for example; by a means of a ‘subpoena duce tecum’ (Bond, 2015, p.175)
- Due to being legally bound to share information in relation to terrorism (Terrorism Act 2000)
As the counsellor I remain ethically responsible and accountable for any breach of confidentiality and recognise the need for the individual’s right to privacy and will share only relevant information on a need-to-know basis anonymously wherever possible. (bacp.co.uk 2016)
During my own personal supervision, I will discuss anonymously, extracts of our work together (without disclosing your identity) to ensure I am working optimally and ethically to benefit you and the therapeutic relationship.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
As a professional counsellor I am proudly committed to anti-discrimination. I value difference and diversity and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender and gender identity, sexual preference or orientation, marital/partnership status, religion, race, colour, national origin, disability, heritage or political belief and adhere to the BACP In their Statement of Ethical Practice document which states that; “The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) is dedicated to social diversity, equality and inclusivity of treatment without discrimination of any kind.” (bacp.co.uk 2016)
Limitations
As a professional practitioner, I am ethically bound not to continue with therapy if it appears not to be beneficial to you and if appropriate, I will help you to receive support from an alternative source. (bacp.co.uk)
Code of Ethics
As an accredited registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy BACP, my practice is bound by their Code of Ethics and Practice and I am subject to their complaints procedures. Please go to their website for further details of the BACP ethical framework for good practice in counselling (bacp.co.uk.
I endeavour to continually improve my practice and service to clients and regularly update my practice through supervision, training and CPD. I value any feedback you would like to share about the service. Please feel free to contact me directly or give feedback through email or the booking enquiry form.
ACCREDITING BODY
There are several professional bodies in the UK which set and maintain professional standards for counsellors and psychotherapists. I belong to and am fully accredited by the BACP – the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (bacp.co.uk).
