Confidentiality & Ethical Practice
Upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical practice is absolutely fundamental to our work together, and you can be assured that what you discuss in our sessions will be treated with the utmost respect and privacy, within the boundaries outlined below.
Confidentiality in Practice
The information you share with me during our sessions is confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone else without your explicit written consent. This includes the content of our conversations, any personal details you provide, and even the fact that you are attending therapy. Please note that my note-taking is non-specific and based only on themes that will be helpful.
However, in very rare circumstances, I may be required to discuss elements of our therapy sessions, and we will talk about this at the beginning of your first session. The following are
Risk of Harm to Yourself or Others
If I have serious concerns that you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, I may need to take steps to ensure safety. This might involve contacting relevant services, such as emergency services or your GP. I will always aim to discuss this with you first, unless doing so would increase the risk.
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
If I become aware of suspected abuse or neglect of a child or a vulnerable adult, I have a legal and ethical duty to report this to the appropriate authorities.
Legal Disclosure
In rare circumstances, I may be legally required by a court order to disclose information.
In these exceptional situations, my priority will always be to act ethically and responsibly, with the aim of ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved, while being as transparent with you as possible.
In these exceptional situations, my priority will always be to act ethically and responsibly, with the aim of ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved, while being as transparent with you as possible.
Ethical Practice
My practice is guided by the ethical frameworks and professional standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)]. This means I am committed to working within my competence: I will only offer therapy in areas where I have the necessary training and experience.
My Personal Commitment to You ...
During our sessions, I will uphold the following personal commitments to ensure that you feel safe, valued and respected:
Acting with Integrity
I will be honest, transparent, and fair in our interactions.
Respecting your Autonomy
You have the right to make your own decisions and choices regarding your therapy.
Avoiding Exploitation
I will maintain professional boundaries and will not engage in any relationships that could compromise our therapeutic work.
Ongoing Professional Development
I am committed to continuous learning and development to ensure I am providing you with the best possible service.
Regular Supervision
I engage in regular supervision with an experienced colleague, which helps me to reflect on my practice and ensure I am working ethically and effectively. Your identity remains confidential during these discussions.
If you have any questions or concerns around confidentiality or ethical practice, please do not hesitate to discuss them with me. Your trust and comfort are paramount.