Supporting you in a safe and respectful space
Trust is at the heart of our work together, and I want you to feel confident that what you share with me will be treated with care, respect, and privacy.
This policy explains how I protect your information and when confidentiality may need to be ethically or legally broken. It’s based on best practice, including the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework, and complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
- Respecting Your Confidentiality
Everything you share in sessions is held in strict confidence. This includes:
- Personal information (name, contact details, etc.)
- What we talk about in sessions
- Notes I may take
- Any communication outside of sessions (email, phone, etc.)
I understand how important it is to feel safe when opening up, and I do everything I can to honour that trust.
- When I Might Need to Break Confidentiality
There are rare situations where I may be required—ethically or legally—to share information without your consent:
- If I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, especially a child or vulnerable adult (safeguarding).
- If you disclose serious criminal activity, such as terrorism or money laundering.
- If required by law or a court order.
- If I am professionally required to consult with a supervisor, which is standard BACP practice. In supervision, your identity is not disclosed.
Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you before taking any action. My goal is always to be open and collaborative with you.
- Data Protection (UK GDPR & ICO Compliance)
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and follow all requirements of the UK GDPR.
What this means for you:
- I collect only the information I need to provide you with safe, effective support.
- Your data is stored securely – either electronically with password protection and encryption, or physically in locked storage.
- I will never share your personal information without your clear permission, except in the situations listed above.
You have the right to:
- See the personal information I hold about you
- Ask me to correct anything that’s inaccurate
- Withdraw your consent to hold or process your data (though this may mean ending counselling)
I typically keep client records for 7 years after your last session, in line with insurance and legal guidance, after which they are securely destroyed.
- Enhanced DBS Check
I hold an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, which confirms I have no criminal record preventing me from working with vulnerable people, including children and adults.
- My Professional Standards
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in line with their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, which places your wellbeing, autonomy, and safety at its centre.
I also engage in regular supervision and professional development to ensure I continue to offer a high standard of care.
- Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions about this policy, or want to know more about how your information is handled, please don’t hesitate to ask — I’m always happy to talk things through.
You can also contact:
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – https://ico.org.uk
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) – https://www.bacp.co.uk