Confidentiality — Confidentiality is maintained throughout therapy.  However, in keeping with legal obligations and with good practice guidelines, there are some special situations that you should be aware of when information about you may be shared.

Supervision — In accordance with good practice guidelines, all therapists, no matter how senior or experienced, seek advice from another qualified therapist on a regular basis to help in understanding their clients’ problems better and to maintain a safe and quality practice.  Your identity in these situations is not revealed.

Written Reports — If information is communicated to other healthcare professionals or your referrer, then this information will include a brief outline of your difficulties and relevant facts, the psychological approach used and the number of sessions planned. This will only be sent with your agreement and the contents will be discussed with you.

Solicitors, Insurance and Rehabilitation Companies — If these organisations have referred you and are funding your treatment then they usually request feedback. Your permission will be sought before providing this information.

If you or others are at risk — There is a legal obligation to contact other services (such as the police) if it is felt that you are at serious risk to yourself or to others. Whenever possible, this will be discussed with you first.

Court Subpoena — In very rare situations, a court of law may formally request information about you even if you have not given your permission. If you think that this is a possibility, please let me know.

Storage of Personal Information — All personal information that is held in writing or digital format is stored in accordance with the British Psychological Society’s Professional Code of Practice, the UK Data Protection Act 1998, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016.