Our counselling sessions are confidential with certain limitations.
In particular if someone poses a serious threat to themselves or others, or where a child or vulnerable person might be considered at risk, I am duty bound to consult with appropriate authorities and or report any concerns. I can also be required to disclose by a court order. This is a rare exception. I can also be mandated to report to the Child & Family Agency retrospective allegations of child abuse where the alleged perpetrator is identifiable.
As a counsellor working under the Code of Ethics of the IACP I discuss the way I work with clients with a clinical supervisor. Supervision holds the same confidential limitations as the counselling relationship.
All records and files are managed in a way consistent with Data Protection requirements. I keep brief notes of counselling sessions to plan and review the work and to ensure best service to the client. This information is coded and filed separately from identifiable information, to support confidentiality. Files are held securely for a period of 5 years after completion of counselling and then destroyed. You have a right to review or delete any information held about you. Please ask at any time if you need to do so.
If you are on certain medication and I feel contact with the GP would be beneficial, I will not do so without asking your permission and will also request that you give your GP permission to talk to me.
