Commonly Asked Questions
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes. What you bring to counselling is treated as confidential.
There are, however, some limits to confidentiality. In exceptional circumstances I may have a legal or professional responsibility to share information, for example where there is a serious concern about your safety or that of someone else, or where disclosure is required by law. Wherever possible and appropriate, I would aim to talk with you about this first.
I also discuss my client work in professional supervision, which helps me practise safely and ethically. I take care to protect your identity when discussing our work. My supervisor also has your contact details should I suddenly be unable to contact you.
Yes. If we decide to work together, I'll give you a counselling agreement before we begin. It sets out the practical side of our work together, including confidentiality, fees, cancellations, communication between sessions and how we might end our work. It isn't there to make counselling feel formal or legalistic. It's simply important that we're both clear about what we've agreed and what you can expect from me.
Life happens and sometimes plans need to change. I ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice will usually be charged at the full session fee.
If I need to cancel a session, you won't be charged and I'll give you as much notice as I reasonably can.
I collect only the personal information I reasonably need to provide counselling safely and professionally.
This may include your contact details, information needed to arrange our sessions, our counselling agreement and brief records relating to our work.
I use two factor authentication and / or password protect any documents that contain your information. Any paper records are kept in a locked cabinet in my home.
Because email isn't completely secure, it's best not to include highly sensitive personal, medical or therapeutic information in messages. A few lines are enough to get the conversation started.
I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office.
Here is my Privacy Notice. It explains what information I hold, why I hold it, how it is stored, how long it is retained and your rights in relation to your information.
Yes. I hold civil and professional liability insurance for my counselling practice.
I undertook a counselling course that met the criteria for the professional body, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) . I am currently a Registered Member of the BACP and my practice is informed by the BACP Ethical Framework.
My work is also supported by regular professional supervision and continurous professional development.
Walk & Talk is still counselling, and I treat what we discuss with the same respect for confidentiality as I would in a counselling room.
Being outdoors does mean we can't guarantee the same level of privacy as a private therapy room. We may occasionally encounter other people, including someone one of us knows.
Before we start, we'll agree how we'd like to handle situations like these. We'll also talk about practicalities such as our route, accessibility, weather and what happens if we need to change our plans.
The short answer is, yes, you can, but it will change the feel of the sessions and it won't be just about you. After 6-9 months, when little crawlers get their legs, it gets really tricky. Lets have a chat and work out what works best for you and your baby.
Please ask. Being able to talk openly about how we're working together is part of the work too.
You don't need to memorise policies or worry about getting the practical side of counselling "right". If you're unsure about confidentiality, fees, cancellations, your information, Walk & Talk or anything else about how we'll work together, you're welcome to raise it.