All sessions are confidential. All records are kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988. GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) as set out by UKATA will be adhered to. Confidentiality will only be breached in the following circumstances:
Wherever possible I will discuss the issue with client first. I will discuss my practice and process of sessions with supervisors and in group supervision. The client’s identity will be protected.
Client’s name and contact details (phone number and email) will be held in a sealed envelope with a colleague. In the event that I am unable to let you know myself of any session changes, my colleague will contact you. This colleague is also bound by confidentiality and your details will not be shared.
I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) to provide further protection of client’s information.
I do not accept any Social Networking friend requests as this can compromise the confidential and therapeutic nature of the relationship.
Personal details such as name, age, sex, DOB, address and phone number are kept locked away and kept separate from my notes of sessions.
Notes which summarise the content of sessions are locked away and identified by a reference number. These are held for a period of 5 years from cessation of therapy, after which time all records are destroyed. Should a client wish for their records to be destroyed before this time, a request can be made in writing and records will be destroyed.
Should you wish to access your records, you may wish to apply for a DSAR (Data Subject Access Request), either directly from Psychotherapy Southwest or via the Information Commissioner's Office. Upon receipt of your written request, Psychotherapy Southwest will forward copies of all documentation I hold within 30 days. This complies with ICO regulations.
I will act in accordance with the Ethical Framework of the UKCP, UKATA (UK Association for Transactional Analysis), EATA (European Association for Transactional Analysis) and the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
Clients have a right to expect a fair, safe, competent and ethical service from the therapist. Clients have a right to see their session notes.
There is a complaints procedure initiated by contacting Psychotherapy Southwest directly or through contacting the UKCP, UKATA or the BACP. I would ask that any complaints are raised with me in the first instance in the hope that we can resolve them.