I keep details (Phone numbers and e-mail addresses) stored securely on my phone and/or computer, which are either password or passcode protected. I store all my email data securely using GDPR-compliant third-party services (Microsoft Office). These contact details are only shared with one other person, my supervisor, on a regular updated list (first names only).

This information would only be accessed by my supervisor in the event of an emergency: e.g a sudden serious illness or accident to myself, in which case she would need to contact you.

To further protect clients’ Privacy, all your contact details will be deleted securely at the end of our work together.

I also keep a hand written diary, in which I record appointments using first names only.

I intentionally only make hand-written notes, to reduce any risk of compromising yours and your clients’ Privacy. For this reason it is better to discuss any issues over the phone, rather than by email or text.

Should you ever wish to see your notes, I am required by the GDPR to give you access to them within a month of your request.

Your notes and my appointment diaries will only be kept as long as is absolutely necessary, (to a maximum of 6 years, as advised by Insurance Providers,) at which point they will be securely shredded.

I abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions which states that We will give careful consideration to how we manage situations when protecting clients or others from serious harm or when compliance with the law may require overriding a client’s explicit wishes or breaching their confidentiality (Good Practice, section 9. Also see sections 25 and 54). Further information is at https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/.

I will only grant access to or share your data with anybody else where I am required or entitled to do so by law under lawful data processing. There are times when I may still need to share your information with others, for example:

• any stated purposes I tell you about when you supply me with information
• as part of my duty to protect a child, a vulnerable adult, yourself or the public
• for the prevention and detection of a crime • for the assessment of any tax or duty
• if I am required to do so by any court or law

If 1 decided that I may need to share your information with someone else, I would normally seek to speak to you by phone or communicate with you via email before taking any action.

• My own supervisor does not have access to any identifying information relating to you, baring a first name.
• ICO:1 am registered with the office of the information commissioner, in accordance with current legislation.

You can ask me at any time:

• To provide you with copies of personal information that I hold about you
• To remove any personal data I hold about you
• To amend all or some the data that I hold about you
• To opt out of receiving communications from me

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As such, I am bound by their Codes of Ethics and Practice, and subject to their complaints procedures. I have professional indemnity insurance. I also have regular supervision.

I am an Integrative Counsellor. Encouraging people to think for themselves about their feelings, and take responsibility for their actions. I work in a non directive way. I also integrate aspects of different models into my approach according to clients needs.

If you decide you would like to work with me we will have a contract outlining our work together.

Digital communication of any kind is open to misuse and boundaries can be broken if not carefully thought through. The nature of any online presence can blur interpersonal boundaries, so it is important to be as clear as possible about how boundaries may be challenged in an online environment. The nature of the digital world can sometimes stretch these boundaries, so I offer the best clarity I can below.
My duty of care to my clients and my professional commitment to confidentiality means that I never refer to clinical material in my media activities. As my client you will have received an agreement then a contract covering my commitment to your confidentiality.

Any emails that we may send to each other may be vulnerable to virus or human error. For this reason, it is best to be thoughtful about what you include in general emails to me , and which email address you chose to use with me. Often, it is best to rely on email only for non-confidential communication such as arranging appointment times. Be aware that all emails are retained in the logs of internet service providers. You may prefer to contact me by phone instead.

I use additional security measures for online counselling in order to protect confidentiality. I will attach paperwork to a proton email which is password protected.

I use zoom to engage in on line counselling. This site is encrypted. Although no technology is 100% secure (zooms privacy statement can be viewed on line). I will send you an invite which is password protected.