Confidentiality and Ethics

I conduct my counselling practice within the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, and also the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions Supplementary Guidance: Working Online (GPiA 047). Information relating to both of these documents can be found at www.bacp.co.uk.

I also adhere to the NCPS code of ethics, ACTO's Code of Ethics. I am also an accredited member of EMDR UK/Europe which means I follow their code of ethics.

• I will not share the content of our sessions with a third party. The only exceptions would be:  a) disclosure of abuse of a child or vulnerable adult that is currently at risk, b) serious danger to yourself or someone else or c) a legal obligation on my part to disclose (eg. Terrorism Act 2000). I would always discuss a potential breach of confidentiality with you in advance, if at all possible.
• As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) it is a requirement that I have regular clinical supervision. This is to support me in my work with you and ensure I work with your best interest in mind. My supervisor is also bound by confidentiality.
• I  have professional indemnity insurance.
• I have a DBS, which is a criminal record check (formerly called CRB).

Advice

You may be looking for advice. It is rare for me to offer advice,  even if asked for it. I believe that only you can choose the direction you want to go in, and that is why your own decision making is essential. The best advice you can follow is your own, and I shall do my best to help you to work things out for yourself.

Duration and Reviews

I would always aim to offer counselling for a duration that suits my clients. I believe it is important to regularly review the work together and we will incorporate this into the work as it progresses. It can be difficult to know how many sessions are needed or wanted, but this is something we can discuss during our first meeting and in our reviews. After an initial consultation we may agree a set number of sessions followed by a review. Alternatively, a more open ended arrangement with regular reviews might be more suitable. We will agree to work weekly, or sometimes, bi-monthly. Therapy needs to be regular and consistent for it to work. This is why I do offer ad-hoc therapy because it stops the momentum, and hinders the ability to work through issues.