Privacy & Safeguarding
About the service
I offer counselling in private practice to adults and young people aged 11 and over. Sessions are 50 minutes and take place online / telephone / in person / both. Counselling provides a confidential space to explore difficulties at your own pace.
When working with young people, counselling is offered in a way that is appropriate to their age, development, and individual needs.
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Confidentiality
Everything discussed in counselling is treated as confidential. This applies to both adults and young people.
The only circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken are where there is concern about serious harm to the client or someone else, safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult, or where disclosure is required by law. Wherever possible, this would be discussed in advance.
When working with young people, confidentiality and its limits will be explained clearly at the start of counselling.
Safeguarding
I have a duty of care to help keep clients and others safe. This includes following safeguarding guidance when working with children and young people. If there are concerns about significant risk of harm, I may need to seek advice, consult with appropriate professionals, or contact relevant services. Wherever possible, this would be discussed first.
Parental involvement (young people aged 11–17)
Counselling for young people is confidential. Parents or carers will not routinely be given information about session content unless there are safeguarding concerns or the young person gives consent. Practical arrangements (such as attendance or fees) may be discussed with parents or carers where appropriate.
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Privacy and data protection
Personal information is handled in line with UK data protection law (UK GDPR). Information is stored securely and used only for the purposes of providing counselling. Further details are available in the Privacy Policy.
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Professional membership
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
Contact and emergencies
This is not a crisis service. If urgent support is needed, please contact a GP, NHS 111, emergency services (999), or Samaritans on 116 123.