Confidentiality
Client Confidentiality
Counselling is confidential. Whatever we talk about remains private. However, there are some instances where this confidentiality may have to be broken on an ethical or legal basis.
For example, if I am reasonably sure that you are at immediate risk of seriously harming yourself or if you reveal that a child or vulnerable person is in danger of coming to harm. I am also required by law to break confidentiality if I come to know of terrorism, drug dealing or money laundering or if a court of law orders me to provide them with information.
Before taking any action, I will always bring up any confidentiality concerns with you.
I will adhere to COSCA's ethical guidelines and legal requirements in keeping our conversations confidential, however I have no power over and cannot be held liable for any breaches of confidentiality caused by any third party telephone or online platforms we agree to use.
General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) – LEGAL REQUIREMENT
I am registered as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioner's Office.
Under EU & UK laws, I am required to inform you as to what data I collect and how it is processed and handled once I receive it.
In order to provide my services, I need your written consent to hold all or some of your following information:
Name
Address
Email address
Telephone number
Emergency contact details
Your GP contact details
Your details are stored in a locked filing cabinet behind a locked door to which only I have access, or on a computer which is password protected and used only by me. Any information held by electronic means will be removed from my computer after counselling has ended, and any paper copies of data will be securely shredded or burnt six months after our work together has finished.
Your right to access your information, erasure and corrections
You have the right to request a copy of the information that I hold about you. If you wish to obtain a copy of this information, please make the request to me in writing. I will provide you with the information within 30 days of your request.
You have a right to rectification: This is your right to request changes to any information I hold that is factually inaccurate.
You have a right to have your personal data erased if it is no longer necessary for me to keep it for the purpose stated above.
I will only use the information for the purposes stated above.
Should you have any concerns or questions in relation to the above, please don’t hesitate to contact me or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
