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Confidentiality & Ethical Practice
Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of counselling and everything we discuss during our sessions will remain strictly confidential between us, in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. When working with a couple who are sometimes having individual sessions, these sessions also remain strictly confidential between the therapist and the client, and it will be up to you to decide what, if any, of the content of our session you share with your partner. The only exception to this strict confidentiality between therapist and client is, if during the course of our work together, I consider that someone is at serious risk of harm, I am ethically required to consult on this. If this should arise I will endeavour to discuss it with you before breaking confidentiality, however, I retain the right to do so without prior discussion with you should I consider that the urgency of the situation requires me to act immediately to safeguard the safety of yourself or others.
Supervision
In accordance with BACP and BASRT guidelines, I have regular supervision of my counselling practice. This means discussing my clients with another experienced counsellor who has taken additional training in supervision to be sure I am working within best practice and ethically with you. I do not use real names or disclose any identifying details in these discussions and supervisors are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as counsellors.
Cancellations and missed appointments
If you know you are unable to attend an appointment, then please phone or text me as soon you are aware of the change. If I do not answer the phone please leave a message for me. I will make no charge if you give me at least 24 hours notice of the cancellation.
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Timings
Sessions last for an hour, not the usual '50 minute hour' which is commonly offered in counselling, because I find a full hour session to be more spacious and productive. Sometimes clients find it helpful to have regular or occasional 90 minute sessions, especially when they are unable to attend every week. After completing our main body of work together, some clients find it helpful to give themselves a semi-annual ‘Relationship MOT’ to both iron out any arising issues and to continue to move towards enhanced communication and connection. It is, of course, your prerogative to end counselling at any time, but it is recommended that you allow time for an ending session, which offers some closure, rather than to simply stop.
Chance meetings in public
Because of the confidentiality of our relationship, please be advised that if I should see you in the street or some other public place, and either of us happen to be with other people, I will, in effect, ‘blank you’, or simply offer a meek smile rather than a greeting, unless we have discussed this possibility in advance and made another arrangement!
Psychosexual Therapy
This is always a ‘talking therapy’. No undressing or sexual touching is ever considered appropriate in the therapy room. Behavioural tasks involving any sensual/sexual activity, when suggested, are done as ‘homework’ in privacy. I know that talking about sex can be one of the most difficult things for some people, but I hope that my open, friendly and gentle approach will help you to feel more comfortable with intimate discussions.
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