Confidentiality Policy

Your Confidentiality

This section tells you about your right to confidentiality

• We work according to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy as specified by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and we are also subject to their complaints procedures.

• We collect statistical information for our funders. Things like age, gender, postcode, racial group, attendance and so on. You are not identified by name on this information.

• We keep what you tell us confidential to the agency. Basically, this means that your counsellor will not tell anyone what you talk about together. However, all counsellors talk about their work with a supervisor, who makes sure that the counsellor is working effectively. Occasionally, a counsellor may also need to speak to someone else within the agency, such as the Counselling Coordinator.

So, nothing you tell us will normally be passed on to anyone else outside the agency without your written permission.

In the following circumstances, we may talk with you about the possibility of talking with someone else:

• If you are under 16 we may need to ask your parents if they agree to you coming to talk with us

• If your counsellor believes that you are not able to take responsibility for your own decisions

• If your counsellor believes you are at risk of serious harm

In the following circumstances, we may have to talk with someone else:

• If someone else seems at risk of serious harm

• In an emergency situation

• If ordered to by a court of law

Sometimes, you may want us to talk with someone else, such as a doctor, lawyer or a social worker. This is OK with us and your counsellor will talk with you about what you want and get your written permission to talk with another person.

Most of our counsellors are in professional training and may ask you for written permission to refer to aspects of their work with you. Your counsellor will answer any questions you may have about this and you do not have to give permission if you're uncertain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us

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