Phoenix Rising Counselling

Confidentiality & Privacy

What you share in sessions is confidential. I keep it private and secure.

Limited Exceptions to Confidentiality:

• If someone's at serious or imminent risk of harm (to themselves or others)
• If there's a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult
• If required by a court order or legal process
• If it's relevant to professional supervision or complaint processes

I'll be clear about these limits upfront and discuss any necessary disclosures with you unless it would worsen the risk concerned.

Data Protection & GDPR

Your personal data is handled according to GDPR and UK data protection law. This means:

• I only collect data necessary for therapy and administrative purposes
• Your information is stored securely (encrypted, password-protected)
• You have the right to access your session notes at any time
• You have the right to request deletion of your data (with some limitations for legal retention)
• I don't share your information with third parties without your express consent (except as legally required)
• I never use your information for marketing, other than client feedback that was expressly allowed by the client for that purpose

Session Notes & Records

I keep confidential notes about our sessions to ensure continuity of care and that I meet ethical/legal standards.

You can request access to your notes at any time.

Storage: Notes are written on paper and kept securely for a minimum of 6 years (BACP requirement) and then securely destroyed in my wood stove.

Professional Standards & Ethical Framework

I work to the BACP Ethical Framework, which means:

• I maintain professional boundaries
• I receive regular clinical supervision
• I hold professional indemnity insurance
• I commit to ongoing professional development
• I have a complaints procedure if something goes wrong

Terms of Service

Sessions

• Standard sessions are 1 hour
• Single session therapy is 90 minutes
• Sessions are scheduled in advance
• Start and end times are respected

Cancellation & No-Shows

• Cancel with at least 48 hours notice for a full refund or credit
• Late cancellations (less than 48 hours) may incur a charge
• No-shows without notice will be charged in full
• Exceptions made for genuine emergencies

Payments

• Payment is due two days before the session (unless arranged otherwise)
• I accept cash (in person therapy only) or direct bank transfer
• Invoices provided on request
• Package discounts available (e.g., 6-session packages)

Financial Support

If cost is a genuine barrier to accessing therapy, I offer sliding scale rates. Please discuss this with me.

Crisis Support

If you're in crisis or at risk of serious harm:

• Emergency services: Call 999 or go to A&E
• Crisis support: Text CRISIS to 50808 (anonymous, 24/7)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free, confidential)
• Mind: Text MIND to 50808 or visit mind.org.uk

I'm not a crisis service. If you're in immediate danger, emergency services are the right support.

Complaints & Safeguarding

If you have concerns about my practice:

• If possible, talk to me directly - I want to address any issues
• If unresolved, you can lodge a formal complaint with BACP
• If there's safeguarding concern, this will be handled through appropriate channels