Privacy Policy & Terms
How I protect your information and work ethically
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
Questions about any of this? Get in touch →