Confidentiality, Safety & Data Protection
This counselling service is confidential. Jane will not normally give your name or any information from or about you to anyone. The only exceptions that are made are when Jane judges that there is a serious risk of harm to self or others; when she is legally compelled to disclose; where disclosure is permitted by law and required to protect her interests; or where disclosure is made at the client's request or with the client's written consent.
Violence and abuse is an issue for many people who come for counselling or therapy. Sometimes working with everyone together may not be safe. If this is so, Jane will endeavour to help each person to get individual specialist support. In the rare event that Jane breaks confidentiality this is done, where possible, with the client’s consent and only to parties (eg GPs) who absolutely need to know.
In line with best practice, Jane receives regular clinical supervision during which cases are discussed in an anonymous manner
Jane keeps brief written or electronic records of all counselling sessions. Sensitive data will only be used in order to provide the service and for managing and quality assuring the service. These records will be kept for 7 years and are subject to the Data Protection Act 1998. Any requests for reports or copies of these records by a client or their representative should be made in writing. Copies of any notes will only be released after specific written authority and any relevant fee have been received.