PRIVACY POLICY
This page outlines how I use and protect your information if you contact me. I will keep this page up-to-date so I suggest you check here from time to time to ensure you remain comfortable and familiar with its contents. This page also outlines our contractual agreement and the responsibilites it entails. Consenting to this ensures our sessions will run smoothly. The links on this page are links to external organisations.
Confidentiality
Your sessions are confidential and your notes are held securely. There may be circumstances regarding risk of harm to self or others or anything relating to a serious crime, which nesessitate breaking confidentiality. This will be done, where possible, with your consent and only those parties who have an absolute need to know. By clicking on the links below you are leaving my webpage.
Ethical Framework
I am a fully qualified member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to the BACP professional guidelines. It is a requirement for this professional body that all counsellors have regular clinical supervision so they can learn and reflect upon their practice. My supervisor is bound by the same code of ethics to ensure confidentiality. In addition, for your protection, you will not be identified during my supervision.
We will discuss the complaints procedures whenever you wish. I hope we could resolve any problems between us informally. In case we are unable to do so here is the BACP guidance regarding making a complaint which I will ensure you are able to use effectively.
In accordance with my ethical responsibilites I am fully insured for professional and public liability.
Your notes and information
All my professional data is stored electronically and kept in accordance with the requirements of the Information Commissioner’s Office.
It is a requirement of my profession that our sessions and your contact details are kept for a number of years. I take this commitment to you very seriously and assure you that your information is safe and secure. This also means you have a right to know how this information is secured, why I collect it, how I will use it and how I will dispose of it. Under the ICO regulations you may request sight of information about you which I hold. I will respond within one month.
Google Analytics Cookies
I use a programme called Google Analytics, which in turn uses cookies to help us find out how many people visit my site, which pages and parts are most popular, how long people spend in each area and what information people are searching for. All this insight helps me to understand how I can improve my site.
You can find out more about Google Analytics here https://developers.google.com/analytics/devguides/collection/analytic
If you don’t want me to use cookies in your web browser, you can remove them from your computer or change your browser settings so that it either blocks cookies altogether or asks you if you’d like to accept them from some websites. Some of my cookies are essential for my site to work properly.
The internet industry body, the Internet Advertising Bureau, has set up a website to provide information and advice on cookies: http://www.youronlinechoices.com/uk/. Another source which gives information about how to delete and control cookies is http://www.aboutcookies.org/.
Please feel free to discuss or request any further information or elaboration you may require during our time together