Legal and Ethical Practice
As a person-centred counselling client, it is important for you to understand the principles of confidentiality outlined by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of the counselling relationship and is essential for creating a safe and trusting environment for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Here are some key points to explain BACP confidentiality to you as a client:
1. **Confidentiality**: Your sessions and any information you share during counselling are treated with the utmost confidentiality. This means that your counsellor will not disclose any information about you to anyone else without your permission, except in certain circumstances which will be explained to you.
2. **Exceptions to Confidentiality**: There are some situations where your counsellor may need to disclose information without your consent, such as if there are concerns about your safety or the safety of others. Your counsellor will discuss these circumstances with you and explain their duty to report or seek additional support in such cases.
3. **Limits of Confidentiality**: It is important to understand that confidentiality has its limits, and your counsellor may need to breach confidentiality in certain situations to ensure your well-being or the well-being of others.
4. **Privacy and Data Protection**: Your personal information and records are stored securely and in line with GDPR data protection regulations. Your counsellor will explain how your information is stored and who has access to it.
5. **Informed Consent**: Before starting counselling, your counsellor will discuss the limits of confidentiality with you and obtain your informed consent to proceed with therapy. You have the right to ask questions and seek clarifications about confidentiality at any time during your counselling sessions.
By understanding these principles of confidentiality as outlined by BACP, you can feel assured that your privacy and trust are respected within the counselling relationship. Open communication with your counsellor is key to ensuring that you feel comfortable and supported throughout the counselling process.
Legal and Ethical Practice
CONFIDENTIALITY
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As mentioned on the previous page, there are limits to confidentiality and situations where it may need to be breached.
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Examples of legally obliged disclosures include:
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Acts of Terrorism
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Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering
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Court Orders and Subpoenas
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Examples of discretionary disclosures include:​
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Child Protection and Safeguarding
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Protection of Vulnerable Adults
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Risk of Suicide or Serious Harm to Others
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ETHICAL PRACTICE
I am regulated by the (BACP) the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, and hold a full accredited membership. I also hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
My practice complies with the standards set by the (GDPR) the General Data Protection Regulation, and I firmly recognise the standards set by the Equality Act (2010).
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YOUR RIGHTS AS THE CLIENT
A client may request their stored information from their counsellor as stated within the GDPR.
The client may contact the BACP with any concerns about the therapeutic practice if they feel they are unable to discuss with the counsellor directly.
​SUPERVISION AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
All client work undertaken requires consistent clinical supervision; this means that I will discuss our sessions with a competent professional to ensure my practice remains optimal for the client and ethical throughout.
Personal Development is an integral part of my practice, in which I will strive to gain new knowledge and awareness relating to your experiences.