Marina Sinclair
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Confidentiality &  Limits to Confidentiality
Therapy is confidential and I don't underestimated  
 what it takes to  open up and share your private  life with a therapist.    Clients need to know  that  they are safe to do so with the therapist  and what they say and  the fact they come to counselling will remain confidential.    This means the therapist is not allowed to disclose  what is said or who said it outwith the  confines of  professional clinical supervision .

There are three  importance limits to confidentiality  in the UK


1  Harm to self and others
If a client discloses  that he/she plans to harm themselves then I would  look to extend the confidentiality to their GP or other relevant health care professional.  I would remind the client about this at the time.  If a client discloses that they are  in danger of harming  others or  that they are abusing a child, therapists in private practice are required by law to  report this.  In such circumstances  the right to their confidentiality  may no longer take priority.  The client may or may not be consulted depending on the circumstances.

2  Money laundering,  terrorism,  other serious crime
It is compulsory for therapist in private practice to  report to the authorities if a client discloses any involvement with terrorism, money  laundering  whether it is related to drug trafficking or any other serious crime.  

3  Court cases and Clients notes
If there is a court case that involves you,  your therapists notes may be requested by the court.   Your therapist may also be requested by the court to be a witness for you or for the other party.  If you are involved in a court case it is up to you whether you disclose to your lawyer that you are seeing a therapist, even if you think this might help your case. Remember the other side may try and use it against you .   If you don't disclose, then it is unlikely that  any notes can be requested by the court.   .   Because all therapists are aware of this we do our best  to write our notes in the  most discreet and respectful way.

If you have any questions  or would like more clarity on any of the above  please contact me



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