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 stranger. 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 . Any notes that the therapist takes are kept in a locked filing cabinet or secure electronic system. In accordance with the Data Protection Act UK notes are required to be kept for seven years after end of therapy then they can be destroyed confidentially. I am registered with the Information Commissions Office which is responsible for enforcing the Data Protection in the UK.
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
Therapy is confidential and I don't underestimated what it takes to open up and share your private life with a stranger. 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 . Any notes that the therapist takes are kept in a locked filing cabinet or secure electronic system. In accordance with the Data Protection Act UK notes are required to be kept for seven years after end of therapy then they can be destroyed confidentially. I am registered with the Information Commissions Office which is responsible for enforcing the Data Protection in the UK.
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
