Confidentiality Policy
1. Overview of Confidentiality in Therapy
Confidentiality is a necessity for in therapy. Everything shared during therapy sessions at Hunte Psychotherapy and Counselling will be treated as strictly confidential, except where legal, ethical, or safety concerns require disclosure.
This policy sets out the limits of confidentiality, how client information is stored, and under what circumstances information may be shared in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework and relevant UK laws, such as the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
2. Client Responsibility for Privacy During Online Sessions
For online initial consultations and sessions, conducted via Zoom, clients are responsible for ensuring they have:
A private and quiet environment free from interruptions of other persons’ to maintain the confidentiality of the session.
A secure internet connection, and video call capabilities on devices.
Hunte Psychotherapy and Counselling uses Zoom's encryption features to ensure data security during virtual initial consultations and sessions. No sessions will be recorded without the client's explicit consent.
3. Information Collected and Stored
a. Personal Information
Personal information collected includes:
Name, contact details, and emergency contact information, and/or GP contact information.
Session notes, initial consultation notes, closing summary.
b. Secure Storage
Client records, including session notes, are securely stored digitally in compliance with UK GDPR requirements and BACP guidelines. All records are encrypted and accessible only to Hunte Psychotherapy and Counselling.
Client information will be retained for 7 years following the end of therapy, in line with legal, professional obligations and recommendations, after which it will be securely destroyed.
4. Limits to Confidentiality
Confidentiality may be breached in the following circumstances:
a. Legal Requirements
Where disclosure is required by law (e.g., court orders).
Where there is knowledge, concern of harm or risk to the client, a child, vulnerable adult, or the public.
Under safeguarding laws, as required by social services, police, or NSPCC.
b. Duty of Care
If there is a risk of significant harm to the client or others, including suicidal intentions, steps may be taken to notify appropriate authorities or emergency contacts. This will be discussed with the client wherever possible.
c. Supervision
In line with BACP Ethical Framework, Hunte Psychotherapy and Counselling engages in regular clinical supervision to ensure safe and ethical practice. During supervision, client cases may be discussed with the supervisor, adhering to the same ethical and legal standards as this confidentiality policy.
5. Sharing Information
Client information will not be shared with third parties without written consent, except in the circumstances outlined above.
If a request is made by external parties (e.g., police, solicitors) for client records, clients will be consulted before any information is disclosed, unless legally compelled to do so.
6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
Clients have the following rights regarding their personal information:
The right to access and request a copy of information held about them.
The right to request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
The right to request deletion of personal information, where applicable.
The right to restrict or object to the processing of their data.
Requests can be made in writing to the contact information below.
7. Contact Information
For questions regarding this policy or to exercise your rights under UK GDPR, please contact:
Hunte Psychotherapy and Counselling
Email: michaela@huntetherapy.co.uk
Postal Address: 167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF
Last Reviewed: December 2024