Guiding
ethics for
my practice.

Honesty & Transparency:

Trying out therapy or group work can be daunting and it can feel like your therapist or facilitator is operating with “hidden intentions” or maintaining a position of “secret knowledge”. In reality, each client is different and as such we’ll both be trying out new things to find what works for you. I’m committed to honesty and transparency with the goal of establishing and maintaining a working alliance.

For therapy, prior to working together I ask that clients sign a counselling contract as per National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society guidelines:

“A ‘counselling contract’ (or a ‘counselling agreement’) is a mutual agreement between the counsellor and the client in which the outline of the therapeutic working alliance is presented.

A counselling contract ensures that the counselling process will be performed in a good, safe and professional manner and highlights the responsibilities of the counsellor towards clients, as well as the responsibilities of the client towards the counsellor. A counselling contract is also a transparent basis for informed consent.”

Medical advice & medication:

I am not a physician, a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist and as such I have an ethical obligation not to offer diagnosis where medical issues are concerned, nor will I offer medical advice. If I offer an opinion that falls within the realm of medical advice it is with the expressed understanding that it is not a diagnosis or prescription and that you would be better suited seeking the advice of a licensed medical professional.

We are free, however, to discuss in detail a diagnosis you’ve already received and explore together ways in which to manage this. We are also free to discuss the effects prescribed medication is having on you, including sharing anecdotal evidence and relevant literature.

The role of this therapy is to provide you a health care experience outside the medicalised profession. We incorporate scientific research, while also focusing on accessible, holistic interventions and providing you with the skills for managing your mental health.

Confidentiality:

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to the therapeutic relationship. Everything that happens and is said in your sessions is kept confidential. I may keep anonymised notes and the information held therein will be brief and will lack any traceable link to the client. Professional bodies (such as the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) will ask for client material for professional support and for further professional development. In these instances your identity will remain anonymous.

Exceptions to Confidentiality:

In very rare circumstances I may need to consider breaking confidentiality in order to disclose information to other parties. In the event of those circumstances, I will endeavour to discuss this with you during our session. There may be rare circumstances where I will break confidentiality without your consent as required by law and the Code of Ethics set out by my professional body. These situations are when:

● I believe that you or a third party is in imminent danger of serious harm.

● I would be liable to civil or criminal court procedures if the information were not disclosed where the information relates to missing children and serious crimes such as terrorism, money laundering, drug trafficking and Female Genital Mutilation.

Finally, if by chance we were to see one another in a setting outside of our sessions, then I will not make contact or acknowledge you unless you initiate contact. This is for the sake of maintaining your privacy.