Privacy Policy

LIMITS TO CONFIDENTIALITY

Contents of all psychotherapy sessions are confidential, meaning that I will not be discussing our sessions with anyone else.

Below are exceptions to confidentiality as I outline in our first session. 

SUPERVISION:

In accordance with the NAPCP code of ethics and good practice I attend regular professional supervision.

  • The purpose of supervision is to ensure ethical practice.
  • Supervision operates under the same confidentiality requirements as your therapy with me.
  • I may explore elements of my work with you (referring to you only by first name) in supervision in order to gain perspective, receive advice and resolve dilemmas.

PROTECTION from HARM to yourself or others

I am obliged to break confidentiality in the following circumstances:

  • If I believe that you are likely to harm yourself and/or another person, I will take action necessary to protect you or others by contacting Gardaí, your GP or Emergency Services.

PROTECTION from DANGER to CHILDREN and VULNERABLE ADULTS

​I am obliged to break confidentiality in the following circumstances:

  • When I have reasonable grounds for concern that a child or vulnerable adult is being, or is at risk of being, abused or neglected.
  • When you identify to me, with a name and address/location, a person who has sexually abused you in the past.

In these circumstances I will ​make a report to TUSLA the child protection agency. 

Where there is immediate danger I will also contact the Gardaí

LEGAL

In extremely rare circumstances, I am legally bound to comply if a court subpoena is received for your records and/or for testimony from me about your therapy

DATA PROTECTION POLICY

Your Contact Details:

I collect your name, address, email, phone number, ‘next-of-kin’, and medications information in written form without duplicates.

  • This information is used:          
  1. to communicate with you and to contact next of kin in the event of an illness in session.
  2. in situations which fall under the limits to confidentiality clause in our therapeutic agreement as discussed in our initial session.
  3. I do not share this identifying information with any other third party
  • Your phone number is stored on my phone, under your first name and the prefix ‘CL’ (for client) along with your next of kin’s number.
  • In the case of couples both numbers are stored together and no next of kin is required.
  • Your email will automatically be stored in my contacts once I send you an email. I only use email to send directions to an appointment and exercise sheets. I encourage clients not to communicate personal information by email. I read and delete such emails immediately.
  • I ask for GP contact details if you are taking medication for a psychological condition.
  • You have a right to amend any inaccurate information in the form.
  • The form is kept in a locked filing cabinet in my home to which only I and my supervisor have access.
  • During the course of your therapy the form is kept separate from the session notes.
  • On completion of therapy the form is attached to the notes and stored in the locked filing cabinet 

Session Notes:

I make brief notes after each session as an aide memoire on the themes of the session. These notes are not shown to anyone.

  • Clients are referred to by initial on the notes. Names of kin may be mentioned.
  • You have a right to view these notes and to request, in writing, a copy of them.
  • In the case of couples I need the written consent of both partners to release the notes.
  • The notes are kept in a locked filing cabinet in my home to which only I and my supervisor have access.
  • The notes are transported by me, to and from sessions, in a briefcase.
  • I hold these notes for 7 years, from therapy completion, as recommended by my accrediting body, the NAPCP.
  • After that time they are destroyed by incineration.
  • If I have submitted Child Protection report I am obliged to keep case notes indefinitely.
  • In the very rare event of a court subpoena I am obliged to surrender your notes.
  • In the event of my death the notes will be securely delivered to my supervisor and destroyed.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

  • If you wish to cancel an appointment I require one weeks notice.
  • If you do not attend, or cancel with less than this then you will be liable for the full cost of the missed session.
  • I will, whenever possible, try to re-schedule appointments in that week, for an occasional unforeseen circumstance or illness. 

    This cancellation policy allows me to reserve that time for you and/or set the same time aside for you each week.

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