CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
Our Commitment to Confidentiality
Everything shared in therapy is treated as strictly confidential. This applies to verbal communication, written material, and anything observed during sessions. Confidentiality is the foundation of a safe therapeutic relationship, and we take it seriously.
The Limits of Confidentiality
Confidentiality will be broken only in the following circumstances:
— If you or someone else is at serious risk of harm.
— If there are concerns that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected.
— If we are legally required to disclose information by a court of law.
— If information is disclosed relating to terrorism or serious planned criminal activity.
Where possible, we will discuss any intention to break confidentiality with you before doing so. In situations of immediate risk, this may not always be possible.
Confidentiality and Child Clients
When working with children and young people, confidentiality is handled with particular care. Parents and guardians are informed before therapy begins that whilst they have given consent for therapy, the content of sessions belongs to the child. This is important for building the trust necessary for effective therapeutic work.
However, parents and guardians will be informed if:
— There are safeguarding concerns about the child.
— The child's safety is at risk.
— There is information a parent or guardian needs in order to keep the child safe.
For young people assessed as Gillick competent, confidentiality is treated in the same way as for adult clients, unless a safeguarding concern arises.
Clinical Supervision
As a BACP registered practitioner, Zara O'Brien engages in regular clinical supervision. Aspects of the therapeutic work may be discussed in supervision to ensure the highest standard of care. No identifying details are ever disclosed to the supervisor.
Third Party Information
Information shared about third parties — for example, a parent sharing information about a child, or a client discussing a family member — is held with the same care and discretion as direct client information.
Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions about confidentiality, please raise them before or at the start of therapy. Any concerns about how your information has been handled should be directed to Zara O'Brien at hello@childrenspsychology.co.uk in the first instance, or to the BACP at bacp.co.uk.
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