Total Solace
Flat 1 Henford Court, Henford Hill
Yeovil, BA20 2RA
078959 85600
Total Solace Counselling – Confidentiality and Data Privacy Policy
Confidentiality
Counselling is a confidential process between client and therapist. As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy I adhere to their ethical code of conduct. This binds me by a professional ethic of responsibility not to disclose information given to me by clients. There are few exceptions to this:
· As a counsellor I take my cases to a supervisor. This is an experienced qualified professional who monitors my work to make sure that I am working ethically and responsibly. They are also bound by a code of practice, and you will not be referred to by name, but given a code for reference.
· If there is immediate risk of substantial harm to yourself or others, particularly involving a child where professionals must report any concerns around abuse or serious harm.
· Legal requirements for breaking confidentiality are terrorism, money laundering, or subpoenaed by a court. Please be assured that if I feel I need to disclose information, I will always inform you.
As a reflexologist, I adhere to a code of ethics and must keep up-to-date client records both of your treatment plan and progress, but of your medical history and current medications to ensure that your treatment is tailored to your needs and consent is not required from a specialist or your GP. This not only ensures I have your health and best interests at the forefront of your treatment, but that should anything happen the correct support is obtained. As with counselling, I have a professional ethic of responsibility not to disclose any information that has been supplied by my clients unless to a health professional in the case of an emergency.
Keeping of details and data
Under GDPR legislation and the Data Protection Act I am responsible for any data that I keep about you. I am registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner to hold such data and abide by their accountability framework and policies.
As a counsellor I make notes on our sessions to help me consider ways of helping, supporting and treating you, and to remind me of key details, to ensure I do not forget anything significant to help plan your treatment. These are handwritten and stored securely. No one else has access to these. All devices I use for communication are password protected so that no one can access any contact details, or communication between us.
If having holistic therapy, some medical detail is required to ensure that treatment can commence . Also notes are taken to record any sensitivities or imbalances, or any reactions you may had had during the session. This helps to improve the service you receive and to monitor improvement and progression.
Destruction of records and data
All records and data will be shredded within 2 years of your treatment, unless you request otherwise; for example, in case you wish to have further treatment. If your case might be used for furthering my education, I will ask your permission and ensure all records are anonymised. All information must be stored for a period of 2 years to adhere to Insurance requirements in case of complaint.
Your rights Under the Data Protection Act and GDPR Legislation as of 2018
· You can access a copy and explanation of your personal data that I hold as long as given advance notice of minimum of 48 hours.
· You can request a correction or erasure of data in certain circumstances.
· You can request limiting or ceasing data processing where applicable.
· When applicable, you are entitled to compensation for substantial damage or distress caused by data processing.
Lucy Locket
Counsellor and therapist
Total Solace