Being Professional

My role as your therapist:

• I offer a safe, confidential space where you can speak openly about what’s on your mind.

• I follow the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

• I’m fully insured and committed to ongoing professional development, including regular supervision.

• I work online (usually via Microsoft Teams), and I’ll always try to make sessions feel as supportive and grounded as possible — even from a distance.

Your part in our sessions:

• Please join our sessions alcohol- and drug-free (unless it’s prescribed medication).

• Try to find a private, quiet spot with a stable internet connection — somewhere you feel comfortable.

• You might want to have a drink, some tissues, or a blanket nearby — whatever helps you feel at ease.

About sessions:

• Each session lasts up to 60 minutes, usually held on Teams. If something technical goes wrong, we can try reconnecting or switch to a phone call if needed.

• I charge £50 per session, and I ask that payments are made in advance by bank transfer.

Cancellations:

• Life happens — if you need to cancel, please give me more than 24 hours’ notice, and I’ll do my best to offer another time.

• If it’s less than 24 hours, the full fee is usually payable, as I can’t offer the slot to someone else on short notice.

• If I ever need to cancel due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, I won’t charge and will aim to reschedule with you.

Confidentiality:

• What we talk about stays between us. There are just a few exceptions — for example, if I’m seriously concerned about your safety or someone else’s, or if I’m required to share information by law.

• I discuss my work in regular supervision (a professional requirement), but I never share names or identifying details.

• I don’t record sessions, and I ask that you don’t either — this helps keep our work private and respectful.

If something doesn’t feel right:

• I hope you’ll feel comfortable bringing any concerns into our sessions. But you can also contact the BACP for independent advice or support.

Gender, Sexuality & Relationship Diversity

Trans & Gender Diversity Scientific Factors – GIRES
Gender Across the Lifespan – Pink Therapy
Defining Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity Therapy – Pink Therapy

Trauma & Attachment

Bessel van der Kolk on How the Body Keeps the Score – PESI
Trauma & the Body: Dissociation & Somatisation – Carolyn Spring
Working with Relational Trauma & Disorganised Attachment – Carolyn Spring
Working with Shame – Carolyn Spring
Child Sexual Abuse: Hope for Healing – Carolyn Spring

Suicide, Self-Harm & Mental Health

Dealing with Distress: Suicide & Self-Harm – Carolyn Spring
Suicide Awareness for Everyone  – SafeTALK
Mental Health First Aider – MHFA England
Level 2 Awareness of Mental Health Problems – Rotherham College
Adult Safeguarding – Social Care Institute for Excellence
British Red Cross Foundation Training

Eco-Therapy & Outdoor Practice

Eco-Psychotherapy – Confer
Introduction to Taking Therapy Practice Outdoors – White Peak Wellbeing

I know that sharing personal information takes trust — so I want you to know exactly how I keep your data safe, why I hold certain information, and what your rights are under data protection law.

What is GDPR and why does it matter?

The General Data Protection Regulation (2018) is a law that replaced the older Data Protection Act. It’s there to make sure any personal or sensitive information you share with me — like your name, contact details, or anything we discuss in therapy — is handled safely and kept private. It also covers things like emails or session notes.

How long is my information kept?

I’m insured with Holistic Insurance, who require me to keep client records for seven years after our final session. All records are deleted the following January, in line with insurance guidelines.

What if I don’t want my information kept that long?

You can ask me in writing to delete your records at any time. If you do, I’ll securely destroy paper records and permanently delete any emails or texts. The only thing I’d keep is your written request to delete the records, in case my insurer ever needs proof. If this ever happens, I’ll explain exactly what that involves.

Why do you collect this information in the first place?

I only collect what I need to work safely and well with you — things like a bit of background, relevant medical info, and your emergency contact. I also keep brief notes about our sessions to help guide our work. Your details are never shared without your permission, unless there’s a serious risk involved (more on that below).

My website also uses simple visitor stats — like how many people visit and which country they’re in — but nothing that could ever identify you.

How do you keep my information safe?

I take confidentiality and data security very seriously. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Paper records are stored in a locked cabinet, in a locked room.

• Text messages are on a PIN-protected work phone.

• Emails and documents are stored on a password-protected, encrypted computer.

• Sensitive attachments are encrypted if I ever send them by email.

Will you keep what I say private?

Yes — everything you share in therapy is confidential. The only times I might need to break confidentiality are:

• If I’m seriously concerned about your safety or someone else’s.

• If I’m legally required to share information (e.g. by court order).

Even then, I’d aim to speak with you first wherever possible. I also speak to a supervisor (this is standard and supports good therapy), but I never share anything identifying, and they’re bound by the same confidentiality rules.

What if we bump into each other?

If we happen to see each other out and about, I might smile but won’t start a conversation — that’s just to protect your privacy. You’re welcome to say hi if you like, but I’ll always follow your lead.

Will you ever contact my GP or anyone else?

Only if you give me clear, written permission. For example, I might write to your GP at the start and end of therapy — but only if you’ve signed to say that’s okay.

When confidentiality might need to be broken:

If you told me something that suggested you or someone else was at serious risk of harm, I have a duty of care to take action — which could include contacting emergency services or a GP. This is rare, and I would always try to talk it through with you first.

If I’m ever issued with a police warrant or court order, I’m legally required to share your information.