Confidentiality
I take special care to treat your data responsibly and in accordance with GDPR. I maintain confidentiality appropriate to the professional standards of my Counselling, Psychotherapy, Supervision and Facilitation practices.
The information that I am required to gather and retain will include your contact details, contact details of a support person and/or organisation, medication and medical support details (if relevant). I also keep a record of appointment dates, session notes, written/typed communications, and any other details that may be necessary to the delivery of a high quality of service. All this is retained with full GDPR compliance.
While this information is maintained under confidentiality, there are limits to the level of confidentiality provided.
In the course of Counselling, Psychotherapy, Supervision or Facilitation, if I receive any information that leaves me with reasonable grounds of concern that a person I am working with is at risk of harming themselves or harming another person, then I am required to share that information with relevant medical supports, personal supports, and any other supports relevant to the safety of persons involved.
In the course of Counselling, Psychotherapy, Supervision or Facilitation, if I receive any information that leaves me with reasonable grounds of concern that a person who is currently a child is currently at risk of harm now or in the future, I may be required to refer that information to Tusla, who are the Child and Family Agency in the Irish State. Such a referral would be made regardless of whether any persons are identifiable by the relevant information I receive.
I attend Supervision with a qualified, accredited and experienced Supervisor as a standard process in my practice. I discuss my Counselling, Psychotherapy, Supervision and Facilitation work with my Supervisor and those conversations are also boundaried by professional confidentiality. They are focussed on my maintaining the highest standards in my practice and supporting my own personal and professional development through both my life and my work. I bring to Supervision the issues that arise for me during my practice and the delivery of Service. I ensure that there is no identifiable information shared during those confidential conversations.
I am legally required to retain any information that I record on file arising from my Counselling, Psychotherapy, Supervision and Facilitation Practice for a period of ten years from time of data entry, upon which time all the information that I have on file will be destroyed securely, according to GDPR guidelines.
I do not provide reports or letters of support for any legal process as part of my service. However, if you wish to have access to a copy of your file, or any part of your file, please send me a written request, including photo identification, and outlining in your request the specific information you wish to have a copy of, the reason for your request, and the format you want the information in, paper or digital. I will then respond and fulfil your request in as timely a manner and as completely as is possible.
Be assured that your information is securely held with deep respect and if you wish to discuss this matter at any stage please be sure to contact me.