Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling and helps create a safe and trusting therapeutic space. Everything shared in counselling is treated with respect and kept confidential in line with the BACP Ethical Framework and relevant legal and safeguarding responsibilities.

What you share in sessions will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent. Personal information is stored securely and handled in accordance with data protection and privacy regulations.

For children and young people, confidentiality is explained in an age-appropriate way. While parents or carers may wish to know what is discussed in sessions, the child or young person's privacy is respected wherever possible to support trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship.

Limits to Confidentiality

There are some situations where confidentiality may need to be broken. This would only happen when there is:

• A risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else
• A safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable person
• A legal requirement to disclose information

If a concern arises, I will always aim to discuss this with you (or with the young person, where appropriate) before sharing information, unless doing so would increase risk.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is about protecting the wellbeing and safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. I have a professional duty to act if there are concerns about abuse, neglect, or significant harm. In such cases, information may be shared with relevant services or professionals to ensure appropriate support and protection.

I work collaboratively and transparently wherever possible, keeping your wellbeing at the centre of any decisions made.