Confidentiality:
Viv maintains confidentiality in accordance with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Code of Ethics) in order to ensure safe and open exploration of the concerns that have brought you to therapy (see www.bacp.co.uk for more detail). Viv is bound by their Code of Ethics.
Data Protection Act:
This Code also applies to the keeping of client records, Viv takes notes during the session, which enables Viv to bring a more accurate summary to each session which is built upon as the session’s progress. Viv is a “data controller” for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998 and (from 25th May 2018) the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (“Data Protection Law”). This means that Viv is responsible for, and control the processing of, your personal information. Only Viv has access to these records. Records of sessions are kept for a duration of seven years, after which time they are destroyed. Viv will never share your personal information with organisations so that they can contact you for any marketing activities. You have the legal right to access your personal information, held by your therapist. This right is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Upon request, the hand-written notes are typed on Viv’s computer, placed as an attachment, and sent to the clients e mail address. Once Viv receives word that the client has received the file, Viv deletes all information on the computer. The only records Viv then has is the written notes taken from the sessions.
Viv receives regular supervision in accordance with the BACP Code of Ethics in order to provide the best possible service to you. Viv’s supervisor abides by the same standards of confidentiality.
Exceptions to Confidentiality:
Viv must pass on any information to the relevant authorities in cases where human safety is concerned including the following cases:
- If you threaten harm to yourself or to another person
- If we believe a child or protected adult is at risk of harm or abuse
- If the courts instruct us to give information
- If you share information about a proposed act of terrorism or other illegal act
If Viv feels that either you or someone else is in danger or at risk of harm, Viv would first endeavour to discuss with you her decision for breaking confidentiality. Depending on the circumstances this may be to your General Practitioner (GP), a Social Worker and/or the Police. However, Viv retains the right to break confidentiality without prior consultation with you should Viv consider that the urgency of the situation requires her to act immediately to safeguard the physical safety of yourself or others.
In certain cases, you, the client, may request that Viv shares information concerning you. In these cases Viv requires written permission from you before she can carry out your request.
Sessions:
Sessions last one counselling hour which is 50 minutes and are usually every week, at a time suitable to you and within Viv’s hours of work. It is expected that the session will begin at the agreed time. Any session that begins after this time due to late client arrival for whatever reason cannot be extended beyond the agreed finish time.
Contact between sessions:
In instances where you need to contact Viv between sessions, calls can be made to 07931440335. If Viv is unable to take your call, please leave a message or send a text message. Viv will respond to any queries at her earliest availability within her working hours. Alternatively, you can contact Viv on [email protected]
Cancellations:
If for any reason Viv cancels a session Viv will aim to provide you with 48 hours’ notice. When possible Viv will try to offer you an alternative time. Likewise Viv asks where possible, that you give 48 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend. In the event of a serious accident, emergency, or other similar situation outside your control, please deal with your situation first and notify Viv at the earliest convenient time, or Viv will follow up with you typically within 24 to 48 hours of the missed appointment.
Holidays:
Viv will give you a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice of any planned holiday dates when unavailable. Viv requires (where possible) at least 2 weeks’ notice from you.
Number of Sessions:
The duration of therapy is at the discretion of the client, this is a very important facet of the empowerment programme where the client is in control. An initial 6 to 12 sessions is advised initially, as this helps to build the therapeutic relation.
Methods of Payment:
Sessions fees are £55 per counselling hour
Method of payment accepted: cheque – cash – bank transfer – pay pal.
Cheques are made payable to V Zicari
Payment is requested prior to the session.
Invoices are sent weekly.
