What can you expect from me regarding confidentiality? 

Confidentiality is crucial to the development of trust in counselling.  It is very important that you feel that you can say anything you want to say, in whatever way you want to say it, with the confidence that you will not be judged or criticised.  I will be working hard to understand what you are saying.  As far as possible, I want to see things through your eyes and to understand what it is that you are feeling. 

I therefore give an undertaking that I will not breach your confidence except in the exceptional circumstance that you say something that causes me to fear that you, or someone else, is at risk of serious harm.  For example, if I am working with someone who is actively suicidal, I will want to liaise with their GP or another health body, to ensure their safety.  These events are exceptional and I have never spoken to anyone outside of the counselling relationship without first discussing this with the client involved. 

I will keep a brief record of our meetings.  The purpose of this is to help me recall previous sessions so that you do not have to repeat yourself unneccessarily.

Please speak to me if you have any concerns about confidentiality.