At Toni Denton Counselling & Coaching, confidentiality is one of the foundations of the therapeutic relationship. I understand that people are often sharing deeply personal thoughts, experiences and emotions, and I aim to provide a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space where you can do this with confidence.

This policy explains how confidentiality works, the rare situations where information may need to be shared, and how your personal information is protected.

My commitment to confidentiality

Everything you share during counselling or coaching is treated with respect and kept confidential.

This includes:

• Information you provide before your first appointment.
• What we discuss during sessions.
• Your personal details.
• Session notes.
• Emails and messages relating to your appointments.
• Any reports or documents you ask me to prepare.

Confidentiality helps create the trust that is essential for effective counselling and coaching.

Professional standards

I work in accordance with:

• The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework.
• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
• Data Protection Act 2018.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Applicable safeguarding legislation.

These standards require me to protect your privacy while also acting responsibly where safety or legal obligations arise.

When confidentiality may need to be broken

Although confidentiality is extremely important, there are a small number of situations where I may need to share information without your consent.

These include situations where:

• Serious risk of harm- I believe there is a serious and immediate risk that you may seriously harm yourself or another person.
• Safeguarding concerns- I become concerned that a child, young person or vulnerable adult is experiencing abuse, neglect or is at risk of significant harm.
• Legal requirements- A court orders disclosure of information or another legal obligation requires information to be shared.
• Serious crime- Where disclosure is necessary to help prevent or detect serious crime, in accordance with legal requirements. Wherever possible, I will discuss the situation with you before sharing information unless doing so would increase the level of risk or prevent appropriate safeguarding action.
• Clinical supervision- To maintain safe and ethical practice, I attend regular professional clinical supervision.

During supervision: Client work may be discussed anonymously. Your full name is not normally used.

Identifying details are removed wherever possible. Supervisors are professionally qualified and bound by confidentiality. Supervision exists to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

Record keeping

I keep brief, factual records of our work together.

These may include:

• appointment dates;
• attendance;
• brief session summaries;
• agreed goals;
• risk information where appropriate;
• correspondence relating to appointments.

Records are stored securely and are only accessed where necessary for the delivery of counselling or coaching.

Storage of information

Your personal information is stored using secure systems designed to protect confidentiality.

Appropriate measures include:

• password-protected devices;
• encrypted software where available;
• secure practice management systems;
• restricted access to client records.

Paper records, where used, are stored securely.

AI and confidentiality

I use artificial intelligence (AI) only for limited administrative and creative tasks.

I do not upload:

• counselling session notes;
• coaching conversations;
• client recordings;
• identifiable client information;
• confidential personal information

to AI systems.

Further information is available in my How AI Supports My Practice statement.

Online counselling and coaching

Where sessions take place online, every effort is made to use secure platforms.

Clients are encouraged to:

• join sessions from a private space;
• use headphones where possible;
• ensure other people cannot overhear conversations;
• keep their own devices secure.

While online platforms use encryption and security measures, no internet-based technology can ever be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Communication outside sessions

Email, text message and telephone communication are generally limited to:

• arranging appointments;
• cancellations;
• administrative matters;
• sharing agreed resources.

Please avoid sending highly sensitive or urgent personal information via email unless necessary.

Email should not be relied upon in a mental health emergency.

Reports and letters

Where you request reports, letters or supporting documents:

• they are prepared using my professional judgement;
• you may be charged a separate fee where appropriate;
• information is only shared with third parties with your consent unless required by law.

Working with organisations

If counselling or coaching has been funded by an employer, insurer or another organisation:

• our conversations remain confidential;
• information is not routinely shared with the organisation;
• any reports or attendance information will only be shared with your knowledge and agreement unless legally required.

Access to your information

Under UK GDPR you have rights relating to your personal information, including the right to request access to information held about you.

Some information may be withheld where disclosure could cause serious harm or where legal exemptions apply.

Further information is available in the Client Privacy Notice.

Emergencies

Toni Denton Counselling & Coaching is not a crisis service.

If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger:

• Call 999.
• Attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department.
• Contact your local NHS Crisis Team.
• Contact NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.

Questions

If you have any questions about confidentiality before, during or after counselling or coaching, please ask.

I believe understanding how confidentiality works is an important part of feeling safe, informed and able to engage fully in our work together.