Keeping Things Safe:
Though I do all that I can to keep things safe for my clients, the nature of our digital world brings with it some unavoidable risks that I have sought to minimise. I regularly review these points and update them as necessary, publishing them here in an open and transparent manner. Should you have any concerns on your end, I am happy to discuss them and make reasonable adjustments as necessary. Issues related to GDPR or general data protection are addressed in a separate document.
Communications:
Email:
I do not use email encryption as I have found that most of my clients have been comfortable enough using traditional email servers. By engaging via email we both accept the risks that entails including the fact that emails may be vulnerable to viruses or human error. For this reason, it is best to be thoughtful about what you include in emails to me, and which email address you choose to use with me (e.g. a private personal email address is ideal). Ideally emails should be used only for non-confidential communications like logistics (e.g. setting up an appointment time). Material that you consider private and confidential should be avoided in emails unless we discuss it in advance. I will request your preferred email address from our first session.
If you choose to communicate with me by email, be aware that all emails are retained in the logs of Internet Service Providers. Furthermore, they can be vulnerable to viruses and unintended forwarding or replication. If you are concerned about the confidentiality of your emails, you may wish to contact me by telephone instead.
I check emails only at fixed times during office hours – I avoid checking them on weekends and holidays. I endeavour to respond to all emails within 24 hours upon opening them. If I am away for an extended period, you will receive an automated response. Emails should never be used in the event of an emergency; in which case you should contact emergency services.
Text or voice messages:
You may feel free to leave a message to alert me if you are running late for a session or for similar logistical reasons. As with emails, it is best to keep private and personal material out of text or voice messages.
Phone and Video Conferencing:
I offer both face to face and remote consultations. If we are meeting each other remotely, I generally use Zoom and I will provide you with a link in advance. When engaging via video conferencing, we both agree not to record sessions. It is also crucial that you’re sure your environment from which you are conferencing with me is safe, secure, and private. If, for whatever reason, your privacy may be compromised, please let me know straight away. If we encounter any technical difficulties, I will contact you another way – usually via WhatsApp.
Emergencies: Psychotherapy is not an emergency service and I may not be able to respond to you in an emergency. Should you experience an emergency please contact the most appropriate emergency services. If you are feeling suicidal please ring The Samaritans: 116 123, go to your nearest A&E, or ring 999. If you feel that this may be an issue, please discuss it with me straight away.
Public Platforms:
Social Media:
I have private social media accounts and accounts to do with my other role as an artist, which are public. While I do not accept “friend requests” from clients I realise that there can be some overlap across social networks, and that this sometimes comes to light online. If this were the case it would be something I would like us to discuss in session. I am also a member of a number of online groups many of which are related to therapy and neurodiversity. I do not post on social media under pseudonyms. If there is anything which comes up in relation to this I am very open to discussing it with you in session.
I do not normally (knowingly) follow, link to, or engage with clients (or former clients) on social media unless this is something we have discussed.
I may at times share my own personal thoughts or images on social media where I find it appropriate to do so. If you feel that might impinge on our therapeutic relationship, I suggest that you avoid following me on any form of social media. Either way, should you come across anything that I have posted that causes you concern or distress, please do let me know so we can discuss it.
Google:
I have found it is best to avoid encountering information about you that does not come
directly from you, so I do not normally Google my clients. I am aware, however, that clients will often Google prospective therapists as part of their process in choosing one. If you did so with me, and this produced any questions, I would be happy to address them with you. Going forward, I have found it is best to find out from each other what we need to know face-to-face.