Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship. Everything discussed in sessions is treated with respect and kept confidential.

However, confidentiality is not absolute. There may be circumstances where I am legally or ethically required to share information, including:

  • Where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others
  • Concerns regarding the safety of a child or vulnerable adult
  • Prevention or detection of serious crime such as; Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering or Acts of Terrorism
  • Where disclosure is required by a court of law

Where possible, I will always aim to discuss this with you first. BACP

Professional Standards & Ethical Practice

I am committed to working safely, ethically and professionally.

My practice is informed by the principles and standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework, including respect, integrity, confidentiality, accountability and client wellbeing. Clients should be encouraged to raise concerns early and informed of available complaints processes. BACP

I engage in regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure safe and effective practice.

My BACP Membership Number is: 393193

Data Protection & Privacy (UK GDPR)

I take the protection of your personal information seriously.

In accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, I only collect information necessary to provide counselling services and manage my practice safely and effectively. Therapists are expected to comply with UK GDPR requirements when keeping records and processing client data. BACP

Information may include:

  • Name and contact details
  • Emergency contact information
  • Session notes
  • Assessment information
  • Relevant medical or safeguarding information where appropriate

Your information is stored securely and only retained for as long as necessary in accordance with legal, ethical and insurance requirements.

You have the right to request access to your personal information, request corrections to inaccurate information, and make enquiries about how your information is processed. UK GDPR provides these rights to data subjects. BACP

ICO Registration

As a private practitioner, I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as a Data Controller where required under UK data protection legislation. Counsellors who process identifiable client information are generally required to register with the ICO. BACP

ICO Registration Number: ZB886731

Record Keeping

Brief records may be kept to support the counselling process and to maintain safe and ethical practice.

Records are:

  • Kept securely
  • Protected from unauthorized access
  • Retained only for an appropriate period
  • Disposed of securely when no longer required

Clients have rights regarding access to information held about them, subject to legal and ethical limitations. BACP

Complaints Procedure

I hope that any concerns can be discussed openly and resolved informally wherever possible.

If you have concerns about any aspect of our work together, I encourage you to raise them directly with me so that we can explore them and seek a resolution.

If you remain dissatisfied, you may make a formal complaint in writing.

Complaints can be sent to:

Kelly Lawrence
Counselling With Kelly
enquiries@counsellingwithkelly.co.uk

I will acknowledge receipt of your complaint and aim to respond within 14 days.

If a complaint cannot be resolved directly, you may be able to seek guidance from my professional body or relevant regulatory organisations where appropriate. The BACP Ethical Framework encourages practitioners to provide information about applicable complaints processes. BACP

Contact

If you have any questions regarding privacy, confidentiality, or how your information is managed, please contact:

Kelly Lawrence
Counselling With Kelly
Enquiries@counsellingwithkelly.co.uk
07539 725 408