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Confidentiality Agreement

This Confidentiality Agreement outlines the principles of privacy and confidentiality that underpin our therapeutic work together at Becoming Mother. It is designed to create a safe and trusting space for you to engage in psychotherapy, knowing that what you share will be held with the utmost care and respect.

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1. The Principle of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our therapeutic relationship. This means that, with the exceptions outlined below, anything you discuss in our sessions, any information you share, and the fact that you are attending therapy with me, will be kept strictly confidential. My commitment to confidentiality is guided by the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), of which I am a registered member.

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2. Scope of Confidentiality

Confidentiality applies to:

  • All verbal communication during our sessions.

  • Any written or digital information you provide to me.

  • My clinical notes and records pertaining to our work.

  • The fact of your attendance in therapy.

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3. Limits to Confidentiality (When Confidentiality May Be Broken)

While confidentiality is paramount, there are specific, limited circumstances where it may need to be breached. These exceptions are in place for your safety, the safety of others, or due to legal obligations. I will always aim to discuss any potential breach with you first, if it is safe and legally permissible to do so.

  • Risk of Serious Harm: If I believe there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or to another identifiable person. My ethical duty of care requires me to take appropriate action, which may include contacting relevant emergency services or authorities.

  • Safeguarding Concerns: If I receive information that leads me to believe a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of significant harm or abuse.

  • Legal Obligation: If I am compelled by a court of law to disclose information (e.g., a court order).

  • Clinical Supervision: As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, I engage in regular clinical supervision with a qualified and experienced supervisor. This is an ethical requirement of my professional body (BACP) and is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of my practice. In supervision, your case may be discussed to gain professional insight and support, but your identity will always be fully anonymised. My supervisor is also bound by strict confidentiality.

  • Professional Consultation: In rare instances, I may consult with other trusted mental health professionals to ensure I am providing you with the best possible care. Your identity will always be protected during such consultations.

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4. Data Protection

My commitment to your privacy extends to how I handle and store your personal data. All your information is managed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant data protection laws in the UK. For full details on how your personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected, please refer to my comprehensive Privacy Policy available on my website.

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5. Your Role in Confidentiality

To maintain the integrity of the therapeutic space, I kindly ask that you also respect the confidentiality of our sessions. This includes refraining from recording sessions (audio or video) without explicit prior agreement.

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6. Agreement

By engaging in therapy with Laura Southwick at Becoming Mother, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Confidentiality Agreement.

Laura Southwick Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, ‘Becoming Mother’

Client Name: _________________________

Client Signature: _________________________

Date: _________________________

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