Data Policy

This digital policy aims to address and contain the most likely eventualities that may arise by way of digital exposure, also with reference to maintaining privacy and data protection. This document acknowledges the complex world of digital media and tries its best to address issues that may impact the therapeutic relationship. The guidelines are based on my own research and the choices I have made with regard to my own online activities; I am open to changing my positions on it. In the meantime, I ask all my clients to read through this document so they can be familiar with these positions.

 

My media activities:

Please be aware that a part of my working life outside my therapy practice is in the public domain. I am an author, trainer and public speaker with a various public and media role. As part of this work, I maintain an active social media presence. Online resources such as Instagram enable me to reach a broad swathe of people to whom I can communicate psychological concepts, ideas and theories that I hope can be useful in their lives. I hold my duty of care and confidentiality to my psychotherapy clients and supervisees as sacrosanct and consider my media work to be related to, but completely separate from my clinical work.

 

Keeping Boundaries:

The nature of an online presence can blur interpersonal boundaries, so it is important to be as clear as possible about how boundaries may be compromised. As a general rule, I like to keep clinical work in the consultation room as much as possible. However, the nature of the digital world can sometimes stretch these boundaries, so I offer the best clarity I can below.

 

Data Protection:

If you are a client or supervisee, I will ask you to read my GDPR compliant data protection policy – a copy of which can be seen at the end of this page.

 

Email:

 I am not currently using an e-mail encryption programme, so any emails we send to each other 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. Often, it is best to rely on email for non-confidential communications like setting up appointment times and things like that. In an effort to keep confidential and psychological material “in the room” it is best avoided in emails unless we discuss it beforehand. I will use your initial 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 48 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.

 

Invoicing:

I use MIcrosoft Word to process my invoices that are then sent out to your chosen e-mail address. If you would prefer not to receive these invoices by email, please let me know and I can bring you a printed copy at the beginning of each calendar month.

 

Text messages:

You may feel free to contact me by text message to alert me if you are running late for a session or for similar reasons. However, because of the lack of context of text messages, it is generally not the best method for communicating with me about more important matters, so please do phone and leave me a message. As a private practitioner I am unable to offer an emergency service, even by phone. Should you experience an emergency please contact either the emergency services or if you are feeling suicidal, ring The Samaritans: 116 123. If you feel that this may be an issue, please discuss it with me.

 

Telephone and Skype:

I offer remote sessions. I use the Zoom video conferencing system, which is fully encrypted. Should we ever decide to work together remotely I will give you further instructions about how to join. 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.

 

Social Media:

I maintain a private Facebook page, and a public Instagram as a way of promoting psychological ideas through the media, and to make people aware of workshops, conferences, or other events that I may be taking part in, or that might be of interest to followers. I frequently send across relevant links and sometimes engage in public conversations on these topics. Despite my online presence, I would prefer that our relationship remain as much as possible between us in the therapy room, therefore I will not knowingly engage with clients over social media. Whether you follow me or not is of course to your discretion, though I would suggest for reasons of confidentiality and preserving our therapeutic relationship that it’s advisable not to. I, like many others, maintain a private Facebook account for personal reasons. I aim to keep my Facebook as private as possible, and it would not be appropriate to be Facebook “friends” with former or current clients. I acknowledge that there can be some overlap across social networks, and that this sometimes comes to light on Facebook. If this were the case, it would be something we would need to discuss in session.