My belief is in the blood and flesh as being wiser than the intellect. The body-unconscious is where life bubbles up in us. It is how we know that we are alive, alive to the depths of our souls and in touch somewhere with the vivid reaches of the cosmos.
D.H. Lawrence
Your rights
Throughout your therapy, you can talk with me and freely discuss the creative process. Such comments will be taken seriously and handled with care and respect. You may also request that I refer you to another therapist and are free to end therapy at any time. You have the right to considerate, safe and respectful care, without discrimination as to race, ethnicity, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or source of payment. You have the right to ask questions about any aspect of therapy and about my specific training and experience. You have the right to expect that I will not have social or sexual relationships with clients or former clients.
All information that you share with me in sessions will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Because I am not a medical practitioner, it is a requirement of us working together that I have the name and contact details of your GP. If I need to contact them, I would always endeavour to speak to you first.
This confidence will be maintained and applied to any and all records and personal art work in accordance with the Data Protection Act, except in the following instances:
- Where the client gives consent for the confidence to be broken. This includes your agreement for me to use anonymous information about your case for my academic studies, including all art work produced and sections of recorded information. This also includes talking to my supervisor about aspects of our work together. Anonymity is strictly adhered to. Supervision is an integral part of my work, endeavouring to enhance our sessions and keep us both safe.
- Where the therapist is compelled by a court of law.
- Where the information is 'of such gravity that confidentiality cannot be maintained' BACP Code of Ethics. This usually means a situation where the therapist considers the client in imminent danger to themselves or others.
I would always attempt to speak to you first before breaking confidentiality. In the case of my sudden death or incapacity I have appointed a Counselling Executor for informing my clients, ensuring referrals and the destruction of any case notes, art images or tapes.
I adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct of IATE, the UKCP, HCPC and BACP. You are welcome to see a copy of these Codes at any time; they also give you information about complaints procedures.
