Code of ethics:

Fatima Syedain is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Member of College of Sexual & Relationship Therapists United Kingdom. She is an certified EMDR practitioner. She subscribes to the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions.

Confidentiality:

Confidentiality is an essential part of all counselling and psychotherapy. It underpins the client's sense of safety and trust and contributes to making the therapeutic relationship different from any other. The Therapy Practice holds all records securely and will ensure confidentiality in the treatment of any information held about its clients. All information recorded and held is solely for the purpose of maintaining effective therapeutic treatment. Please see Confidentiality and Data Recording for a more detailed account.

All information will be kept confidential unless the client and therapist agree to discuss something with a third party. Where appropriate a consent form will be used. The only reasons for breaking confidentiality would be if the therapist considered that your life was at risk, if another person's life was at risk or if the therapist was liable to civil or criminal court proceedings if the information was not disclosed. If at all possible this would be discussed beforehand.

Anti-discrimination policy:

I am strongly committed to anti-discrimination. My practice values difference and diversity and does not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender and gender identity, sexual preference or orientation, marital/partnership status, religion, race, colour, national origin, disability, heritage or political belief.

Cancellation Invoices and and missed session policy:

If for any reason you are unable to attend your appointment please let us know as soon as possible. The required notice for cancellation is 48 hours. Where there is less notice of cancellation or if you do not attend your appointment you will be charged the full fee. With adequate advanced notice, where possible, you may be offered an alternative appointment. You will be given as much advance notice as possible in terms of the holidays or needing to cancel your appointment for any other reason. With the exception of the first session, I invoice retrospectively and kindly ask clients to pay their invoice within five days of presentation.

Referrals to other Practitioners:

All associate therapists are independent and self employed as practitioners who are regulated by their respective member organisations. Associate therapists will have their own individual terms and conditions. For any referral that is made it is important to check on these contractual arrangements and to appraise yourself fully of all agreements and expectations between yourself and the associate therapist. All associate practitioners operate independently of my practice, and I will not be responsible for any issues that arise subsequent to an agreed referral. Any concerns should be raised directly with the associate therapist or with their member organisation. It is strongly advised that if you are concerned about any aspect of your physical or psychological well being that you consult with your GP for an up to date evaluation of your health needs.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping:

Confidentiality is an essential part of all counselling and psychotherapy. We hold all records and personal contact details securely and will ensure confidentiality in the treatment of any information held about our clients, in line with the Code of Ethics of the BACP. All information recorded and held is solely for the purpose of maintaining effective therapeutic treatment.

What data do I hold and why?

I hold the contact data from your initial assessment sheet, on paper, so that I can contact you. I record information about what you tell me in our sessions depending on the protocol we are using. Often, I record only brief notes and these act as an 'aide memoire' so that I can review the course of your therapy as time progresses. For some specific protocols, such as EMDR I complete an electronic template. I record the number of sessions you have and the payments you make for business purposes. None of these records involve your full name or other details. I will discuss with you how you like to be contacted, and it is important that while you remain a client you notify me if any of these details change.

How is it stored?

Most session notes are held on paper and kept locked securely when not in use. Data held electronically is on a personal computer and stored locally in a password protected account. Phone contact details are held on a password protected work phone. I record appointments on paper in my computer diary, and data about the number of sessions and the payments you make electronically. Your records are held for as long as is necessary for the purpose for which they were collected. Clients have the 'right to be forgotten' however, and within a month of receiving a written request all their records will be erased.

Who is it shared with?

All information will be kept confidential unless the client and therapist agree to discuss something with a third party such as your GP. Where appropriate a consent form will be used. The only reasons for breaking confidentiality would be if the therapist considered that your life was at risk, if another person’s life was at risk or if the therapist was liable to civil or criminal court proceedings if the information was not disclosed. If at all possible this would be discussed beforehand. In the event of my being unable to contact you (eg through sudden incapacity) a trusted person has access to my client list and will contact you directly. This is also a professional requirement. If I experience any data breaches, I will inform you as soon as possible.

Access:
Clients can access their records by making a verbal or written request. Clients agreement and consent will be sought for the purpose of communication related to their therapy arrangement. If I experience any data breaches, I will inform you as soon as possible.