Digital Policy
This document acknowledges the complex world of digital media and addresses what that means for a therapeutic setting. I have written this policy based on my experiences and am happy to discuss any aspects of it.
Keeping boundaries
It is important to be clear about the boundaries of therapy and generally it is best to keep the therapy within the therapeutic sessions as far as possible. However, the digital world can stretch these boundaries and so I have endeavoured to clarify what this means.
Data Protection:
If you are a client or supervisee, you will have already been asked to sign a consent form based on the privacy policy – a copy of which can be found here...
Keeping boundaries
It is important to be clear about the boundaries of therapy and generally it is best to keep the therapy within the therapeutic sessions as far as possible. However, the digital world can stretch these boundaries and so I have endeavoured to clarify what this means.
Data Protection:
If you are a client or supervisee, you will have already been asked to sign a consent form based on the privacy policy – a copy of which can be found here...
Emails
I do not use an email encryption programme for general emails, so any emails that are sent may be vulnerable to viruses or human error. For this reason, it is best to be thoughtful about what you decide to include in emails and which email address you choose to use with me. It may be best to rely on email only for setting up appointment times and things of that nature. 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 at weekends and holidays. I endeavour to respond to all emails within 24 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 that case you should contact emergency services.
I use email to send out invoices to your chosen email address. If you would prefer to receive these by post, please let me know.
I check emails only at fixed times during office hours – I avoid checking them at weekends and holidays. I endeavour to respond to all emails within 24 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 that case you should contact emergency services.
I use email to send out invoices to your chosen email address. If you would prefer to receive these by post, please let me know.
Text Messages
You may wish to contact me by text message to alert me if you are running late for a session for example. However, because of the lack of context of text messages, it is not generally the best method for communicating about more important or complex matters, so please do phone and leave me a message, if I am not available I will call back when I am able.
Telephone and Video Conferencing
While I do not generally run my practice remotely, there may be times when we have a session by telephone or video conferencing. Any such sessions will be discussed in advance and if we 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 feel confident that the environment from which you are conferencing is safe and secure.
Internet Searches
I consider it is best to avoid encountering information about you that does not come directly from you, so in general practice I do not search the internet for information about my clients. I am aware, however, that clients may look for information online about prospective therapists as part of their process of choice.
Once working therapeutically, I have found it is best to find out from each other what we need to know during sessions.
Once working therapeutically, I have found it is best to find out from each other what we need to know during sessions.
