Frequently Asked Questions
 

If I book an appointment, can I change it?

Of course.  I do understand that emergencies, illnesses or changes of plans happen.  However, I do reserve the right to charge 50% of the fee if less than 24 hours notice is given, and 100% of the fee if less than 12 hours notice is given.  Where possible, I will try to reschedule at a time that suits you.

Is everything I say in a session confidential?

I have a duty to keep the content of our sessions confidential.  I may sometimes discuss client work with my supervisor, but if I do, no identifying details are given.  I would refer only to whoever I was discussing as 'my client'.  There are some legal exceptions to confidentiality, and these can be found on the BACP website.  If I were to become seriously concerned for your welfare, or that of another person, and believed that serious harm may occur, I reserve the right to contact your GP.  If I were to do this, I would endeavour to talk to you about this first of all.  

Do I have to sign a contract with you to work with you?

If possible, I will send you out a copy of my 'working agreement' by email before our first appointment.  If that is not possible, I will give you a copy when we first meet.  Our first session will include answering any questions that you may have and checking that you are happy with the way I work.  I will ask you to sign the agreement, and then if there are any questions further down the line, we can refer back to it. However my working agreement in no way commits you to working with me, to any specific number of sessions or for any specified time.  You can see me for one session, or for as many sessions as you feel are helpful to you.

Do you ever refer to another counsellor?

There are times when I am not the right counsellor to work with a client.  This might be because it becomes apparent that we are connected in some way, or that they need a specific type of therapy eg: CBT. In these cases I might suggest that you see someone else, and I am always more than happy to signpost you to someone more able to work with you.  Because I work within the BACP's Ethical Framework (www.bacp.co.uk/ethicalframework), I am obliged to work within my competence and training. If I felt you needed a different therapist to work with, I would discuss this with you and support you in finding someone appropriate.

What qualifications do you have in counselling?

I have a first class honours degree in Person Centred Counselling through the University of Brighton and I have a certificate in Counselling Supervision from the OCN. I hold a Specialist Certificate from the London School of Clinical Communication and Hypnosis in EMDR and Psychological Trauma.

As a registered member of BACP, all of the courses that I have completed have to be accredited with them and deemed to be of a level of learning that is appropriate for their members.

Complaints

If at any time you are unhappy about an aspect of our work together, I hope that in the first instance you will speak to me.  However if you do not feel able to do that, or want to take it further, I am happy to pass you the contact details of my supervisor, or you can contact the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (www.BACP.co.uk) where you will be supported through their clients complaints procedure.

Data Protection and Sharing of Information

Your privacy is protected in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which fall within the Data Protections Act 2018.

Linda Potter Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy will explain how I use your personal data, so that you are informed and in control of your information. I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office ICO.

Data that I collect about you

This includes information that you gave when communicating with Linda Potter. I will have your full name, date of birth, pronouns and contact details, some details for an ‘emergency contact’ person and the name and address of your GP.  This information is stored separately from any client notes I may write.

Data storage

I keep very brief client notes on all sessions that we have together. These are stored separately from your personal details and are coded, so your name is not ever used. Your email address will be held electronically for the duration of our work together. I will never sell or share your personal data.  

Length of storage

Records will be kept for the length of our work together and thereafter for a minimum of 7 years. This is a requirement of my professional insurance. Please do ask me if you would like to know what information I hold about you.

Changes to this privacy policy

To ensure that this privacy policy remains up to date it will be reviewed yearly in June, and ammended as necessary.

In the event of my death or serious incapacity, I have created a Clinical Will which will allow my supervisor to have access to your contact details only, in order to ensure you are aware of the situation and, if necessary, supported in finding further counselling support.

If you have any questions, either before, during or after we work together, please do not hesitate to ask me.