We believe a high degree of confidentiality is essential and we respect your right to a confidential service.  This means that what you say to us at GAP will not be discussed outside this agency.  We will not tell anyone that you are a client here, or tell anyone anything about you without your permission.

If you were referred by a professional

If you have been referred to us by a professional (e.g. G.P, Probation Officer etc.) we would confirm whether we have seen you.  We will not divulge the content of counselling sessions to anyone without your permission.  You will be asked at the initial session if you are happy for us to let your referrer know that you are attending and when you decide to stop attending, if the professional requests this information.

The limits of the confidentiality

In certain circumstances a counsellor may have to break confidentiality, for example if there is a risk of harm to someone else, or if a person is going to drink and drive or if legally obliged to do so by a court.  We will always try to discuss with you what action we are going to take in this type of situation.

Supervision of Counsellors

As part of our counsellors' development and supervision we will share information with other team members.  However, we shall always do this with consideration and great care. 

Taping of sessions

In order to ensure good practice and for the purposes of supervision, you may be asked by your counsellor if she or he can audio tape the session.  The tape will be treated in the strictest confidence and will be destroyed after use in supervision.  You will always be asked for your permission to tape and no taping will take place without your consent.

What if you know someone who works at GAP?

If a counsellor at GAP knows you personally, s/he will not be given any information about you and will not counsel you.

Note keeping

Following your counselling session, your counsellor will make brief factual notes, which will be kept in your file.  These notes are kept secure in the GAP office.  You are free to read these notes at any time, simply ask your counsellor.