Confidentiality in Counselling: What Stays Private?

Confidentiality in counselling means protecting what you share in therapy, with specific ethical and legal exceptions. Your counsellor should explain these limits before you begin.

An initial phone or online consultation is an opportunity to ask about confidentiality and see how it feels to talk to your chosen counsellor.

How do counsellors protect your confidentiality?

Members of professional bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) must follow their organisation’s ethical standards, including protecting client confidentiality.

In my practice, I won’t greet you outside the therapy setting unless you greet me first. This protects your privacy and avoids putting you in a position where you need to explain how we know each other. I also use G.D.P.R compliant, password protected, practice management software for your personal details and session notes. I am registered with the I.C.O. 

When can confidentiality in counselling be broken?

Confidentiality is not absolute. Your counselling agreement should explain the limits before sessions begin. Information may need to be disclosed to protect you or someone else from serious harm, meet safeguarding responsibilities, or comply with a legal requirement, such as a court order. Where safe and possible, your counsellor should discuss a proposed disclosure with you first.

Ask about confidentiality before starting counselling

No question is too small. If you’re unsure about the confidentiality agreement or when information might be shared, ask your counsellor to explain before you agree to the terms.

I welcome questions during our initial conversation and afterwards. You don’t need to remember everything at once.

Thinking about counselling but worried about confidentiality? Contact me at Incus Counselling for an initial conversation. I’ll explain how I protect your privacy and answer your questions.