This document outlines my policy with regards to the use of social media and electronic information. If you have questions about any aspect, please do ask. As technology is constantly evolving this document will be updated accordingly.

‘Friend Requests’

I do not accept friend or contact requests from former or current clients on any social networking site as this may compromise your confidentiality. In addition, this could confuse the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship.

Social Media ‘following’

Social media use between therapist and client can cause confusion around therapeutic boundaries, the maintenance of which are integral to effective therapy.

I may on occasion post on social media as an individual, not a business. I therefore respectfully request that you refrain from following me in this context in order to preserve your therapeutic best interests. Should I notice that you have, I will suggest that we discuss this in our session with the overall aim of to preserving your therapeutic best interests. I will not follow you on social media for the same reasons. 

You are more than welcome to follow my business accounts. However, please bear in mind your own confidentiality and that others may deduce that you are a client of mine from this information.

Interacting

Please do not use public ways of contacting me (e.g. @replies or tagging) as this may compromise your confidentiality. You may use WhatsApp or text to discuss appointment times or other logistics, but not therapeutic issues. Again, this is with your best interests in mind as the latter cannot be kept secure.

Use of Search Engines

I do not routinely Google my clients, but I may very occasionally in a time of crisis. For example, if you had failed to attend a session and I was concerned for your safety I may try to find out about you this way. If I did so, I would tell you about it the next time we meet.

Business Review Sites

Should you find my name and reviews on business review sites, please note that I have not requested this. Businesses often do not get a choice in their listings and clients are free to post whatever they choose on these pages. Due to confidentiality, I cannot comment on anything that is posted. Indeed, anyone (including a competitor) may post anything so it is advisable to be aware that reviews (good or bad) may not be representative of the views of real clients.

It is considered unethical by my professional body (The National Society of Talking Therapies) for me to publish testimonials. This is because the Advertising Standards Authority can if they choose request details to verify them and this could compromise your confidentiality.

Location-based services

If you use location-based services on your phone, you should be aware that others may surmise that you are a therapy client if you are seen as “checking in” at my address.

Email

It is preferable to use email only for logistical contact containing non-sensitive information (e.g. to get a reminder of an appointment time) due to its inherent insecurity.

Phone

As above, texting or WhatsApp messaging may be used for contact about appointment times. This is preferable to making a phone call as it is easier to respond as I cannot answer the phone if I am with another client. Whether phoning or texting, please only do so between the hours of 9am and 6pm.