Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling and psychotherapy. We recognise that seeking therapy is a personal decision, and we are committed to providing a safe, respectful and confidential environment in which you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Your privacy

Everything you discuss with your therapist is treated as confidential. Information shared during therapy will not normally be disclosed to anyone else without your knowledge and consent.

When confidentiality may need to be broken

There are rare situations where a therapist may have a professional or legal duty to share information. These situations include where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, or where disclosure is required by law or a court order.

Wherever possible, your therapist will discuss any proposed disclosure with you before sharing information, unless doing so would increase the risk of harm or is prohibited by law.

Professional standards

All therapists working with Hitchin Counselling & Psychology are professionally trained and work in accordance with the ethical frameworks of their relevant professional organisations. This includes maintaining appropriate standards of confidentiality, record keeping and professional practice.

Clinical supervision

Therapists regularly attend professional clinical supervision as part of good practice. Supervision helps ensure that clients receive safe and effective therapy. Client identities are protected during supervision, and any discussions remain confidential within the professional supervisory relationship.

Records

Therapists maintain brief clinical records where appropriate. These records are stored securely and handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation and professional guidance. For more information about how personal information is handled, please see our Privacy Policy.

Questions

If you have any questions about confidentiality or how information is handled, please speak to your therapist or contact us. We will be happy to explain our approach before therapy begins.

Last updated: July 2026