Policies | Jonny Lindsay Counselling

Confidentiality

Sessions are confidential. I may discuss aspects of our work anonymously in professional supervision to support safe and ethical practice.

I may need to share relevant information where required by law or a court order, or where there is a serious risk of harm or a safeguarding concern. Wherever safe and practicable, I will discuss this with you beforehand and disclose only what is necessary.

Professional Standards
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. This ensures I work in a way that is safe, ethical, and in your best interests.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

I aim to provide a respectful, inclusive and non-discriminatory service that recognises each person’s identity, culture and circumstances.

I will consider reasonable adjustments to reduce barriers to accessing therapy. Please contact me before booking if you have any accessibility requirements so that we can discuss suitable arrangements, including online sessions where appropriate.

Data Protection (GDPR)

Therapy records are normally retained for six years after counselling ends. This reflects my professional and insurance-related responsibilities. Records are then securely destroyed unless there is a clear reason to retain them for longer.

Further information about how I collect, use, store and protect personal information, and about your data protection rights, is provided in my full Privacy Notice.

Social Media Policy

To protect confidentiality and professional boundaries, I do not connect with current or former clients through personal social media accounts.

Please do not tag or mention me in posts relating to therapy. Appointment communication should use our agreed contact methods rather than social media messages.

Emergency and Crisis Situations

My practice is not a crisis service. For immediate support, please contact emergency services or a relevant crisis hotline. (see next section)
I aim to respond promptly to non-urgent messages during working hours but cannot guarantee immediate availability.

Emergency Contacts and Support Services

My practice is not an emergency or crisis service, and I cannot provide immediate support between sessions.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or cannot be kept safe, call 999 or go to A&E.

For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or request an urgent GP appointment.

For confidential emotional support at any time, call Samaritans free on 116 123.

Attendance and Cancellation Policy

At Jonny Lindsay Counselling, I understand that life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you need to reschedule or are running late. Therapy works best with consistency, and maintaining regular attendance helps support your progress and ensures availability for all clients.

Cancellations and Missed Sessions

I kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session.
If less than 48 hours' notice is given, or if a session is missed without notice, the full session fee will still apply.
If three sessions are missed within a 12-week period, I will suggest a conversation to explore whether this is the right time for therapy. This provides an opportunity to reflect on any challenges affecting attendance and discuss whether adjustments or a temporary pause might be beneficial.
If I need to cancel a session, no fee will be charged, and I will offer an alternative appointment where reasonably possible.

Late Attendance

If you are 10 minutes late, I will send a text to check if everything is okay.
If I do not receive a response, the session will be considered abandoned after 20 minutes, and the full session fee will apply.
If you arrive within the 20-minute window, the session will continue, but it will still end at the scheduled time, and the full fee will be payable.

Moving Forward

I believe therapy should be a flexible and supportive space, and I encourage open dialogue if you have any concerns about attendance or scheduling.

AI and Digital Tools Policy

I use secure digital tools to support communication, appointments, online sessions, record-keeping and the administration of my counselling and supervision practice.
I may also use AI to support professional research, reflection and the drafting of general practice materials. Before doing so, I remove names, contact details and other information that could reasonably identify a client, supervisee or third party. AI is not used to diagnose clients or make clinical, safeguarding, ethical or supervisory decisions.
I remain professionally responsible for checking all AI-generated material and for every decision I make. I assess the privacy and security of the digital tools I use and take proportionate steps to protect confidentiality.
If I ever propose using information through which you could reasonably be identified, I will explain this and seek your informed consent beforehand. You are welcome to ask about my use of digital or AI tools at any time.

Complaints Procedure

I welcome feedback and hope that any concerns can be discussed openly with me. If you are unhappy with any aspect of my counselling, psychotherapy or supervision service, please raise it with me verbally or in writing.
If you make a formal complaint, I will acknowledge it within five working days and aim to provide a written response within 20 working days. I may discuss the matter confidentially in clinical supervision and will keep an appropriate record of the complaint and my response.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within its Ethical Framework. If your concern cannot be resolved with me—or you do not feel able to approach me—you may contact BACP for guidance or consider using its Professional Conduct Procedure.

Further information is available at:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/protecting-the-public/professional-conduct/how-to-complain-about-a-bacp-member/