Fiona Christiansen Counselling - Chester

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. (ICO Ref: ZB848244). I will discuss confidentiality with you at our first session to ensure that you feel comfortable with my policies.

Your privacy is very important to me and you can be reassured that your personal information will be kept safe and secure and will only be used for the purpose it was given to me.

I adhere to current data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU/2016/679) (the GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This privacy notice tells you what I will do with your personal information from an initial point of contact through to after your counselling has ended.

‘Data controller’ is the term used to describe the person that collects and stores and has responsibility for people’s personal data. In this instance, the data controller is Fiona Christiansen. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ZB848244).

I am happy to answer any questions you have about this, and you can contact me by telephone or email as follows: My phone number is: 07400 755890. My email address is: fiona.c.counsellor@gmail.com

My lawful basis for holding and using your personal information

The GDPR states that I must have a lawful basis for processing your personal data. There are different lawful bases depending on the stage at which I am processing your personal data.

Initial Contact

When you make an enquiry regarding counselling, I will use legitimate interest as the lawful basis for holding your personal information.

I take the security of the data I hold about you very seriously and as such I make every effort to ensure it is kept secure in a locked filing cabinet or is password-protected.

My website does not collect analytics or use cookies. No user-specific data is collected by me or any third party. If you fill in a Google "Client Information" form, that data will be temporarily stored before being sent to me. I will download and print the form and securely store it in a locked filing cabinet between counselling sessions.

While you are accessing counselling:

I will keep a record of your personal details which includes your name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, GP surgery and next of kin details, and any relevant background and medical information. I will keep this record of your personal details to help the counselling service run smoothly. Information is not shared with a third party without your prior consent unless I am required to do so by law, or if I have serious safeguarding concerns around you or others. If possible, I will always try to speak to you about this first.

I will keep brief anonymised password-protected notes of each counselling session. These are a summary record of the work undertaken during the session and stored separately from your personal details.

The GDPR also makes sure that I look after sensitive personal information that you may disclose to me appropriately. This type of information is called ‘special category personal information’. The lawful basis for me processing any special categories of personal information is that it is for the provision of counselling.

For online counselling I use Google Meet which supports compliance with GDPR.

After counselling has ended:

Clients will be invited to complete a Google “Feedback” form. This data will be temporarily stored before being sent to me. I will then download and print the feedback form and securely store it in a locked filing cabinet. Feedback wording may be used as an anonymous testimonial on my website if permission for this is expressly granted by the client on the feedback form.

Once counselling has ended, I will retain any counselling records for six years from the ending of our contract together. After this time these records will be securely destroyed.

Your rights:

I try to be as open as I can be in terms of giving people access to their personal information. You have a right to ask me to correct or update your personal information or stop processing your personal information. You also have a right to ask for a copy of any information that I hold about you. For any requests for information or action regarding personal data held, please contact me by email or telephone.

More information is available at: https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters

If you have any concerns about how I handle your personal data, please do not hesitate to contact me. I welcome all feedback and suggestions for improving my procedures.

The ICO is the statutory body that oversees data protection law in the UK. For more information go to: https://ico.org.uk

Clinical Will

In line with my registered body’s ethical framework guidelines, I hold a Clinical Will. This would enable my Clinical Will Executor (my clinical Supervisor) to access only the most basic contact details held for my current clients upon my death. My Clinical Will Executor would then notify my clients and provide appropriate signposting to other counselling support. My Clinical Will Executor would be bound by the same confidentiality that I hold with all my clients.

Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed regularly and may be updated as needed. If anything is unclear, or if you would like to discuss how it applies to you, please let me know at any time.

Well-being Principle

The concept of ‘well-being’ is threaded throughout UK legislation and is part of the law about how health and social care is provided. Our well-being includes our mental and physical health, our relationships, our connection with our communities and our contribution to society.
Being able to live free from abuse and neglect is a key element of well-being. It is key to take a person’s whole well-being into account and be proportionate to the risk of harm.

Person Centred Safeguarding / Making Safeguarding Personal

The legislation also recognises that adults make choices that may mean that one part of our well- being suffers at the expense of another – for example we move away from friends and family to take a better job. Similarly, adults can choose to risk their personal safety; for example, to provide care to a partner with dementia who becomes abusive when they are disoriented and anxious.
None of us can make these choices for another adult. If we are supporting someone to make choices about their own safety we need to understand what matters to them and what outcomes they want to achieve, along with any actions that agencies may take to help them to protect themselves.

The concept of ‘Person Centred Safeguarding’/’Making Safeguarding Personal’ means engaging the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their situation in a way that enhances their involvement, choice and control, as well as improving their quality of life, well-being and safety.

Organisations work to support adults to achieve the outcomes they want for themselves. The adult’s views, wishes, feelings and beliefs must be taken into account when decisions are made about how to support them to be safe.
There may be many different ways to prevent further harm. Working with the person will mean that actions taken help them to find the solution that is right for them. Treating people with respect, enhancing their dignity and supporting their ability to make decisions also helps promote people's sense of self-worth and supports recovery from abuse.

Safeguarding means actively promoting the health, well-being, and human rights of adults at risk of abuse or neglect. I am committed to safeguarding all individuals and to upholding the rights of all adults to live free from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Safeguarding is integral to creating an environment where personal and collective empowerment can thrive.
Safeguarding is an essential aspect of a commitment to offering a safe, empowering environment where individuals can explore personal growth, resilience, and community support.

Definitions

Adult at Risk

An adult at risk is any person aged 18 years or older who may be vulnerable due to mental or physical disability, illness, or other circumstances that impair their ability to care for themselves or protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation. This definition aligns with NHS England’s guidelines on safeguarding adults.

Abuse

Abuse is harm or mistreatment of any kind including physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or psychological harm.

Policy Statement

I believe that every individual has the fundamental right to live free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation, regardless of age, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sex, or sexual orientation. I am committed to fostering a safe, empowering environment where personal growth and community thrive, and where individuals feel comfortable sharing concerns without fear of judgement or retribution. This aligns with our values of integrity, resilience, and mutual respect.

My aim is to act proportionately, and in a way that honours the dignity and voice of each adult involved. Any actions taken will be carefully considered and discussed with my Supervisor. Any actions taken in response to safeguarding concerns will be proportionate to the risk of harm, ensuring fairness and respect for the individual involved.
All safeguarding records will be confidential, detailed, accurate, and securely store in line with my privacy policy.
I will act in accordance with the best mental health practices, seeking advice from trusted local bodies.

I hold an Enhanced DBS check and have completed Level 3 Counsellor Safeguarding Training.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Whenever possible, I would seek consent from the adult at risk before making an alert. However, in cases where the individual may be at serious risk or where others may be endangered, I may proceed without explicit consent to ensure their safety and well-being.

Personal information will only be shared when:

• I have obtained consent;
• I am required by law to do so; or
• The individual or others are at serious risk.

Fiona Christiansen Counselling is committed to ensuring that sensitive information is stored securely and only accessed by those with the appropriate authority.
All allegations of abuse are taken seriously. An alert will be raised when I am made aware of, or directly observe, any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. It is not my responsibility to prove that abuse has occurred—simply to raise the concern for further investigation.

Throughout the safeguarding process, Fiona Christiansen Counselling is committed to keeping the adult at risk informed where appropriate. Where possible I will communicate clearly about:

• Concerns regarding their situation and well-being;
• The steps I will take with the information we have received or witnessed; and
• What they can expect as the next steps in the process.

Open communication reflects a commitment to fostering trust, transparency, and respect in all aspects of safeguarding.

Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed regularly and may be updated as needed. If anything is unclear, or if you would like to discuss how it applies to you, please let me know at any time.

As your counsellor, my role is to offer a safe, supportive and confidential space where we can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Sometimes in counselling, difficult issues may arise, including thoughts of harming yourself, thoughts of harming others, or situations where you may be at risk of harm from others. Here I explain how I work with risk, what you can expect from me, and what responsibilities we share.

My aim is to balance your confidentiality and autonomy with my professional duty of care to keep you (and others) safe.

I would like you to feel able to talk openly about whatever you are experiencing, knowing that I will listen without judgment, take any concerns seriously and work collaboratively with you wherever possible.

What Do We Mean by "Risk"?

In counselling, "risk" usually refers to situations where there is a possibility of harm. This could include:

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts - if you are hurting yourself or thinking about ending your life.
• Harming others - if you feel you might act on thoughts of hurting someone else.
• Being harmed by others - if you are experiencing abuse, neglect, or unsafe relationships.
• Other risks - such as serious health risks, or risks connected to addiction, crisis or unsafe behaviours.

How We Work Together Around Risk

There are a number of things we can do together to help us explore and respond to risk safely. These include:

• Open discussion: Talking about risk does not automatically mean action will be taken outside of our sessions. Often, simply sharing how you feel and working through these thoughts is an important part of our therapy.
• Joint planning: If you are at risk, we will usually work together to create a plan. This may include identifying coping strategies, sources of support, or steps you can take if things feel overwhelming.
• Respect and trust: You are the expert in your own life. My role is to bring professional knowledge and support, but decisions are made with you, not for you, unless urgent safety concerns mean immediate action is required.

Working together collaboratively is at the heart of how I work with risk. Wherever possible, I will:

• Seek your views before making any decisions that affect you.
• Explore options together, so that any steps we take are realistic and feel manageable in your life.
• Agree joint solutions such as safety plans, practical supports, or contacts we can call on if things get worse.
• Work in partnership so you remain fully involved and informed at every stage. This approach means that even when difficult issues arise, you are not alone. We can face challenges together, finding ways forward that protect your safety while respecting your autonomy.

Limits to Our Confidentiality

Confidentiality is central to counselling. However, there are some circumstances where I may need to share information to keep you or others safe:

1. If I believe there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself.
2. If I believe there is a serious risk of harm to others.
3. If I am required by law (for example, in cases of terrorism, money laundering, or child protection concerns).

Wherever possible, I will always try to talk to you first before breaking confidentiality, so that we can discuss what steps need to be taken and why.

I will outline these limits to our confidentiality when we discuss our counselling agreement together.

What I May Do in a Crisis

If I believe you are at immediate risk of serious harm, I may need to:

• Contact your GP or mental health services.
• Call emergency services (999).
• Reach out to a trusted emergency contact (provided on your Client Information Form).

This would only happen if I felt there was no other safe option. My first step will always be to try and agree the best way forward with you, so that we make decisions collaboratively, wherever possible.

Your Role in Managing Risk

If you feel unsafe or are having harmful thoughts, I encourage you to tell me. It can feel difficult, but talking about it is an important step in staying safe.

Counselling is one part of your support.

Having someone you can reach out to (friends, family, helplines, GP) can help you cope between sessions.

If you ever feel unable to keep yourself safe, you can contact:

• Samaritans (24/7) - 116 123
• NHS 111 (for urgent but not emergency care)
• 999 (in an emergency)
• Your GP or local crisis team

Please see my website https://fiona-c-counsellor.co.uk/crisis for information regarding a variety of crisis and support services.

Balancing safety and counselling can feel worrying, but it does not mean that counselling has to stop. In fact, exploring these thoughts safely can be a really valuable part of our work together. By talking about risk openly, we can reduce shame and help you feel less alone.

My approach is always to work with you in partnership. Together, we can explore your concerns, look at the resources and supports available, and find solutions that fit your circumstances. My role is to support you with compassion, care, and professionalism, while making sure safety is always prioritised.

Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed regularly and may be updated as needed. If anything is unclear, or if you would like to discuss how it applies to you, please let me know at any time.