Ethics

Overview of Ethics:

Kim Shaw:

MBACP; BA (Hons); Adv Dip Couns & Therapy; Mst Pract Eating Disorders.

I am fully qualified and trained as an Eating Disorders therapist in the Integrative School of Counselling and Therapy, and a registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), working within the regulations stipulated by this professional body.  I therefore strictly adhere to the professional BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy (please visit www.bacp.co.uk if you would like more detailed information).

I hold an Enhanced DBS (Disoclosure & Barring Service) Certificate (formerly known as a CRB check) for working with Adults and with Children.

I am fully trained as a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders with the National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED), as approved by the British Psychological Society (BPS) Learning Centre.

In line with my professional qualifications and requirements, it feels important to highlight here key areas that may be important for you to know about any work we undertake together.

Confidentiality:

Absolute confidentiality is maintained with regard to anything that happens or is discussed during the course of our time together at Eating Therapy, as well as after it ends, except in the following situations:

• If there is a suggestion that you or another person may be at serious risk of severe harm or injury.
• If I was compelled by a Court of Law to disclose information.
• If you want, and give me your written permission, to disclose appropriate details to a third party.
• If there are issues that relate to specific legal limits, such as Child Protection, Prevention of Terrorism and Drug Trafficking.

These exceptions are designed to protect both you as a client and myself as an Eating Disorders therapist, but any such eventualities would be discussed with you beforehand if at all possible, so that you are informed and involved in the proposed action that may need to be taken, such as contacting your G.P or other relevant professionals.

Data Protection: 

• Any brief notes that are kept with regard to our counselling sessions are kept securely and are reference coded to ensure anonymity.
• Similarly, your identity is not disclosed during confidential clinical supervision sessions that all counsellors and therapists are required to regularly attend with an appropriately qualified supervisor.
• You have the legal right and entitlement to request to see, by prior arrangement, any of my records that relate to you (I will provide you with my full GDPR policy, and it is available here on my website too).

Extra Information: 

• The services provided by Eating Therapy Limited are available to anyone aged 14 years and over, whatever gender or cultural, ethnic or religious background.
• Mobile phones are expected to be switched off during our sessions, unless otherwise agreed in exceptional circumstances.
• If there is an indication of any substance abuse in evidence, either at the beginning or during therapy, then we will discuss this with a view to the session being discontinued.
• Fees are payable at the start or at the end of each session, by bank transfer, and are revised each year on 1st September.
• If you miss a scheduled session for whatever reason, unless you have given me at least 48 hours’ notice by email, then the normal session rate will be charged.
• I will give you at least one week’s notice of my own scheduled absences as a result of training or holiday commitments.
• Each session lasts for one hour, and punctuality is important for both the client and the therapist.  If you arrive late, the session will still need to finish at our pre-scheduled time.  Alternatively, if the responsibility lies with me, then I will offer to make up any missed time at another session.
• As a specialist Eating Disorders therapist, I am professionally committed to relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training, as required by all counsellors and therapists for membership of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).