This section outlines the policy of Wildwood Therapy with regard to the use of social media and electronic information.

If you, as a client, have questions about any aspect, please do ask. As the world of technology is constantly changing, this document is likely to be updated regularly, and the latest version will always be available on my website.

Friending / Following

I do not accept friend/contact/follow requests from former or current clients on any personal (non-business) accounts I hold on social networking sites, as this can compromise your confidentiality and would also blur the boundary of the therapeutic relationship. Similarly, I do not friend/follow former or current clients on any Wildwood Therapy business accounts I hold on social networking sites. Although you are free to follow my business accounts, for security purposes, I do not generally reply to client comments or respond to direct messaging, other than to indicate that I have seen it. If a client does choose to contact me in this way, I will always ensure I discuss whatever the contents of their contact might be within their appointments if I have seen the contact, but a client should not presume I have seen the contact via these means. 

Interacting

Please do not use public ways of contact (e.g. @replies or tagging) because this may compromise your confidentiality. You may use WhatsApp or text to discuss appointment times or other logistics. I would caution against using such for therapeutic issues that you wish to be completely confidential, as your security cannot be guaranteed. I appreciate that some clients prefer these means and request that I use them upon occasion, but they choose such at their own risk.

Use of search engines

I do not routinely do internet searches on my clients, but I may very occasionally in a time of crisis. For example, if you failed to attend a session and there was a reason for me to be concerned for your safety, then I may try to find out about you this way. If I did so, I would inform you of this when we next had contact.

Business review sites

You may find my name on business review sites, but I have not asked to be on these. Businesses do not get a choice. Clients are free to post whatever they choose – due to confidentiality, I cannot comment on anything that is posted. Indeed, anyone (including a competitor) can 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 some of my professional bodies to publish testimonials, and so you will not find any testimonials posted by me, nor will I ever ask you for one.

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 any therapy rooms I use.

Email

It is preferable to use email only for logistical contact (e.g. to get a reminder of an appointment time and share video meeting links) due to the inherent insecurity of email. However, it can be necessary to send information via email. When I do so, I will always use an agreed-upon password to protect any document containing information pertaining to you. If you wish to engage in discussion regarding therapy-related matters via email, then I would suggest you use a password-protected Word document to contain what you wish to say.

Phone

As above, texting may be used for contact about appointment times. This is preferable to making a phone call, as it is easier to respond if I cannot answer the phone at the time you call. Whether phoning or texting, please try only to do so within my working hours.

Ruptures to the relationship

As therapy is a relationship, similar to any relationship, ruptures can happen where I may have misunderstood you, or you may be unhappy with something I have said or done. Where possible, I would always want to work with you to repair any ruptures and understand your experience, therefore, I do encourage you to bring any discomfort or dissatisfaction to me so that I can understand and work with you and your experience.

Ending Therapy

You can end therapy at any time you wish. Wherever possible, I will ask that we collaboratively come to an agreement about this, but this is ultimately your choice, and I will support your right to make the decisions which are best for you. I would ask that you give notice of at least one appointment in advance to end our work together. This is to ensure we have sufficient time to respectfully and safely close any areas of exploration and give due attention to the ending of the therapeutic relationship. Similarly, if for any reason I need to bring our sessions to a close, I will be transparent with you and work towards an ending with you that is mutually agreed where possible.

Client’s rights 

I abide by the code of ethics of the UKCP, GHR, GHSC and CNHC., A copy of the code is available to you as the client, so please don’t hesitate to ask to see this. If you are unhappy with my treatment of you, you have the right to complain to these professional bodies, and details of this process can be found on their websites.