Email and WhatsApp may be used to communicate about practical matters relating to our work together, such as arranging, changing or cancelling appointments.

Unless we have specifically agreed otherwise, these methods of communication are not intended to be used for therapy itself. Where possible, therapeutic issues and detailed personal information should be discussed during our sessions.

Confidentiality and Security

I will treat information shared through Email and WhatsApp with the same care and respect for confidentiality as information shared during our sessions. However, electronic communication cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.

By choosing to communicate with me via Email and WhatsApp, you acknowledge the potential risks associated with electronic communication, including the possibility of unauthorised access to messages or devices.

I take reasonable steps to protect personal information and communications in accordance with my professional responsibilities and my Privacy Notice. Please also take reasonable steps to protect your own privacy, particularly if you share a device or have message previews visible on your screen.

Response Times and Boundaries

I do not routinely monitor Email and WhatsApp messages outside of my working hours. I will aim to respond to messages within two days, although there may occasionally be circumstances in which this is not possible.

Receiving a message does not mean that I have seen it or that I am immediately available to respond.

Urgent Situations and Safety

Email and WhatsApp must not be used for emergencies, urgent mental health support or situations where you are concerned about your immediate safety.

If you are in immediate danger or believe that you, or someone else, may be at serious risk of harm, please contact the appropriate emergency services by calling 999 or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency department.

For urgent mental health support, you may also contact your GP, NHS 111, or other appropriate crisis services.