top of page

confidentiality
policy

This policy ensures that your information is handled with care and respect, maintaining the trust that is essential to our coaching relationship.

 

Confidentiality Policy for Alternative Relationship Coaching

​

Effective Date: 01/10/2024

Last Updated: 23 February 2026

​

At ARC, confidentiality is a core value and an essential part of building trust between coach and client. This policy outlines how Alternative Relationship Coaching handles and protects the sensitive information shared during sessions, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all clients.

​

1. Scope of This Policy

​

This policy applies to all services provided by Alternative Relationship Coaching, including individual, couples, and polycule coaching conducted via telephone, video call (Google Meet), email, and Telegram (text and voice notes). It covers all personal, sensitive, and confidential information disclosed during sessions.

​

2. What is Covered by Confidentiality

 

Confidential information includes, but is not limited to:

  • Personal details: name, contact information, and billing information

  • Relationship details, including challenges, goals, and personal circumstances

  • Information shared during sessions, including verbal disclosures, written notes, and Telegram messages or voice notes

  • Any communication between the coach and client via Telegram, email, telephone, or video call

 

3. Our Commitment to Confidentiality

​

ARC will not disclose any information shared during sessions without your explicit consent, except in the following limited circumstances:

  • With your explicit consent: For example, in a referral situation or when sharing information with a partner in couples coaching, where you have agreed.

  • If required by law: In rare instances, we may be legally obligated to disclose information — for example, where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others (e.g., abuse, self-harm, or threats to public safety), or if we are required to comply with a court order.

  • Supervision and professional development: Like many professional coaches, I may engage in supervision. Any information shared is done so anonymously — your identity will never be revealed.

 

4. Confidentiality of Digital Communications

​

As coaching is conducted via multiple digital channels, the following measures are in place:

  • Google Meet (video calls): Sessions are conducted via encrypted video links. Session links are not publicly shared and are sent only to the relevant client(s).

  • Telegram: When communicating via Telegram, ARC uses Secret Chats, which provide full end-to-end encryption. Messages are not stored on Telegram's servers. Clients are responsible for securing their own device, enabling 2FA on Telegram, and not accessing coaching communications from shared devices.

  • Email (Gmail): Client communications are stored in a secure, password-protected and 2FA-enabled Gmail account, accessible only by the coach.

  • Telephone: Calls are conducted privately and notes are stored securely in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

  • Written notes: All session notes are stored digitally in a private, access-controlled Google Drive folder using client reference codes rather than full names. No paper records are retained.

 

5. Confidentiality in Couples and Polycule Coaching​

 

In couples and polycule coaching, the same commitment to confidentiality applies. Please note:

  • Information shared during joint sessions is considered as shared between all parties present.

  • If one partner shares information in an individual session, the coach will maintain confidentiality and will not disclose it to other partners unless specifically agreed.

  • Clients are encouraged to foster open communication within their relationship(s) as part of the coaching process.

 

6. Data Protection

​

Confidential information is subject to the protections outlined in our Privacy Policy, which complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. All personal data is stored and processed in accordance with those guidelines.

Our Privacy Policy is available at: improveyourcomms.com/privacy-policy

​

7. Breach of Confidentiality

 

In the event of a confidentiality breach — whether accidental or due to legal obligations — affected clients will be informed promptly about the nature of the breach and the steps taken to address it, in accordance with ICO guidelines.

 

8. Client Responsibility

 

Clients are also expected to support confidentiality within the coaching relationship:

  • Conduct sessions in a private, secure environment where you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics.

  • Secure your own device and Telegram account when communicating via the app.

  • Treat information shared by other participants in group or polycule sessions with the same respect for privacy.

​

9. Updates to the Confidentiality Policy

​

ARC may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal or operational requirements. Any updates will be communicated to active clients and the latest version will be available on our website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this confidentiality policy, please contact us at coach@improveyourcomms.com

bottom of page