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: 01/10/2024
At Alternative Relationship Coaching, confidentiality is a core value and an essential part of building trust between the coach and clients. This policy outlines how we handle and protect the sensitive information shared during consultations, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all clients.
1. Scope of the Policy
This confidentiality policy applies to all services provided by Alternative Relationship Coaching, including individual and couples consultations conducted via telephone, video call, and communications through text and voice notes on Telegram. It covers the protection of all personal, sensitive, and confidential information disclosed during sessions.
2. Information Covered by Confidentiality
Confidential information includes, but is not limited to:
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Personal details: name, contact information, billing information
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Relationship details, including challenges, goals, and any other personal circumstances
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Information shared during consultations, including verbal disclosures, written notes, text messages, and voice notes exchanged via Telegram
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Any communication between the coach and client, including Telegram communications, emails, telephone calls, and video calls
3. Commitment to Confidentiality
Alternative Relationship Coaching is committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, and we will not disclose any information shared during consultations without your explicit consent, except in the following limited circumstances:
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With your explicit consent: If you agree, we may share information with other professionals or individuals (e.g., in a referral situation or with a partner in couples counselling).
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If required by law: In rare instances, we may be legally obligated to disclose certain information. This includes situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others (e.g., in cases of abuse, self-harm, or threats to public safety) or if we are required to comply with a legal request such as a court order.
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Supervision and professional development: Like many professional coaches, I may engage in supervision or professional development. Any information shared during these sessions is done so anonymously, and your identity will never be revealed.
4. Confidentiality of Digital Communications
As coaching is conducted via telephone, video call, and Telegram (text and voice notes), the Coach takes the following measures to protect client information across all communication channels:
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Telegram: All text messages and voice notes exchanged via Telegram are sent through encrypted channels. However, clients are responsible for ensuring the security of their own devices and access to their Telegram accounts.
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Telephone and Video Calls: All telephone and video consultations are conducted via secure, GDPR-compliant platforms to protect the confidentiality of discussions.
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Written Notes: Any written notes or records kept by the Coach following consultations are stored securely and accessed only by the Coach.
5. Confidentiality in Couples Counselling
In couples coaching, the same commitment to confidentiality applies. However, it is important to note that:
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Information shared during couples sessions will be considered as shared between all parties involved in the session.
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If one partner shares information in a private session, the coach will maintain confidentiality and not disclose it to the other partner unless specifically agreed upon. However, clients are encouraged to foster open communication within the relationship.
6. Breach of Confidentiality
If a breach of confidentiality occurs, whether accidental or due to legal obligations, clients will be informed immediately about the nature of the breach and any actions taken to mitigate its impact.
7. Client Responsibility
Clients are also expected to maintain the confidentiality of the coaching process. To ensure privacy and security:
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Clients should conduct coaching sessions in a private, secure environment where they feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics.
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When communicating via Telegram (text or voice notes), clients should also take steps to protect the security of their own devices and conversations.
Confidential information is subject to the protections outlined in our Privacy Policy, which complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). All personal data, including communications via Telegram, telephone, and video, is stored and processed in accordance with GDPR guidelines to ensure your privacy is respected.
8. Updates to the Confidentiality Policy
Alternative Relationship Coaching may update this confidentiality policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal or operational requirements. Any updates will be communicated to clients, and the latest version will be available on our website.
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Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this confidentiality policy, please contact us at coach@improveyourcomms.com