Confidentiality in Counselling: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy, you might have wondered, “Will what I say stay private?” It’s one of the most common questions people ask when they first reach out to Roles We Play Counselling, and it makes sense, opening up about deeply personal thoughts and feelings isn’t easy. You want to know you can trust the person sitting across from you.
Confidentiality is at the heart of counselling, it’s what helps build a safe, trusting space where you can talk freely without worrying that your words will go beyond the room.
But what does confidentiality actually mean in counselling and are there times when a therapist might have to share what’s been said? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Confidentiality in Counselling?
In simple terms, confidentiality means that what you say in therapy stays between you and your counsellor. It’s private. Whether you’re talking about anxiety, past experiences, relationships, or anything else, it’s not shared with anyone else without your permission.
At Roles We Play Counselling, I take confidentiality seriously, it’s part of the ethical framework I work within, guided by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of ethics.
Why Confidentiality Matters
Confidentiality creates safety and, without it, therapy wouldn’t work. Most people find it hard enough to open up in the first place, and the last thing you need is to worry about who might hear your story.
When you trust that what you share is private, it’s easier to talk honestly and when you’re honest, that’s when real change happens. Whether we’re working through anxiety, stress, burnout, or exploring deeper patterns through Transactional Analysis or CBT, that safety is essential.
Are There Limits to Confidentiality?
This is where it’s important to be clear. While most of what you share stays private, there are some situations where I’m legally or ethically required to break confidentiality. These limits exist to keep you, and others, safe.
Here are the main exceptions:
1. Risk of Harm
If you tell me something that suggests you’re at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else, I may need to act. This might involve contacting emergency services or another professional who can help keep you safe.
2. Safeguarding
If you talk about harm or potential harm to a child or vulnerable adult, I have a duty to report that. Safeguarding is a legal requirement in the UK and isn’t something I can ignore.
3. Legal Reasons
In rare cases, a court of law can require a counsellor to share information. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s good to be aware of.
4. Supervision
As part of ethical practice, I discuss my work with a clinical supervisor. Supervision helps me offer the best support to my clients, but don’t worry, your name or identifying details are never shared.
How Confidentiality Is Explained in Your First Session
In our first counselling session, I’ll go over confidentiality in more detail, we’ll talk about what’s private, what the exceptions are, and I’ll answer any questions you might have. I’ll never rush this conversation as it’s important that you feel clear and comfortable before we get started.
You’ll also have a counselling agreement to look over, which outlines everything we’ve discussed in writing, this way, there’s no confusion. If you ever have questions, I’ll be more than happy to discuss them with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you tell my employer what I say in therapy?
No. What you share in counselling is private. I won’t contact your employer or tell them anything about our sessions, the only time I’d ever need to share information is if there’s a serious risk to you or someone else, and even then, I’d aim to discuss that with you first.
How do you keep online counselling sessions private?
I use Zoom, which is a secure, encrypted video platform for online therapy and I also make sure I’m in a private space where no one can overhear us. If you’re having therapy from home, I can offer tips on how to create privacy on your side too. Confidentiality is just as important online as it is face-to-face.
What happens if I share something in therapy that worries you?
I know it can be nerve-wracking to open up about something that feels difficult or risky to say out loud, but honestly, I’m not here to judge you, and it’s unlikely I’ll be shocked. I’ve worked with many people, and I understand that life can be messy and complicated.
If I’m ever worried about your safety or someone else’s, I may need to talk to another professional, like your GP or emergency services, but I’ll always try to talk to you about this first, so you know what’s happening and why. My priority is to keep you safe, while also respecting your privacy as much as possible.
Final Thoughts
Confidentiality isn’t just a rule, it’s the foundation of good therapy - if you’re thinking about starting counselling but feel unsure about privacy, I’m happy to chat and answer any questions.
At Roles We Play Counselling, I offer a calm, supportive space where you can feel safe to talk about what’s going on for you, whether it’s anxiety, stress, relationship struggles, or something deeper.
Ready to Talk?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, if you have questions about confidentiality, or anything else, I’m here to help you feel comfortable before we begin. You can book a free 15-minute consultation or read more about what to expect from your first session.
I offer both in-person counselling in Beckenham and online therapy for clients across the UK.
