Digital Policy

This page acknowledges the complex world of digital media and tries its best to address issues that may impact the therapeutic relationship. As a general rule, I like to keep clinical work in the consultation room as much as possible. However, the nature of the digital world can sometimes stretch these boundaries, so I offer the best clarity I can below.

Email:

I am not currently using an email encryption programme, so any emails we send to each other may be vulnerable to viruses or human error. For this reason, it is best to be thoughtful about what you include in emails to me, and which email address you choose to use with me. Often, it is best to rely on email for non-confidential communications like setting up appointment times and things like that. In an effort to keep confidential and psychological material “in the room” it is best avoided in emails unless we discuss it beforehand. I will always request your preferred email address at our first session.

If you choose to communicate with me by email, be aware that all emails are retained in the logs of Internet Service Providers. Furthermore, they can be vulnerable to viruses and unintended forwarding or replication. If you are concerned about the confidentiality of your emails, you may wish to contact me by telephone instead.

I check emails only at fixed times during office hours – I avoid checking them on weekends and holidays. I endeavour to respond to all emails within 24 hours of opening them. Emails should never be used in the event of an emergency, in which case you should contact emergency services.

Text messages:

You may feel free to contact me by text message to alert me if you are running late for a session or for similar reasons. However, because of the lack of context of text messages, it is generally not the best method for communicating with me about more important matters, so please do phone and leave me a message.

As a private practitioner I am unable to offer an emergency service. Should you experience an emergency please contact the emergency services. If you feel that this may be an issue, please discuss it with me.

Telephone and Video Calls:

While I do not generally run my practice remotely, there may be times when we have a session by telephone or video conferencing, for example, if either one of us is abroad. Any such sessions will be discussed in advance. When engaging via video conferencing, we both agree not to record sessions. It is also crucial that you’re sure the environment from which you are conferencing with me is safe, secure, and private.

Google:

I have found it is best to avoid encountering information about you that does not come directly from you, so in general practice I do not Google my patients. However, people will often Google prospective therapists as part of their process in choosing one. If you did so with me, and this produced any questions, I would be happy to address them with you. It is best to find out from each other what we need to know face-to-face.