Contents of this page:
A. Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
B. Disclaimer for Podcast, Social Media, Online and Media Presence
C. Client Communications Policy
Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
1) Policy
I, Debbie Ison of Tranquil Awakenings, have a clear policy on confidentiality and data protection to protect the privacy of individuals to ensure high standards of practise at all times. Only relevant and adequate data will be collected and kept up to date to ensure that the client gets the most out of the therapy sessions.
2) Data Protection and Access to records
Data will be kept in line with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018.
a) Enquiries
After making an enquiry correspondence, email addresses and telephone numbers will be kept for a duration of 3 months after the last contact. If the person making the enquiry choose to take no further action then the information will be deleted. If however in that time the individual has become a client please see below:
b) Clients
The data kept will be anything relating to client records, including:
• Client details and consent forms.
• Notes made during the consultation phase
• Notes made during therapy sessions
• Correspondence related to the therapy e.g. e-mail exchanges
This information will be stored securely in a locked cupboard, or if electronic it will be password protected or encrypted to a suitable standard to ensure anonymity.
Session notes are kept separately from client details and consent forms to assist with anonymity.
I am required for insurance purposes to keep all client data for a period of 8 years after the client has finished working with me if the client is an adult, or for 8 years after a child has reached the age of 16 if they work with me when they are a child. Therefore because I am required to keep this information the write to erasure or withdrawal of consent once work has commenced is not applicable within these circumstances.
Should you have any concerns about the way data is being handled then you have the right to complain to the ICO.
If you should require a copy of your client notes at any time:
• A request must be made in writing.
The information will be supplied at the earliest possible opportunity but no longer than a period of 30 days from the request being received.
Client details will not be given out to any third parties, except in exceptional circumstances as set out in section 3.
3) Client Confidentiality
All information is treated with respect at all times, written in an accurate and factual way.
It is necessary from time to time to discuss client cases with fellow professionals for ongoing learning and to maintain high standards and accountability. No personal identifying information will be given during such discussions such as name or names of family members, place of employment, address and contact details, physical descriptions etc.
Information is only ever passed on in cases where there is a legitimate ‘need to know’; and only relevant and necessary information is revealed. Situations when it is deemed necessary to pass on information to the relevant agencies includes, but is not limited to, as follows:
• Serious potential harm to client or a risk to their lives
• Others are at risk of serious harm or there poses a risk to their lives
• Safeguarding issues regarding children, young people or vulnerable adults
• It is a requirement of a court order
• It is a requirement of law
• The disclosure of the prevention, detection or prosecution of a serious crime.
Disclaimer for Podcast, Social Media, Online and Media Presence
The Tranquil Awakenings Podcast and all forms of media (including but not limited to online media, social media, and printed media) represents the opinions of Debbie Ison of Tranquil Awakenings and her guests to the show/online. The content on the podcast and all other forms of media should not be taken as medical advice. The content is for informational purposes only and because each person is unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical queries.
The views and opinions expressed by guests of the Tranquil Awakenings podcast, and all other forms of media associated with Debbie Ison and Tranquil Awakenings, are of their own and do not represent the views of Debbie Ison or of Tranquil Awakenings. Any interviews of guests or businesses does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.
While we make every effort to ensure that the information we share is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or corrections of error. Please do your own research and use your own discernment regarding the content of the Tranquil Awakenings podcast and all forms of media in connection Debbie Ison and Tranquil Awakenings.
Privacy is of the upmost importance to us, therefore people, places, and scenarios mentioned in the podcast and in any media publications have been changed to protect client confidentiality.
This podcast, nor information expressed by Tranquil Awakenings or Debbie Ison should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standards of care” in a legal sense, or as a basis for any expert witness testimony.
No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast, website, or any other form of media.
In no way does listening, reading, emailing or interacting on social media, or online with our content establish a client therapist relationship.
If you find any errors in any of the content of these podcasts and materials, please send us a message through the website of Tranquil Awakenings. The Tranquil Awakenings podcast is owned by Debbie Ison of Tranquil Awakenings.
Communications Policy
When commencing our work together it is important for us to have transparency regarding communication expectations.
When to make contact
If you wish to arrange or change an appointment, please send me a message.
Responses to messages
I am unable to communicate with you outside of my working hours. My working hours do vary each week and the majority of my time at work is spent in customer facing roles with clients and students. Therefore, I am unable to answer phone calls or respond to messages during this time. I do put aside several periods of time during the working week where I am responding to messages, so please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as it is practically possible for me to do so. The easiest way to do this is to send an email.
Advice
I'm unable to advise on medications. Please seek advice from your medical practitioner, e.g. specialist, GP, pharmacist if you have any medical or medication enquiries.
I am unable to provide lengthy phone conversations or discussions regarding your therapy in between appointments. Please make a note of any queries or revelations that you may have between sessions and bring them with you for your next appointment where we will create an opportunity to discuss these.
If you are struggling in between sessions, please either contact one of the charities below or in an emergency or if you feel that you are a potential danger to yourself or other people, please seek emergency medical treatment either by contacting your GP, calling 999, taking yourself to hospital, or contacting your local crisis team.
Charities – (Information correct at the time of writing this policy. This information may have changed so please do make your own enquiries.)
Mind
0300 123 3393
Samaritans
116 123
Suicide Prevention UK
0800 689 5652
Charities for Young people
Childline
0800 1111
Papyrus – prevention of young suicide
0800 068 4141
Young Minds
Text: 85258
Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544
The treatment of others
Due to GDPR, I'm unable to comment on or discuss another person's therapy (other than for minors). Therefore, if you are bringing a client or supporting them as part of their therapeutic process, I am unable to engage in conversation about their treatment unless they have given formal expressed written consent for me to do so.
