Generic Policies

1.1 Privacy & Confidentiality Policy

• Healing Trust Hope Counselling maintains strict confidentiality.
• All client information is stored securely and accessed only when clinically necessary.
• Exceptions include risk of harm, safeguarding concerns, and legal requirements.

1.2 Informed Consent Policy

• Clients receive clear information about therapy, boundaries, fees, cancellation terms, and limits of confidentiality before beginning counselling.
• Consent is voluntary, ongoing, and can be withdrawn at any time.

1.3 Client Intake & Assessment Policy

• Initial assessments identify presenting concerns, client goals, risk factors, and suitability for services.
• When a client is outside of our scope of practice, we provide appropriate referrals.

1.4 Crisis & Safeguarding Policy

• Healing Trust Hope Counselling follows established procedures for responding to risk of harm, including contacting emergency services when necessary.
• Mandatory reporting obligations are followed according to local laws.

1.5 Boundaries & Professional Conduct Policy

• Counsellors maintain clear therapeutic boundaries.
• Dual relationships are avoided whenever possible and managed ethically when unavoidable.

1.6 Appointment, Cancellation & Fees Policy

• Sessions are scheduled by appointment.
• A cancellation/no-show fee may apply with insufficient notice.
• Payment policies are explained clearly during intake.

1.7 Record-Keeping & Data Protection Policy

• Clinical notes are stored securely for the legally required time.
• Digital records are encrypted.
• Only authorised clinicians can access records.