When working remotely (i.e. online or telephone), there are different practical and therapeutic aspects which need to be taken into consideration. Please take the time to read through the following agreement that will begin at the first online/telephone counselling session. If you have any queries/questions please discuss them with us via email/telephone before commencing counselling remotely.

• Your counsellor will make every effort to keep all information confidential and will take all precautions to ensure the remote communication using online or telephone remains private and confidential. Likewise, we would ask that you think about who has access to your computer/device/phone. Confidentiality could be breached through lack of password protection, either by hackers or by others who have access to your account or computer/device/phone. Always ensure that you are signed out of any accounts.
• When offering counselling remotely, your counsellor will do so from a location where confidentiality is ensured and they cannot be overheard by others. We would suggest that you also consider where you might locate yourself so that you will not be overheard or interrupted by others.
• Transmission could possibly be interrupted by technical failures. If for any reason your counsellor is unable to connect or they are disconnected during a video call meeting due to technological breakdown (crash or freeze etc.), they will try to reconnect within 10 minutes. If reconnection is not possible within this time frame, they will either email you to schedule a new session time or contact you to continue your session using the telephone.
• You should be aware that misunderstandings are possible when doing counselling remotely. Counsellors are observers of human behaviour and gather much information from body language, vocal inflexion, eye contact and other non-verbal cues, all of which may not be as clear in an online/telephone setting. Please have patience with the process and clarify information if you think the counsellor has not understood you well.
• We treat your information in the strictest confidence but if your counsellor has serious concerns about your safety or that of others, or if court-ordered, they will report these concerns to the appropriate person or agency after discussion with yourself. Please note that during the Covid-19 pandemic, your counsellor, should they become symptomatic and have previously had face-to-face sessions with you, may be asked to give your name and contact details to NHS Test & Protect.
• The Bridge operates within the Codes and Ethics and Practice of COSCA.
• For complaints procedure, please see your client agreement.

You can withdraw or change your consent at any time by contacting us. Please note that all processing of your personal data will cease once you have withdrawn consent, other than where this is required by law.