Counselling Policy
1. Context
The primary task of PAC is the provision of free counselling for anyone
- Diagnosed with cancer or life threatening illness
- Affected by a cancer or life threatening illness diagnosis – family member, carer or friend
- Bereaved by cancer or life threatening illness
1.2 Counselling offers an opportunity for individuals affected by cancer or life threatening illness to talk and be heard in a safe, non-judgemental environment. The expression of fear and anxiety can benefit mental and physical well being. The counsellor’s role in this process is to aid the individual in ways that respect his/her values and capacity for self determination. The counsellor will not give advice but will help the individual explore options.
2. Entitlement
2.1 Counselling is available to anyone affected by cancer in Somerset, Wiltshire and BANES.
2.2 Service users are entitled to expect a high quality therapeutic counselling service which
- is client focused
- is delivered by appropriately qualified counsellors
As an organisational member of BACP, PAC is bound by its Ethical Framework for good practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to professional conduct procedures for the time being in force.
3. Professional Practice
3.1 All counsellors are trained to diploma level and committed to maintaining their competence through on-going professional development.
3.2 All counsellors have undergone CRB checks.
3.3 Counsellors have regular external supervision.
3.4 Counsellors will not misrepresent their training or experience.
4. Confidentiality
4.1 The confidentiality policy is contained in the Counselling Agreement, a copy of which is given to each client at the first session. The counsellor is required to explain exceptions to confidentiality to each client verbally at the beginning of the first session.
4.2 The BACP Ethical Framework requires that counsellors offer the highest possible levels of confidentiality in order to respect the client’s privacy and create the trust necessary for counselling.
4.3 In exceptional circumstances, the counsellor may take the decision to break confidentiality, with or without the client’s consent if necessary where, in his/her professional judgement:
- there is a risk of the client harming themselves or being harmed
- there is a risk of another person being harmed
In such circumstances the counsellor will always
- Seek to obtain the client’s consent prior to disclosure
- Discuss with his/her supervisor
- Inform the clinical manager of any planned breach of confidentiality
4.4 It is therefore ethically and legally unwise to promise “total” or “absolute” confidentiality. Positive Action on Cancer offers confidentiality within the law and the BACP Ethical Framework.
4.5 All counselling records and brief case notes will be kept securely locked away. Client’s contact details will be held separately from case notes.
5. Service Delivery
5.1 Counselling will be provided in an appropriate, safe and confidential environment.
5.2 Counselling sessions will last for up to 50 minutes and will normally be on a weekly basis, at the same time and day each week.
5.3 Initial appointments will be booked via the administrator and thereafter with the allocated counsellor.
5.4 The counsellor will have access to a list of referral agencies in the area, held by PAC.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
Evaluation is carried out via evaluation forms offered to each client at the end of their sessions.
6.1 PAC uses CORE evaluation. Clients are given an information sheet about CORE at the start of counselling and asked if they are willing to complete the form. If they are willing to participate they are asked to sign a consent form to enable the data to be used anonymously. Clients are also asked to complete the final CORE form at the last counselling session
7. Insurance
7.1 Public liability insurance is held to cover counsellors working at all of PAC’s venues.
