Social Media and Electronic Information Policy
This outlines the policy of Talking Steps Therapy with regard to the use of social media and electronic information. If you, as a client, have questions about any aspect please ask. As the world of technology is constantly changing this document is likely to be updated regularly. The latest version will always be available on my website.
Friend Requests
I do not and will not accept friend or contact requests from former or current clients on any social networking site. This could not only compromise your confidentiality and anonymity as a client but would also blur the boundary of the therapeutic relationship. Please do not be offended by the rejection of such requests.
Following
I post on social media on a very occasional basis as an individual, not as a business. I would suggest not following any of my personal accounts. If I notice that you have, I suggest we discuss this in a session. I will not follow you on any of your social media accounts as this will give me a frame of reference of you, outside of that which you are attending therapy for.
Interacting
Please do not use public ways of contact (e.g., @replies or tagging), again because of the potential for this to compromise your confidentiality and anonymity as a client. You may use Facebook messenger, WhatsApp or text to discuss appointment times or other logistics but not for therapeutic issues or during a crisis moment. Texting cannot be kept secure.
It is preferable to use email only for logistical contact (e.g., to get a reminder of an appointment time) due to the inherent insecurity of email. If you wish to engage in “email therapy” then please use a password protected word document to contain what you wish to say. I can set this up for you if you need it.
Phone
As above, texting may be used for contact about appointment times. This is preferable to making a phone call as it is easier to respond if I cannot answer at that time. Whether phoning or texting, please only do so between the hours of 8am and 8pm.
Use of Search Engines
I do not routinely Google my clients but may very occasionally if you are in a time of crisis. E.g., if you had failed to attend a session and I was concerned for your safety I may try to find out about you this way. If I did so, I would tell you about it the next time we met.
Business Review Sites
You may find my name on business review sites, but I have not asked to be on these. Businesses do not get a choice. Clients are free to post whatever they choose and due to confidentiality, I cannot comment on anything that is posted. Indeed, anyone (including a competitor) can post anything so it is advisable to be aware that reviews (good or bad) may not be representative of the views of real clients.
It is considered unethical by some of my professional bodies (the National Society for Hypnosis & Psychotherapy) to publish testimonials and so you will not find any testimonials published by myself. Although it is always nice to receive private feedback from clients who have completed their therapy.
Location Based Services
If you use location-based services on your phone you should be aware that others may surmise that you are a therapy client if you are seen as “checking in” at my address.