Privacy & Security

As we are a private practice and not part of the public sector we do not have to share your information with anyone else. Unless you request otherwise, your therapy will not be stored on your medical records.

Your information remains strictly confidential. We will not disclose information about you with any third parties without your permission* (this includes families, friends and carers).

We maintain all client session notes in a secure environment. Session notes are stored under First name only, and without address details.

Similarly, in group therapy environments we use First names and will not divulge personal information about you to other members of the group.

All credit card charges will appear on your financial statement as just "OCDC".

Our premises are discreet and there is no signage at the entrance. We chose premises where other complimentary therapies are also practised with your confidentiality and our discretion in mind.

If you have any questions regarding confidentiality, please do not hesitate to ask.

Please see our ethical code for more information.

* In rare circumstances, we may be required by law to release client-related information. Should this happen, the OCDCentre will make all reasonable efforts to inform you before doing so and to maximize confidentiality at all times.

Ethical code

Maintain strict confidentiality within the therapeutic relationship consistent with the good care of the client and the laws of the land and ensure that any client notes and records be kept secure and confidential. Confidentiality must be observed at all times unless:

it is in the best interest of the client/patient to disclose relevant information;

the client/patient has given their permission to disclose

where the law requires disclosure;

in the event of a complaint being made against them, subject to the complainant providing written consent for their notes and records to be made available

Practitioners will ensure that the question of confidentiality also applies to client records, computerised records (which must conform to the Data Protection Act, 1986), and any audio or video recording. Any information or case histories used for training or commercial purposes must have the written consent of the individual involved

Never promise a cure for any condition or problem, nor give advice or otherwise pass comment on any psychiatric, or psychological problem or condition unless they have experience in these fields.

To provide a service to clients for which individual practitioners carry individual full professional indemnity insurance that is acceptable to the OCD Centre

Be aware of their own limitations and experience and whenever appropriate, be prepared to refer a client on to another more suitable practitioner (whether or not that practitioner is part of the OCDCentre) who might reasonably be expected to offer suitable treatment

Ensure as far as possible that wherever an aspect of the client's condition is either known or suspected to be beyond their area of expertise, the client be advised to seek medical or other appropriate advice

Always obtain written permission from the client (or client's parents/guardians if appropriate) before recording client sessions by any method other than written notes

Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of both the client and any person who may be accompanying the client

Refrain from using their position of trust to exploit the client emotionally, sexually, financially or in other way whatsoever. Should either a sexual or financial relationship (other than the payment of session fees or purchase of books, tapes, or other relevant products) develop between either therapist and client or members of their respective immediate families, the therapist must immediately cease to accept fees, terminate treatment consistent with clause 10 below and transfer the client to another suitable therapist at the earliest opportunity

Refrain from commencing any sort of relationship with any client, past or present, other than a therapeutic one

Terminate treatment at the earliest moment consistent with the good care of the client

Not permit considerations of religion, nationality, gender, gender preference, disability, politics, or social standing to adversely influence client treatment. Where there is a potential for this situation to exist, i.e. where a therapist is not at ease with some aspect of the client's 'way of being', then it is part of that therapist's duty of care to refer the client on to another suitable practitioner

Ensure that their work place and all facilities offered to both clients and their companions will be in every respect suitable and appropriate for the service provided

Disclose full details of all relevant training, experience and qualifications to clients upon request

Explain fully to clients in advance of any treatment, fees, terms of payment, session length, and any charges levied for non-attendance or cancelled appointments

Present all services and products in an unambiguous manner and ensure that the client retains complete control of the decision to purchase such services or products

Never expect nor encourage gifts from clients. Small tokens of appreciation may be accepted at the end of therapy but should in no way be solicited

Make available all relevant information requested as a result of investigation by an appointed Complaints and Disciplinary Officer without hindrance (whether implied or actual) or unreasonable delay and comply fully with all requirements inherent within the Complaints and Disciplinary procedure

To never publicly criticise or malign another member of the profession, either with or without perceived justification