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Will My Information Be Kept Confidential in Psychotherapy? Understanding UK Professional Guidelines

  • Writer: David Cox
    David Cox
  • Apr 29
  • 3 min read

Starting psychotherapy can be a significant step towards improving your mental health and wellbeing. It is natural to wonder, "Will my information be kept confidential?" Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychotherapy, ensuring that you feel safe and supported as you share personal and sensitive information. This post explains how confidentiality is upheld in psychotherapy in the UK, referencing guidelines from the BACP, BABCP, and UKCP.


What is Confidentiality in Psychotherapy?

Confidentiality means that the information you share with your therapist during sessions will be kept private and protected. Therapists are ethically and legally bound to ensure your data is handled carefully and shared only with your consent, except in rare circumstances.


Confidentiality According to UK Professional Bodies

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

The BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, last updated in 2018, makes it clear that protecting client confidentiality and privacy is a fundamental ethical commitment. Therapists:

  • Must actively protect information from unauthorised access or disclosure.

  • Inform clients upfront about how their information will be used and who may have access within the "circle of confidentiality," such as supervisors.

  • Can only share client information with others if you give explicit consent or if there is a legally justified reason.

  • Must explain any limitations to confidentiality before therapy begins, e.g., safeguarding concerns or legal requirements.

  • Keep accurate and appropriate records compliant with data protection laws.

  • Use anonymised client information when possible for supervision, training, or research.


BACP also emphasises that confidentiality might be overridden only in exceptional situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, such as safeguarding children or vulnerable adults.


British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

BABCP’s Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics reinforce that confidentiality is a key duty of CBT practitioners. They state:

  • Client information must be treated as confidential and only used for agreed purposes.

  • Disclosure without consent can only happen when legally required or to protect against serious harm.

  • Clients must be informed about how their information will be stored and used.

  • Accurate, secure record-keeping is mandatory.

  • Therapists must work within their competence and keep their skills updated, ensuring responsible handling of client information.


BABCP members also have a professional “Duty of Candour” to be honest and transparent if something goes wrong in the therapeutic process, including how client information is handled.


UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

UKCP’s Code of Ethics and Security and Confidentiality Guidelines stress:

  • Psychotherapists must respect, protect, and preserve client confidentiality.

  • Confidential information should only be discussed within professional settings where necessary, such as supervision, and always with client consent or ethical justification.

  • Clients must be informed about confidentiality limits and how their data will be managed.

  • Therapists must maintain secure storage of records and data protection.

  • Confidentiality may be breached only to prevent serious harm or when required by law.


UKCP also provides guidance on confidentiality in online or remote therapy settings, highlighting the importance of secure technology and clear communication about privacy risks.


When Might Confidentiality Be Broken?

All three organisations agree that confidentiality may be broken without your consent in specific, exceptional circumstances, including:

  • If there is a risk of serious harm to you or others, such as suicidal intent or risk of abuse.

  • To safeguard children or vulnerable adults.

  • If required by law, for example, a court order.

  • To protect public safety.


Therapists will always aim to discuss these situations with you beforehand where possible and limit information shared to what is strictly necessary.



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How is Your Information Protected?

Therapists follow strict protocols to protect your information:

  • Secure storage of paper and electronic records.

  • Anonymising details when discussing cases in supervision or training.

  • Using encrypted and secure communication channels for online therapy.

  • Regular training on data protection laws (including GDPR) and best practices.


What Can You Do to Feel More Secure?

  • Ask your therapist about their confidentiality policy at your first session.

  • Request information on how your data will be stored and who will have access.

  • Discuss any concerns you have about privacy openly.

  • Understand your rights under data protection laws.


Conclusion

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of psychotherapy in the UK, supported by robust ethical frameworks from BACP, BABCP, and UKCP. Your personal information will be treated with the utmost care and privacy, giving you the trust and safety necessary for effective therapy. While confidentiality is generally absolute, it may be legally or ethically overridden only in rare, serious situations to protect you or others.


If you want to learn more, you can explore these organisations' websites for detailed guidance:


Taking the step to start therapy is brave, and knowing your information is confidential can help you feel more comfortable and supported on your journey.

 
 
 

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