Professional commitment
I am Millie Hobbins, a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work in accordance with its Ethical Framework and attend regular confidential clinical supervision. I am committed to inclusive practice and meeting my responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.
Confidentiality and its limits
I will not normally share information about you or confirm that you attend counselling without your consent. Exceptions may apply where there is a serious risk of harm, a safeguarding concern, or a legal requirement or other lawful justification for disclosure. A police request does not automatically entitle the police to your records.
Where safe and legally permitted, I will discuss a proposed disclosure with you beforehand. I share only information necessary for its purpose. I discuss clinical work in confidential supervision, avoiding identifying details wherever possible.
Couples, families and children
I generally work with adults and may include children in family counselling. Before joint sessions begin, we will agree who the client or clients are, how information is shared between participants, and how individual contact outside joint sessions is handled. I will explain confidentiality and consent in a way appropriate to each participant’s age and understanding.
A parent or family member does not automatically have unrestricted access to another participant’s confidential information. Decisions take account of consent, the child’s understanding, applicable law and safeguarding responsibilities. These include relevant duties under the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004 and applicable adult safeguarding law.
Boundaries and your choices
If we meet in public, I will let you decide whether to greet me. I do not accept personal social media connection requests from current or former clients. If a personal connection or conflict of interest becomes apparent, I will consider it carefully and discuss suitable arrangements where appropriate.
We will consider whether the support I offer meets your needs. You can ask questions, raise concerns or end counselling. If another service is more appropriate, I will help you consider options where possible.
Concerns and complaints
You are welcome to raise concerns with me at mihocounselling@gmail.com. I will take them seriously. You can also contact BACP directly about its complaints process; you do not have to approach me first if you feel uncomfortable doing so.