Clinical Will Policy
Protecting your wellbeing and confidentiality
At Mind & Meaning Therapy, your wellbeing, privacy and confidentiality are central to the way I work.
As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I follow its Ethical Framework, which includes making appropriate arrangements to protect clients if I become seriously ill, incapacitated or die and am unable to continue providing therapy.
These arrangements are known as a clinical will.
What is a clinical will?
A clinical will is a plan that ensures clients are informed and supported if their therapist unexpectedly becomes unable to practise.
I have appointed a trusted professional, known as a clinical trustee, who can act on my behalf in these circumstances.
If my clinical will needs to be activated, my trustee will:
- Contact current clients to explain the situation and any changes to their appointments.
- Provide information about alternative therapeutic support where appropriate.
- Ensure that confidential client records remain secure and are managed in accordance with legal and professional requirements.
How is your confidentiality protected?
Your personal information and therapy records remain confidential.
My clinical trustee is part of a carefully controlled circle of confidentiality and is bound by professional confidentiality obligations.
They will only access the information necessary to carry out their responsibilities. This may include your name, contact details and appointment information.
Clinical notes will only be accessed where genuinely necessary and legally justified.
Your information will not be shared with family members or other individuals simply because my clinical will has been activated. Any disclosure beyond the appointed trustee must have an appropriate legal and professional justification.
Why is this important?
BACP's Ethical Framework places importance on protecting clients' wellbeing, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring appropriate arrangements are in place if therapy is unexpectedly interrupted.
Having a clinical will means that, even in unforeseen circumstances, there is a clear plan to communicate with clients, protect their information and help them access further support if needed.
Further information
For more information about how your personal information is collected, stored and protected, please read my Privacy Policy.
If you have any questions about these arrangements, you are welcome to discuss them with me or contact me at hello@mindandmeaning.co.uk.