When you’re thinking about starting counselling, it’s completely natural to feel unsure or even nervous about opening up. You might be wondering: What if I say something too personal? What if they judge me? Can I really trust that it stays between us?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re asking a really important question.
Your Privacy Matters
In person-centred counselling, one of the core principles is creating a safe, non-judgemental space where you can talk freely. Confidentiality is a big part of that safety. What you say in your sessions stays between you and your counsellor.
Counsellors follow a strict ethical code. That means we don’t share what you talk about with friends, family, employers—or anyone else. It’s your space, and you get to decide what you bring to it.
Are There Any Exceptions?
There are a few legal and ethical situations where a counsellor may need to break confidentiality. These are rare, but it’s important to be aware of them. They usually include:
- If you share that you or someone else is at serious risk of harm
- If there is disclosure of abuse involving a child or vulnerable adult
- If we’re legally required to share information (for example, by a court order)
If anything like this ever comes up, you’d always be informed and involved in the process. It would never be done behind your back.
You’re in Control
Counselling isn’t about pushing you to say more than you want to. You set the pace. Some people open up quickly; others take time—and that’s completely okay. The relationship is built on trust, and that trust takes time to grow.
If you’re unsure, you can even start by talking about how hard it is to talk. That’s a perfectly valid and welcome place to begin.
Final Thoughts
Taking the step to start counselling is a brave and caring act towards yourself. And knowing your privacy is respected can help make that step feel a little less daunting.
If you ever want to ask about confidentiality—or anything else about how counselling works—please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You’re welcome to reach out, whether you’re ready to book a session or just want to explore if it’s right for you.