Why I Keep Notes

As your counsellor, I keep brief notes after each session. These notes are not detailed transcripts of what we talk about, but short summaries that help me remember the key themes of our work together. This means I can support you more effectively and keep track of your progress over time.

My notes usually include:

• The date and time of the session.

• The main topics we explored.

• Any strategies or ideas we agreed to try out.

• Important information about risk or safeguarding, should the need to address this arise.

I do not write down everything you say, and I avoid adding personal opinions. The notes are there simply to support the counselling process and to make sure our work together is consistent and helpful for you.

Your notes are treated with the highest level of confidentiality. I store them securely in line with data protection laws (GDPR) and my registration with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). You also have the right to request access to your notes at any time.

Keeping notes is also part of my commitment to professional standards set out by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). It helps ensure that I am working responsibly and ethically, always with your best interests in mind.

In short: your notes are there to support you, to protect your privacy, and to help us make the most of our time together.