Glossary
What is confidentiality in child counselling?
Also called: confidentiality, counselling confidentiality, what do counsellors tell parents, limits of confidentiality
Definition
Confidentiality in child counselling means what a child says in sessions is kept private, including from parents in most cases, with clear limits when the counsellor believes the child or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
What it means
Children talk more openly when they know their words won’t be repeated. So counsellors usually agree at the start that the content of sessions stays between counsellor and child. Parents still get information, but about themes, progress and how they can help at home. The detail of what was said stays private.
There are limits, and a good counsellor explains them upfront. If a child discloses abuse, is at serious risk of harm to themselves or others, or something involves a crime that must be reported, confidentiality can be broken. Records are kept securely under UK data protection law. How much a child decides about sharing depends on their age and understanding, and older teenagers who are Gillick competent have more say.
What it can look like for your child
At the first session we tell your child, in words that fit their age, what stays private and when we would have to tell someone. Younger children usually know their parent will hear general things like “we’ve been working on worries”. A teenager may ask that something specific is kept from you, and we will normally respect that unless it is a safety issue. Children are free to tell you about their sessions themselves if they want to.
How counselling can help
It is natural for parents to want to know more. We arrange regular parent catch-ups so you aren’t left in the dark, and we can help your child find ways to tell you something important themselves. Being clear about confidentiality from the start is what lets both you and your child trust the process.