As a pre-accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), I adhere to the IACP Code of Ethics and Practice, which places a strong emphasis on client confidentiality. Everything you share with me in sessions is treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party without your consent, except in the circumstances outlined below.

In line with the IACP Code, I engage in regular clinical supervision as part of maintaining safe and effective practice. Aspects of our work may be discussed with my supervisor but your identity is never disclosed in this context.

Confidentiality is not absolute. I may need to break confidentiality in the following circumstances:

• Where I have concerns that you may be at risk of serious harm to yourself

• Where I have concerns that you may pose a risk of serious harm to another person

• Where a child or young person is at risk of abuse, neglect, or harm

• Where disclosure is required by law, such as ordered by the courts

If possible, I will discuss any such disclosures with you first, and explain what steps I need to take and why, unless doing so would increase risk to you or to someone else.

As I work with young people aged 16 and over, I am a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015. This means I have a legal obligation to report concerns that meet the threshold of harm of children to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and to assist Tusla with its assessment of a child protection or welfare concern if requested to do so. This applies where I become aware of, suspect, or am informed of harm, or risk of harm, to anyone under the age of 18, whether that concerns a client directly or is disclosed to me in the course of my work.

This obligation exists to protect young people and cannot be waived, even where a client would prefer that I not act on it. Where possible and appropriate, I will talk to you about any concerns I have and about the process involved before making a report.