Confidentiality & Consent

I am committed to creating a therapeutic space where you and your child feel safe, respected, and able to speak openly. Everything shared in our sessions is treated with strict confidentiality, in line with the ethical guidelines of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Adults

For adult clients, all information shared in therapy is confidential. I will not disclose any details about your sessions to anyone without your written consent, unless there is a legal or ethical duty to do so.

Children and Teens

When working with children and adolescents, confidentiality is also essential to building trust. However, there are some differences depending on the child’s age and level of maturity:

Children under 14: As a parent or legal guardian, you have the right to general information about your child’s progress. However, I do not share everything your child says in therapy in order to protect their privacy and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Instead, I provide feedback focused on general observations, themes, and strategies you can use to support your child at home.

Adolescents 14 years and older: In South Africa, young people aged 14 and older have the legal right to consent to their own mental health treatment. They also have the right to decide what information may be shared with parents or caregivers. When working with teens, I respect their right to confidentiality. If I believe it would be helpful to share general feedback - such as progress updates or strategies to implement at home - I will first discuss this with your teen and ask for their permission before sharing any information.

Limits to Confidentiality

Whether working with adults, adolescents, or children, there are important exceptions to confidentiality. I am legally and ethically required to break confidentiality if:

There is a serious risk of harm to the client or someone else.
There is disclosure of abuse or neglect that must be reported to protect a minor or vulnerable person.
I am ordered by a court of law to release information.

Outside of these situations, all information remains private. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, I encourage you to ask. I am always happy to explain and clarify.