This policy outlines YouFusion Therapy’s use of Social Media and Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). Technology moves at a fast pace, which creates an ongoing need to clarify professional usage and boundaries. This policy is designed to enable you to understand how I conduct myself on the Internet and how you can expect me to respond to interactions online. If you have any questions about anything within this document, please feel free to raise them with me.
Preferably, email should only be used to arrange appointments. This is due to the possible lack of security associated with some email services. Please consider whether you are happy for me to email you, taking your own privacy into account.
Phone and Text Messaging
Texting may also be used for arranging appointment times, as it may be difficult for me to answer the phone due to appointments with other clients. I do not use WhatsApp for work purposes, in order to maintain professional boundaries. Please therefore send messages about appointment times via text message or email. Whether phoning or texting, please aim to do so between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
Friending and following
I do not accept friend requests or follow current or former clients on any social networking site, as this transcends the boundary of the therapeutic relationship and may also compromise your confidentiality. I do not use Snapchat or Instagram but I do use Facebook and Bluesky personally and LinkedIn professionally. If you choose to follow a professional account, bear in mind that you may be compromising your confidentiality.
Reviews and testimonials
It is considered unethical by several bodies, including the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), to publish client testimonials, as every client is unique and every therapy experience will therefore be different. Testimonials also potentially breach client confidentiality.
For these reasons client testimonials do not appear on my website. Clients are of course welcome to message me privately about their experience of therapy if they would like to. Due to confidentiality, I am also unable to comment on any reviews published elsewhere online.
GPS tracking
If you have GPS or a tracker app on your phone and are attending a therapy session in person, you should be aware that others may see that you are in therapy.
Your online footprint
If you view my website, this will be recorded in your device’s search history unless you choose to remove it. Please consider whether this, or any other contact between us such as emails or messages, would compromise your confidentiality.
Location and jurisdiction
I operate within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom and, due to a variety of laws and regulations, am unable to work with clients who are based in another jurisdiction or who are there temporarily (for example, on holiday).
Questions or concerns
If you have questions or would like to discuss any aspect of this policy, please let me know.