When it comes to storing notes, we’re all aware of the importance of confidentiality, and anything that we feel might put that at risk can cause some feelings of discomfort.

In this section, Rory and Ken discuss some of the ways you may be asked to keep your notes whilst working at a counselling agency or on placement:

• The expectations of an agency may be that you store your notes on a system that other people have access to.
• This way of note keeping in counselling agencies may bring about some initial feelings of discomfort, but it’s important in upholding continuity of care.
• This means a client can see a different counsellor if one is absent, and that clients won’t have to recount difficult events multiple times.
• It’s important that if notes are being stored this way, this is written into your contract. Detail the confidentiality policy, and explain why their notes are being stored this way.
• Clarity – having access to a client’s notes before seeing them offers you clarity on the client that you wouldn’t of had otherwise.
• Ask your agency questions – understand these policies so if you're asked by a client, you can give them answers.