Establishing a safe and empathetic relationship is key to our therapeutic journey. Confidentiality is implied in this process. Session content is always kept confidential unless there's a safety concern. In cases where a client is considered unsafe to themselves or others, Fernandes Psychology has a duty of care to inform their caregiver (for minors), guardian, or authorities responsible for safeguarding the person and situation. The client will always be informed of this.

For young people aged 12+ the content of the sessions is confidential. Consent will always be asked before sharing any information with parents or caregivers. This is discussed and agreed upon during the initial conversation with clients. When these are under the age of 18, parents are also asked to be part of this meeting and both parents need to agree with this policy before the minor can start with sessions. The adolescent and their parents/caregivers sign a consent form where state that they are in agreement with the practice rules and policy.

All information shared by the client during sessions and consultations will be kept confidential and will not be discussed in any form with anyone else unless an explicit written agreement has been given by the client.

Fernandes Psychology values the importance of clinical supervision. Renata meets regularly with a clinical
supervisor and take part in peer intervison, to discuss and reflect on the support and services offered by Fernandes Psychology. The anonymity of all clients is always respected during any discussion or reflection in clinical supervision.

Online sessions work in similar ways as in person sessions, addressing similar issues and subject to the same confidentiality policies. Therefore, it is important that clients are mindful of where they choose to have the online session. it is important to recognise and mitigate the limitation of virtual/distance therapy confidentiality, which may include unintended viewers or recipients. It is responsibility of each client to make sure they are in a safe space where they can have privacy and not be interrupt during our sessions. The advantages and limitations of online sessions  are discussed with clients during our initial conversation. Clients should also be mindful of what they wear during our sessions. Clients will be informed of the benefits and limitations of virtual/distance therapy.

Educate clients (in special adolescents) on how to participate in the electronic counseling relationship to minimize and prevent potential misunderstandings that could occur due to lack of verbal cues and inability to read body language or other visual cues that provide contextual meaning.

For clients under the age of 16 years, parents will be informed that their child has chosen for online counselling appointments.

Fernandes Psychology does not provide crisis services. In the event of a crisis, you can be in contact with your
general practitioner. Your general practitioner holds the responsibility of ensuring that you (or your child) receive the appropriate crisis support.

When a minor (under 18 years) is considered unsafe to themselves or another Fernandes Psychology has the duty of
care to inform their caregiver. I will do my upmost to always inform clients of this before any communication with their caregiver.

Fernandes Psychology is committed to offering safe services for all. A copy of an up-to-date certificate of
conduct (VOG) can be provided on request.

Fernandes Psychology commits to using HIPAA-compliant Counselling Platforms. All online sessions will take place using a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform Zoom/google meets

All client data is stored in a password protected computer or in lock cabinets.