WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?

This guide is from Deborah Shaer, a psychotherapist working with children and young people. It is for children and young people aged 10–17 who are thinking about having therapy or who are already working with me online. It explains what information is kept, why it is kept, and how to find out more.

WHAT INFORMATION I KEEP

I only keep information that I need for my work as your therapist.

• Your name

• Your contact details

• Your date of birth

• Brief notes about our therapy sessions

WHY I KEEP NOTES

I write notes after each session to keep a record of what we talk about.

I do this so I can remember what has already been said and make sure nothing important is missed when we meet again.

I also have to keep these notes because therapists are required to keep records of their work so that the care provided is safe, clear, and properly recorded.

HOW I KEEP YOUR INFORMATION SAFE

I keep your information secure and only use it for my work as your therapist. I take steps to protect it from being lost, shared, or seen by people who should not have access to it.

WHO I SHARE INFORMATION WITH

Psychotherapy is confidential. This means that what you tell me is private. It will not be shared unless there is a serious reason to do so.

I regularly meet with an experienced therapist called a Clinical Supervisor. I talk with them about my work so they can help me think about how I am working with children and young people.

Sometimes I may need to share information if I am concerned that you or someone else is not safe. For example, if someone is hurting you, if you are at serious risk of harm, or if someone else could be in danger. I may need to share information with people whose job is to help keep children safe.

If I am concerned about your safety or someone else’s safety, I will usually talk with you first so you understand what is happening and why.

HOW LONG DO I KEEP INFORMATION?

I keep your records for 7 years after therapy ends because I am required to do so. After this time, they are securely destroyed.

QUESTIONS AND YOUR RIGHTS

If you have questions about your information, you can talk to me during your therapy sessions.

If someone needs to ask about your information, this will be done through the adult who is responsible for you.

You have the right to ask to see the information I keep about you, and to ask me to correct it if something is wrong. I will reply within 30 days.

If you want to speak to someone outside of my practice about your information, you or your guardian can contact the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) here:

https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/

— June 2026