The relationship between you and your therapist is built on a foundation of trust. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of this trust and a fundamental part of our professional code of ethics. Everything you discuss with your psychologist at Shaw Psychology is held in the strictest confidence.

 

Limits to Confidentiality and Our Duty of Care

Your privacy is paramount. However, it is important for you to know that there are specific situations where our legal and ethical duty of care requires us to disclose information. This would only ever occur to prevent serious harm. These situations are:

• Risk of Harm: If we have a reasonable belief that you are at serious risk of harming yourself or another person.

• Child Safety: If we have concerns about the safety or welfare of a child (mandatory reporting).

• Legal Subpoena: If a court of law subpoenas your clinical records. It is essential to understand that information discussed in therapy is not considered legally "privileged" in Australia.

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Please be assured that if a situation like this were to arise, our first step would always be to discuss the matter with you and seek your agreement, provided it is safe and legally possible to do so. We want to be clear that if we ever have to take such a step, it is not a betrayal of your trust, but an act of care and respect for your long-term well-being and safety.

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If you ever feel unsure about what we do and do not have to report, we strongly encourage you to ask your therapist. We are here to provide clarity and support.

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For more detailed information on how we handle your data, please see our full Website Privacy Policy.