Social Media Policy

This policy explains how I use social media and digital communication as a psychotherapist, and how we can both maintain clear, safe and professional boundaries online. If you have any questions, please feel free to discuss them with me at any point.

I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and the Data Protection Act 2018 / GDPR, and I am committed to maintaining your privacy, confidentiality and dignity in all forms of communication.

1. Professional Boundaries Online

To protect your confidentiality and our therapeutic relationship:

  • I do not accept friend requests or contact requests on social media from current or former clients.

  • I do not follow clients’ social media accounts.

  • If we encounter one another online or in public spaces, I will not acknowledge our therapeutic relationship unless you initiate contact.

This is to ensure your privacy and prevent unintended exposure of sensitive information.

2. Social Media is Not Secure

Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) are not secure spaces for therapeutic communication.
For your privacy:

  • Please do not use social media messaging to contact me about appointments or therapeutic material.

  • Public interactions such as tagging, commenting or liking posts may reveal your relationship with me.

If you need to contact me between sessions, please use:

  • Email: hello@rootandrisetherapy.uk

Messages will be responded to within normal working hours.

I do not provide therapeutic support via email or social media messaging.

3. Communication Between Sessions

Digital communication should be limited to practical matters such as scheduling or cancellations.

Email and text are not considered fully secure, so please avoid sharing sensitive therapeutic content in writing.
If you choose to share personal material by email or text, this will be considered an informed choice on your part.

Any material requiring deeper discussion will be brought into our next session.

4. Emergencies

Email, text and social media are not suitable for emergencies.
If you are in immediate distress or at risk, please contact:

  • Your GP

  • NHS 111 (press 2 for the urgent mental health helpline.)

  • Your local Crisis Team

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours)

  • If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

5. My Professional Online Presence

I maintain a professional online presence (e.g., website, Instagram) to:

  • share information about my services

  • post reflective or psychoeducational material

  • support referrals from professionals and the wider public

You are welcome to view or share public posts.
To protect your privacy, I will never acknowledge a therapeutic relationship on any public platform.

6. Search Engines

I do not “google” clients or seek information about you online.
The only information I use is what you choose to share with me.

7. Reviews & Public Feedback

You are free to discuss your experience of therapy anywhere you choose. However, due to confidentiality, I cannot respond to reviews or comments online — whether positive or negative.

If you ever have feedback or concerns about our work, please bring it into the therapy room.
Your voice matters, and these conversations can be an important part of the therapeutic process.

8. Technology & Data Security

I use GDPR_compliant systems for storing client records.

In addition, I take reasonable steps to protect digital communication, including:

  • password-protected devices

  • updated security software

  • encrypted storage where applicable

  • secure handling of email and phone communication

More detail about how your data is protected can be found in my Privacy Policy.

Closing Note

Thank you for taking the time to read this policy.
Clear and compassionate digital boundaries help protect the privacy and integrity of our work together. If anything here raises questions or feels unclear, please bring it into our session so we can explore it together.