One of the first practical questions people ask is whether what they say will stay private.
That question matters. It is much harder to speak openly if you are unsure where you stand.
Why confidentiality matters
Counselling depends on trust. A private and respectful setting makes it easier to talk honestly about what is difficult, confusing, or painful.
Marie states this clearly in the practice itself: confidentiality is of the utmost importance when working with clients.
How confidentiality is usually explained
At the beginning of counselling, confidentiality is normally discussed in plain language. That conversation should help you understand:
- what stays private
- how notes or contact details are handled
- whether there are any legal or safety-related limits
- who to ask if anything feels unclear
The aim is clarity, not vague reassurance.
Why limits may exist
There can be situations where confidentiality is not unlimited. These are usually connected to legal duties or immediate safety concerns.
If limits apply, they should be explained clearly rather than buried in small print.
What you can ask
If confidentiality is important to you, and for most people it is, you can ask direct questions such as:
- How is my information handled?
- Are messages stored on the website?
- How are limits explained?
- Can I keep my first contact brief?
On this website, contact and callback messages are sent to email and are not stored in a website database. The Privacy policy explains that in more detail.
If you want to begin carefully
You can start with a short phone call or email and ask practical questions first. The Contact page and How counselling works page are a good place to start.