Social Media Policy

This page explains how I (Hazel Hill) use social media and other online tools, and what that means for clients and potential clients.

Last updated: 20 September 2025

1) Purpose & scope

I’m NCPS Senior Accredited and BACP Accredited, and I work to the BACP Ethical Framework. This policy covers my professional presence online (website, business listings, and any practice social accounts) and how I handle digital communications around counselling.

2) Professional boundaries

I keep a clear boundary between my professional and personal life online to protect your privacy and our therapeutic relationship.
My social posts (if any) are general information only and not a substitute for therapy or advice specific to you.
I don’t discuss client work on social media.

3) How to contact me (and what not to use)

Best ways to reach me: email counselling@inyourcommunity.org.uk or call/text 07814 363 855.

Do not use social media DMs to share personal information or to book/cancel sessions — I don’t monitor DMs for clinical communications and they’re not private enough.
If we agree to use messaging for practical scheduling only, we’ll confirm which channel is acceptable and how it’s secured. I don’t conduct therapy by DM.

4) Friend/follow requests

I don’t accept friend requests from clients on my personal social media accounts.
You’re welcome to follow any practice pages if you choose, but this may affect your privacy (others could infer you’re a client). There’s no expectation to follow, like or comment.

5) Messaging & DMs

Please use email/phone for appointments and practical queries. Social DMs are not suitable for clinical conversations or urgent matters.
If you message me on a social platform, I’ll usually reply requesting you switch to email/phone. This protects your confidentiality and creates a proper record of our arrangements.

6) Tags, mentions & comments

To protect your privacy, I won’t engage with comments that identify you as a client (for example, I won’t “like” or reply).
If you tag or mention my practice, I may not acknowledge it publicly. You’re always free to contact me privately by email instead.
I moderate or remove comments on my channels that contain personal/clinical information, spam, or anything that could harm you or others.

7) Online reviews & testimonials

I don’t solicit testimonials or public reviews from clients; this helps maintain your privacy and our therapeutic boundaries.
If you post a review, I may not respond directly (replying could confirm you’re a client). If you have feedback, please email me — I take it seriously and will respond in private.

8) Searching for clients online

I do not search for clients or their family members online. If there is ever a compelling clinical reason (e.g., an immediate risk concern), I would discuss this with you where possible and record my rationale in line with the Ethical Framework.

9) Confidentiality online

Your confidentiality matters. Please be aware that social platforms can collect data about your activity. For details about how I handle your information, see my Privacy Notice and Confidentiality page.

Consider using a private device, strong passwords, and disabling shared devices’ message previews.
Email is used for administrative purposes; clinical details are best discussed in session.

10) Recording & screenshots

I don’t record sessions (in-person or online). I ask that you do not record or share screenshots without explicit written agreement. This keeps therapy safe and private for both of us.
If we ever agree to record (for a specific, time-limited purpose), we’ll set this out in writing, including how the file is stored and when it will be deleted.

11) Check-ins & location data

For your privacy, please avoid public “check-ins” or posts that reveal therapy times/locations, unless you are comfortable with that information being visible.
I don’t share client-identifying photos or details online.

12) Availability & response times

I respond to emails and messages during working hours. If I’m away, I’ll set an out-of-office message.
Social DMs aren’t monitored for clinical messages. For scheduling changes at short notice, please text or call.

13) Urgent or crisis situations

I’m not an emergency service and social media isn’t suitable for urgent help. If you’re at immediate risk, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent support, contact your GP, NHS 111, or Samaritans 116 123. You’ll find more helplines on my Resources page.

14) Changes to this policy

I review this policy periodically. Updates will be posted here with a new “Last updated” date. For questions, email counselling@inyourcommunity.org.uk.