Psychotherapy
I offer short term (up to 12 sessions) or longer term psychotherapy to individuals and couples. My approach is integrative, which honours the specific needs of the client(s) and uses the approach most suitable at that time. My training and special interest is in Transpersonal Psychotherapy, which is a holistic approach that addresses the different aspects of life: emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual. Transpersonal means to go beyond the usual sense of identity to encompass a wider sense of self and the world.
People may come to therapy because they feel blocked, stagnant, distressed, out of control or unsure. They may have problems in relationships, dissatisfaction with life or experience a loss of direction or purpose.
Others may be experiencing none of the above, but may seek a therapeutic space that allows for staying close to oneself, one’s life purpose and provides the opportunity to focus on what gives meaning to their life.
Others may simply want a better understanding of their own behaviours, emotional reactions and patterns. Therapy is a powerful tool for growth and self-awareness.
Central to the therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. My aim is to build a trusting relationship in which the client feels accepted and understood; a safe and secure space in which to explore various aspects of life, allowing for release, change and crucially a deepening awareness.
Clinical Supervision
Supervision is an opportunity to stand back, think and reflect with another on the therapeutic work that you are doing. Taking a step back in this way can give perspective. It is an opportunity to focus in a mutual way. It can offer fresh insight into what is going on for a client, and keep your work dynamic and alive. It can help to make sense of your work.
In addition the supervision space is an opportunity to explore what is going on for you, as a therapist, whilst working with a client. It is an opportunity to develop a reflective practice with clients. This in turn, will provide valuable ‘data’ to take back to your work with the client.
Supervision should be an alive and stimulating space. It is an opportunity to make counselling and psychotherapy work more interesting; provide more angles; uncover more of the unknown forces at work, both internally for the client and in relationship.
Supervision can be a place to help frame a hypothesis about the therapeutic work, and then take this back to the client to try out. It supports trust and confidence so that you can be direct with clients in a respectful way.
The kind of questions you might be asked in supervision are: what intrigues you about your client? What is the unknown? Where does your energy go? What is your learning edge? What does this situation evoke for you?
My aim is to offer a safe, enabling and creative space in which to make these explorations.
© Julia Franks | powered by WebHealer
Privacy Policy and Data Retention Statement-Effective from 25th May 2018
I aim to be fully compliant with current GPDR legislation and to let you know how I use and protect the data you’ve given me. GDPR replaces the previous Data Protection Act. I wish to be transparent with regard to the processes I have in place. Identifiable information, if shared, will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement. I follow guidance from my governing bodies UKCP and my insurers Towngate.
As a private practitioner and supervisor, I’m considered the data processor and controller in my practice. As the data controller, I process some of your personal data. During the assessment process information such as next of kin, family members and medication are gathered and held. This is encrypted (if digital) and securely stored. No one but me can access this information.
Data Processing means obtaining, recording or holding information. The definition is very wide, and most of what I do involves a degree of processing. I process the personal data I have collected as controller. I maintain records of personal data and processing activities and hold responsibility should there be a breach.
Consent.
This is a primary concern and is separate to other terms and conditions. As my client, you can withdraw consent at any time. I hope to offer you choice and control. As a therapist and supervisor who occasionally uses creative interventions, I want to ensure you know that any drawings or art done in session is yours. I will store this material safely and dispose of it in a timely manner. I will never use any of your data/artworks for writing, publishing, research or training purposes.
I have bi-weekly ongoing supervision for support/creative inspiration and to ensure that my practice is safe. When I share client material or images this is always done confidentially, protecting your identity. Nobody but me has access to any of your data. I will keep this process under review and refresh it if anything changes.
Note keeping.
I keep notes on the ongoing work that I do with clients, but only use initials to identify people and I keep these notes minimal. I hold notes for five years. After this time frame, they're disposed of securely. You have a right to see the information I hold about you should you wish to. You have a right to change any information which you consider to be incorrect. You can also ask me to delete all/any of the information that I hold. There are however some details I need to keep due to legal and professional obligations.
Data Storage.
I promise to keep all sensitive data safely. This involves using passwords and encrypted documents. I keep all sensitive data in a lockable file. I dispose of data by shredding documents after the counselling has finished after a 5 year window. I dispose of emails on a regular basis.
While we work together I will store your name and phone number on my smartphone. I will only contact you in response to you or concerning appointments. I do not engage with clients through any social media.
In the event of a complaint.
Please contact me directly. If we cannot resolve this you could then contact the Information Commissioner Office ( ICO). I am registered with them and my reference is ZA257108 (A8189801). https://ico.org.uk/concerns/handling/ or Guidance for GDPR Compliance.
Clinical will
In compliance with my membership of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, I am required to hold an up-to-date Professional Will. In the event of a sudden cessation of my therapy practice eg through an accident or death, I have appointed 2 Professional Executors and a Co-ordinator who would manage things on my behalf. This is arranged for your welfare as my client and every step is taken to ensure GDPR standards are met. The Exectors and Co-ordinator have access to a password protected document with the names and contact details for all my clients. However they are instructed only to view these details in the event my becoming incapacitated.