How we work

Confidentiality at Bethel

• Bethel has been set up to be a safe place for people who are hurting as a result of abuse in the church. Apart from the legal limits to confidentiality (detailed below) that apply to all professionals, we at Bethel do not pass on any identifying information about your situation. The church acknowledges and has learned from people who have been hurt that having a ‘safe’ place and the chance to develop trust over time is very important.
• You are welcome to email or telephone to discuss what we offer, or to look at our website. We are happy to talk and answer questions about our service. This can assist you to decide whether or not you want to discuss your situation and to decide whether or not Bethel is the best avenue of assistance for you.
• Bethel is both separate from any church buildings, and a welcoming yet private space. Most people who come for counselling do not need to meet any other centre seekers, as we try to plan appointments in this way.
• Bethel is separate from committees and processes in the church, and can offer support in a range of ways. This could include giving information, offering counselling, arranging a referral, supporting you in your contact with a relevant committee in the church, etc.
• Bethel also runs training, including workshops. Care is always taken to make workshops safe places for participants, and individual and group discussion about the content and process of workshops is available if required.
• Bethel has a small lending library with books, articles and DVDs available for loan at no charge.

What are the limits of confidentiality?

• Legal requirements mean that if you (or someone else) are currently under age, or in a situation of danger that means you or someone else may not be safe, that we (and any other professional) would have an obligation to act to ensure your safety. This would always be done in discussion with you and including your thoughts and wishes as much as possible in any plan.
• We encourage discussion and clarification of these issues before counselling begins, and also welcome ongoing conversation on this topic whenever relevant.

Download the Confidentiality at Bethel document.