Hampshire Therapy Room Social Media and Computer Mediated Communication Policy
This policy outlines Hampshire Therapy Room’s use of Social Media and Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). Technology moves at a fast pace therefore there is an ongoing need to clarify professional usage and boundaries. This policy is designed to enable you to understand how I conduct myself on the Internet and how you can expect me to respond to interactions online. If you have any questions about anything within this document, please feel free to raise them with me.
It is preferable to use emails for appointment arrangements only due to the possible lack of security that email entails. You should consider whether you are happy for me to email you, taking into account your own privacy.
Phone and Text Messaging
Texting may also be used for arranging appointment times as it may be difficult for me to answer the phone due to appointments with other clients. I do not use Whatsapp, to maintain professional boundaries, so please send messages about appointment times via text message or email. Whether phoning or texting, please aim to do so between the hours of 9am and 7pm.
Friending and Following
I do not accept friend requests or follow current or former clients on any social networking site as this crosses the boundary of the therapeutic relationship and may also compromise your confidentiality. I do not use Snapchat but I do use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linked In professionally. If you choose to follow a professional account, just consider that you may be compromising your confidentiality.
Reviews and Testimonials
Due to confidentiality, I cannot comment on any reviews published online as these would not have been added by me. It is considered unethical, by several bodies, to publish testimonials, as every client is unique therefore every therapy will be different, and this also potentially breaches client confidentiality, so you will not find testimonials on my website but you are welcome to send me private messages following your therapy if you would like to.
GPS Tracking
If you have GPS or a tracker app on your phone, you should be aware that others may see that you are in therapy whilst attending your appointment in person.
Online Footprint
If you view my website, this will be stored in your device’s history, unless you choose to remove it, so consider whether this, and any other contact that you have with me such as emails or messages, would compromise your confidentiality.
Location and Jurisdiction
I operate within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom and, due to varied laws and practices, I am unable to work with clients who are either based in another jurisdiction or are temporarily in another jurisdiction, for example because they are on holiday.
Conclusion
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please raise these so that we can discuss them.