Bairbre Kelly

So currently and since there have been some amendments made in 2017 how the system generally works is if a client or should I say if a survivor presents at a Garda station and makes a statement there's certain protocol that has to happen obviously from that point

But regarding their counselling notes, again, there are certain protocols that have to happen.

So it's not a given that counselling notes would be used.

So there's a certain process that has to go through.

Yeah, so during the intake session, generally, when a therapist would meet a client for the first time, they will go through certain limitations regarding confidentiality.

And that would absolutely be one of them that would be explained to a client.

However, during the first intake session, I'll be quite honest with you, generally, clients are extremely overwhelmed.

So I don't think always they're taking everything in.

So this is something that has been asked repeatedly now.

Firstly, the fact that many clients aren't even aware that this process can happen.

Secondly, a lot of therapists aren't even fully aware of the ins and outs of what this process entails.

But absolutely, if a client attends during particularly the beginning session, if they say,

I do not want session notes to be kept on me.

They have an absolute right to do to say that.

And to be quite honest with you now, many therapists, because of, you know, obviously what's going on in the media and being aware, a lot of therapists have actually decided not to keep counselling notes.

However, there are problems still existing around that.

This is it, you know, and the purpose of keeping those notes is very much about keeping a record and tracking, you know, emotional changes and cognitive distortions.

Like, you know, they're really therapists generally will be keeping those notes to try to keep track of patterns regarding emotions and thoughts.

So again, this is where things get a little bit complicated.

So firstly, a person going and making a statement to the Gardaí regarding being victimised, they will at that point be asked about different services that they're linked in with, and one of those would be around counselling.