Counselling Policy

APPENDIX 4: ONLINE COUNSELLING PARENT CONSENT FORM Rational School counselling online provides an opportunity for students to talk, in confidence, about their thoughts and emotions with a qualified health professional. Counselling is a place of non-judgement, offering support rather than advice. The focus is on finding a way through troubles. Counselling has several benefits, not least to help work through worries and feel connected during times of uncertainty.

Methodology The counselling team will use a variety of evidence-based talk therapy methods to help students achieve their best academically, socially and emotionally, within their situation.

Scheduled sessions are usually individual, lasting between 20 to 40 minutes. Check-ins can be shorter. The Microsoft Teams chat function will be used to conduct the session.

Conduct Both the counsellor and student are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner whilst online. This includes ensuring their environment, clothing, speech and conduct is suitable. The session should be treated in the same manner as a face-to-face meeting.

Counsellors will help educate students on how to participate in the electronic school counselling relationship to minimise potential misunderstandings.

Both parties should be on time for scheduled sessions, no recording or taking photographs is permitted.

Please be aware of ethical and legal considerations of technological applications within the UAE http://ejustice.gov.ae/downloads/latest_laws/cybercrimes_5_2012_en.pdf.

Confidentiality Counsellors will continue to ensure appropriate and reasonable measures for maintaining confidentiality of student information as well as promote the safe and responsible use of technology in collaboration with students and families.

While the full content of the sessions will not be disclosed, there is an obligation for school counsellors to share relevant information with parents and/or specific staff members where this is in the interests of the child. The student’s consent will usually be sought before a discussion outside of counselling takes place. If a potential risk of harm to the student or someone else is identified within the session, the counsellor will follow the school Safeguarding Policy reporting concerns confidentially to the designated safeguarding lead. Any sharing of information will be done with sensitivity following the appropriate pathways on a need-to-know basis.

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