WHAT IS "spEak-to- an Expert"

SpEak ("The Service" ) is an online coaching and advice service which to enable you "The User" to find skills to address difficulties you are having and to find ways forward which are satisfying to you. We do this through communication by email. You can describe what is troubling you and your Expert will respond.

He or she may need to ask you more questions and will endeavour to help you find new ways of thinking about your difficulties as well as providing some ideas about how you may be helped.

This may include recommendations toward finding help from traditional face to face therapies.

AVAILABILITY

Your counsellor will respond to your e- message within 3 days of receiving it. If for any reason at all your counsellor is not available you will be advised and given the chance of e-speaking to someone else, or waiting for the counsellor to return.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All of the counsellors working for the National Centre For Eating Disorders ("The Provider") adhere to the code of ethics of the major counselling organisations of the United Kingdom.( British Psychological Society, British Association of Counselling and The UK Code of Clinical Practice) These prescribe strict guidelines for maintaining client confidentiality. Your communications will only be read by the counsellor to whom they are directed and their replies in turn will be seen only by yourself. Clients will have to take responsibility for shared e-mail facilities at their end.

Under the terms of reference of all legitimate counselling authorities, rights to confidentiality are set aside under the following circumstances: life or death situations or the risk or harm to others.

COMPLAINTS

Complaints about the Service may be addressed to Eileen Murphy at ncfed@globalnet.co.uk and a reply will be drafted within one week of receiving such complaint.

WHO IS SUITABLE FOR E-COUNSELLING

We can answer questions from anyone. Ongoing e-therapy is not however suitable for clients who are clinically depressed, or actively suicidal

USER RULES FOR E-COUNSELLING

By using the service the User agrees not to undertake the following:

• Use the service for any purpose which would violate local or international law
• Post material which is obscene, threatening, embarrassing or defamatory to the counsellor
• Impersonate another person
• Discuss illegal activities with or without the intent to commit them

DISCLAIMER

Users reliance on any information provided through the Service is solely at the risk of the User. The Provider does not assume liability or responsibility for opinions of counsellors, which are solely the opinions of the authors thereof. The Provider does not assume responsibility for damage or injury to persons or property arising from the use of any information provided by the Service. Provider reserves the right to stop providing the Service if deemed in the best interests of the client and the counsellor.

We strongly suggest that you print and retain a copy
of these guidelines for your reference.