This privacy policy explains how I collect, use, and store your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. As a registered member of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), I am committed to protecting your privacy and data rights.
I may collect the following personal data:
Contact details – name, phone number, email address, address (for communication and appointment purposes)
Personal history – any information you choose to share during sessions that is relevant to your therapeutic work
Emergency contact details – for your safety
GP details – only used with your consent or in exceptional safeguarding circumstances
This information is collected to provide safe, ethical, and effective counselling services.
Lawful Basis for Holding and Using Your Information
The legal basis under UK GDPR for processing your data is:
Contract – to provide you with a counselling service
Legitimate Interest – to support your emotional and psychological wellbeing
Consent – in certain cases, such as if you agree to me contacting your GP
Legal Obligation – where safeguarding or legal reporting is necessary
How I Store Your Information
Written notes are kept securely and separately from identifiable information
Digital data (emails, documents) are stored on password-protected devices
Your data is stored for up to 7 years after our work ends (in line with professional guidance), and then securely destroyed
Confidentiality and When I May Need to Share Your Information
Everything you share with me is treated confidentially. The only exceptions to this are:
If I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm
If required by law or a court order
If there are safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults
In professional supervision (where you are never identifiable)
Where possible, I will always discuss this with you first.
Your Rights Under UK GDPR Act 2018
You have the right to:
Access your personal data
Request correction or deletion of your data
Withdraw consent (where applicable)Object to how your data is used
Lodge a complaint with the ICO at www.ico.org.uk if you are unhappy with how your data is handledICO Registration: ZB953833