Privacy

Privacy Notice

Your Privacy

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in a safe and confidential manner. This privacy notice explains how I collect, use, and store your personal information in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.

What Information I Collect

I may collect the following personal information:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Emergency contact details
• GP details (if relevant)
• Brief information about what brings you to counselling
• Session notes
• Appointment history
• Payment records

I may also collect information when you:

• Contact me via my website
• Send an email
• Call or text me

Why I Collect Your Information

I collect your information to:

• Provide counselling services
• Respond to enquiries
• Arrange and manage appointments
• Maintain professional records
• Ensure your safety and wellbeing
• Meet legal and professional obligations

Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:

• Contract — to provide counselling services
• Legitimate Interests — to manage and run my practice
• Legal Obligation — where required by law
• Vital Interests — if there is risk of serious harm

As counselling involves sensitive personal information, I also process special category data for the purpose of providing health and wellbeing support.

How I Store Your Information

I take appropriate steps to keep your information secure, including:

• Password-protected devices
• Secure email systems
• Locked storage for paper records (if applicable)
• Limited access to your information

How Long I Keep Your Information

I retain counselling records for 6 years after your final session, in line with professional recommendations and insurance requirements.

Initial enquiry information may be kept for a shorter period if you do not proceed with counselling.

After this period, your information is securely deleted or destroyed.

Confidentiality and Sharing Information

Your information is kept confidential. However, there are some circumstances where I may share information:

• If there is risk of serious harm to yourself or others
• Safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults
• If required by law or court order
• With your consent (for example, contacting your GP)

I may discuss my work with a professional supervisor. This is standard practice and any identifying details are kept to a minimum.

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (where appropriate)
• Restrict how your information is used
• Withdraw consent where applicable
• Lodge a complaint

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details above.

Making a Complaint

If you have concerns about how your information is handled, please contact me first.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Website Cookies

This website may use basic cookies to improve your experience. These do not collect personal information.

If you contact me through this website, your information will be treated confidentially and used only to respond to your enquiry.

Updates to This Privacy Notice

This privacy notice may be updated occasionally. The latest version will always be available on this website.

Last updated: April 2026