Privacy Notice

Introduction

This Privacy Notice explains how your personal information is collected, used, and protected when you engage with my counselling services.

Data Protection

I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

ICO Registration Reference: ZC102627

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly and securely.

What Information is Collected

Personal details such as name, contact information, and emergency contact details
Relevant health and wellbeing information you choose to share
Session notes taken to support therapeutic work

Lawful Basis for Processing

Your data is processed under the lawful basis of providing healthcare and counselling services, legitimate interests, and where applicable, consent.

How Information is Stored

Information is stored securely using password-protected systems and/or locked storage. Digital records are protected using appropriate security measures.

Session Notes

Brief session notes may be taken to support your therapeutic work. These are stored securely and are not shared without your consent unless required by law.

Confidentiality and Safeguarding

Everything discussed is confidential unless there is a legal or safeguarding concern, such as risk of harm to yourself or others, or a legal requirement to disclose information.

Online Sessions

Online sessions are conducted via Microsoft Teams. While reasonable steps are taken to ensure security, no online platform can be guaranteed as completely secure.

Data Retention

Client records are retained in line with professional, legal, and insurance requirements. Records are only kept for as long as necessary and are securely destroyed when no longer required.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, request deletion of your data, and restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances.

Scam Prevention and Verification

To protect clients from fraud or impersonation, please note the following:

I will never ask for payment through unofficial or unverified channels.
All official communication will come from my verified contact details only.
I will never request sensitive personal or financial information beyond what is necessary for counselling and administration.

If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from me, please contact me directly using my official contact details to verify authenticity.

Contact and Data Protection Queries

If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how your personal information is handled, please contact me directly.