Privacy Policy

Privacy Notice

This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal information in accordance with UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and subsequent amendments.

Who I Am

I am a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor.

I am the Data Controller responsible for the personal information you provide to me.

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The Information I Collect

Depending on the nature of our work together, I may collect:

• Your name, address, telephone number and email address

• Date of birth

• GP details and emergency contact information

• Information relating to your physical and emotional wellbeing

• Assessment forms and questionnaires

• Session notes and clinical records

• Correspondence between us

• Appointment and attendance records

• Payment and invoicing information

For supervisees, I may also collect information relating to professional practice, training, accreditation and supervision records.

How I Use Your Information

I collect and process personal information to:

• Provide counselling, psychotherapy and supervision services

• Maintain professional clinical records

• Communicate regarding appointments and enquiries

• Ensure safe and ethical practice

• Meet legal, regulatory and insurance requirements

• Manage payments and business administration

• Monitor and improve the quality of my services

Lawful Basis for Processing

The lawful bases for processing your information may include:

• Performance of a contract

• Legitimate interests

• Compliance with legal obligations

• Provision of health-related services

• Explicit consent where required

Where special category data relating to health and wellbeing is processed, I do so in accordance with UK data protection legislation governing the provision of counselling and therapeutic services.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed within counselling or supervision is treated as confidential.

However, confidentiality may be broken where:

• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person

• There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult

• Disclosure is required by law or court order

• You provide explicit consent for information to be shared

Where appropriate and possible, I will discuss any disclosure with you beforehand.

Clinical Supervision

As a registered practitioner, I engage in regular clinical supervision to ensure safe, ethical and effective practice.

Client work may be discussed within supervision; however, identifying information is minimised wherever possible and supervisors are bound by the same professional and confidentiality requirements.

Nature-Based Therapy

Where therapy takes place outdoors, I may collect and record additional information relevant to safety, risk assessment and session planning.

Any information collected in relation to nature-based work will be stored securely and used only for the purposes of supporting our therapeutic work and ensuring safety.

Online Counselling and Digital Communication

I offer online sessions and may communicate with clients using digital platforms including:

• Zoom

• WhatsApp

• Email

• Telephone

While reasonable steps are taken to use secure systems, no online communication can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

By choosing to communicate via these platforms, you acknowledge the potential risks associated with electronic communication.

WhatsApp may be used for practical purposes such as appointment scheduling, cancellations and brief administrative communication. It is not intended for crisis support or the provision of therapy between sessions.

Sharing Information

I do not sell or share personal information for marketing purposes.

Information may only be shared where necessary with:

• Clinical supervisors

• Professional indemnity insurers

• Accountants or payment providers where required

• Legal, regulatory or safeguarding agencies where required by law

• Emergency services where there is a serious risk of harm

How Information Is Stored

Electronic records are stored using password-protected devices and secure systems.

Paper records, where used, are stored in locked facilities.

Reasonable measures are taken to protect information against loss, unauthorised access, misuse or disclosure.

Retention of Records

Counselling and supervision records are typically retained for seven years following the end of our work together, unless a longer retention period is required by law, professional guidance or insurance requirements.

After this period, records will be securely destroyed.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

• Object to processing where applicable

• Request erasure where legally appropriate

• Withdraw consent where consent is relied upon

Requests will be responded to in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Complaints

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

If you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

For further information visit the ICO website at ico.org.uk.

Changes to This Privacy Notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legislation, professional requirements or practice procedures.

Last Updated: June 2026