Privacy policy and data protection
I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly, in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I am a registered member of BACP (MBACP, registration number 00756352).
What information I collect
Personal data I collect may include your name, contact details, emergency contact information, and relevant medical or mental health history. I may also keep session notes as part of your clinical record.
Why I collect your information
I collect and process your data to provide you with a safe and effective counselling service, to meet my professional and legal obligations, and to maintain appropriate clinical records in line with BACP requirements.
Website enquiries
When you send an enquiry through this website, the details you enter are passed to me by my website host, Netlify, which processes them on my behalf. I use them only to respond to your enquiry. This website does not use advertising or analytics cookies.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is central to the counselling relationship. What you share in sessions will not be disclosed without your consent, except in exceptional circumstances where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, a safeguarding concern, or a legal obligation to disclose.
I may discuss anonymised aspects of our work in clinical supervision, which is a professional requirement under the BACP Ethical Framework. I will not share any personally identifiable information without your knowledge.
How your data is stored
I store all client records securely, whether in paper or electronic form. Access is restricted to me only. Electronic records are password-protected, and paper records are kept in a locked location.
How long your data is kept
I retain client records for a minimum period in line with BACP professional guidelines and applicable legal requirements. After this period, I securely destroy records.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to access the personal data held about you, request correction of inaccurate data, request deletion of your data (subject to legal and professional obligations), withdraw consent for data processing, and raise a concern with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data has been mishandled.
Contact
If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is handled, please get in touch directly.
This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect any changes in legislation or professional guidance.