Privacy Policy

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As part of my commitment to privacy, this policy is intended to give insight into the data I collect, how I use it, how I store it, and how it’s shared.

Please note that there are links to third party websites on this site. These websites should have their own privacy policies which you should check. I do not accept any responsibility or liability for their actions whatsoever, as I have no control over them. Also, the transmission of any information via the internet may not be completely secure and therefore I cannot guarantee the security of data sent to me electronically. The transmission of such data is therefore entirely at your own risk.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioners Office). You have a right to complain to the ICO if you think there is a problem with the way I am handling your data.

Under Data Protection law, you have the right: 1) to access a copy of your records and have an explanation of your personal data, 2) to request correction or erasure, and 3) in certain circumstances to request limiting or ceasing data.

The information I collect about you

When you use this website:

In operating this website I may collect and process the following data about you:

1) Details of your visits to this website and the resources that you access, including, but not limited to, traffic data, location data, weblogs and other communication data.
2) Information that you provide by filling in the contact form on the website.
3) Information provided to me when you communicate with me.

I may on occasion gather information regarding your computer whilst you are on my website. This enables me to improve my services and to provide statistical information regarding the use of my website. Such information will not identify you personally as it is statistical data about my visitors and their use of my site. This statistical data does not identify any personal details whatsoever. Similarly, I may gather information about your general internet use by using a cookie file. Where used, these cookies are downloaded to your computer automatically. This cookie file is stored on the hard drive of your computer as cookies contain information that is transferred to your computer's hard drive. They help me to improve my website and the service that I provide to you. All computers have the ability to decline cookies. This can be done by activating the setting on your browser which enables you to decline the cookies. Please note that should you choose to decline cookies, you may be unable to access some parts of my website.

When you use my counselling service:

In order to work professionally, ethically and safely, it is necessary for me to collect the following personal information about you before beginning therapy: Name, address, date of birth, gender (or preferred identity), telephone number and/or email address, GP contact details, medical conditions and prescribed medication relevant to counselling, difficulties, counselling history and sessions summaries.

How I store your personal information

To store your personal information I use a GDPR-compliant encrypted cloud-based professional software system. Any paper-based information collected is scanned and uploaded to this system before being securely destroyed.  

This information is stored for five years before being erased, in accordance with the requirements of GDPR and my Professional Liability Insurance.

In addition, any contact information, texts or emails stored on my electronic devices will be erased one month after our final session.

Please note that some basic information about you will appear on my bank statements and card machine provider records following session fee bank transfers and card transactions. Paying in cash would be the only way to avoid this.

When I will share your personal information

Everything you tell me will be confidential, with the following exceptions: 

• Prevention of harm. If I believe that you or someone else is at significant risk of danger.
• Legal requirement. For example, serious criminal activity, or a court-issued order for disclosure.
• Professional supervision. In accordance with BACP guidelines I receive regular supervision, where our work together might be discussed (using only your first name). Furthermore, a supervisor will have access to your basic contact information in the event of my incapacity.