Policies 

Privacy Policy (Website & Enquiries)

Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use and store your personal information when you visit this website or contact me through it.

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information in line with UK GDPR and professional ethical standards.

Website hosting (Google Sites)

This website is hosted by Google Sites, provided by Google LLC.

Google may automatically collect limited technical data such as:

• IP address

• Browser type

• Device information

• Basic website usage data

This information is used by Google to provide and maintain website services. I do not have access to this data for identification purposes.

Information I collect

I may collect personal information when you contact me via this website or email.

This may include:

• Your name

• Your email address

• Your phone number (if provided)

• Any information you include in your message

How your information is used

Your information is used only to:

• Respond to your enquiry

• Arrange initial contact or assessment

• Provide information about counselling services

Lawful basis for processing

Under UK GDPR, I process your data under the following lawful bases:

• Legitimate interests: to respond to enquiries and manage communication

• Contract: if your enquiry leads to counselling services

• Special category data (health information): processed under Article 9(2)(h) for the provision of therapeutic services by a qualified practitioner bound by confidentiality

Contact form and email enquiries

If you contact me via the website or email:

• Your message is received securely via email

• It is stored within my professional email system

• It is used only for the purpose of responding to your enquiry

If you do not become a client, your enquiry will be retained for up to 12 months, after which it will be securely deleted.

If you become a client

If you begin counselling with me, your information will then be managed under my separate Counselling Privacy & Confidentiality Policy, which includes information about:

• Clinical records

• Session notes

• Data retention (7 years)

• Confidentiality and safeguarding

Data storage and security

I take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information, including:

• Password-protected email accounts

• Secure devices with up-to-date security software

• Automatic screen locks

• Restricted access to personal data

While I take all reasonable steps to protect your information, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Sharing your information

Your information will never be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

It will only be shared if:

• You give explicit consent

• I am legally required to do so

• There is a serious risk of harm to you or others

Your rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data I hold about you

• Request correction of inaccurate data

• Request deletion of your data (where appropriate)

• Object to or restrict processing in certain circumstances

• Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

External links

This website may contain links to external websites. I am not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites.

Changes to this policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on this website.

Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you can contact me using the details provided on this website.

Counselling Privacy & Confidentiality Policy

Confidentiality

Our sessions are confidential within agreed ethical and legal limits.

Confidentiality is a key part of the therapeutic relationship. What you share with me will not be disclosed to others without your consent, except in specific circumstances where I am legally or ethically required to do so.

I receive regular clinical supervision as part of my professional practice. Supervision is a requirement of ethical working and supports safe and effective counselling for the benefit of clients. During supervision, I may discuss aspects of our work, but I will only use a first name or identifying code to protect your anonymity. Supervision is also bound by strict confidentiality.

Confidentiality may only be broken if:

• There is a serious risk of harm to you or others

• I am legally required to disclose information in relation to terrorism, money laundering and/or drug trafficking

• I am ordered to do so by the Court of Law

Wherever possible, I will discuss any concerns with you first and seek your consent before sharing information, unless I am legally required to act otherwise.

Clinical records and session notes

Brief, factual notes are made after each session in line with professional standards (BACP). These notes support the therapeutic process and may be required in the event of a complaint or legal matter.

Session notes do not contain full identifying details and are stored securely and separately from personal contact information.

Anonymised records

Session notes are identified using a unique code rather than your name. A separate encrypted, password-protected document links client names to codes. This file is stored securely and separately from session notes.

Data storage and security

I take all reasonable steps to protect your information. This includes:

• Paper records stored in a locked filing cabinet

• Electronic records stored on secure, password-protected systems

• Devices protected by passwords and automatic screen locks

• Up-to-date security software on all devices

• Secure storage of contact information on password-protected devices

While every effort is made to protect your information, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Data retention

Client records are kept for up to seven years after counselling ends, in line with legal, insurance, and professional (BACP) requirements (the timeframe may change dependent on current regulations). After this time, records are securely destroyed.

Your rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal data and session notes

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request restriction or deletion of data where appropriate

• Be informed about how your data is used

• Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you have concerns

Requests to access your data must be made in writing. I will reply within 24 hours (unless it is the weekend) to acknowledge your request. I will respond in full within 30 days. This timeframe may be extended if I am on leave.

Clinical supervision

I receive regular clinical supervision as part of my professional and ethical practice. This ensures safe, reflective, and effective work with clients. Any discussion of client work in supervision is anonymised. Supervision is bound by the same legal and ethical standards as counselling.

Clinical continuity (unexpected circumstances)

In the event that I am unexpectedly unable to work due to illness, accident or death, a trusted professional colleague (who is also bound by strict confidentiality) may access only the necessary contact details to inform clients and offer appropriate support or signposting if required.

Concerns

If you have any concerns about confidentiality or how your information is handled, please feel able to raise this with me directly. If concerns cannot be resolved, you may also contact:

• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)