I adhere to the current data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003. Under these laws you have the right to know what information I collect, how I use it and the circumstances under which it may be shared.

Your Personal Data

Information kept includes:

Brief record of each counselling session

A personal information sheet

A signed privacy notice.

I keep all data in a locked filing cabinet and any identifiable information is stored separately from the session notes and linked by a unique number. Any emails or phone numbers are stored on locked phones and computers which are password protected. I keep this data to provide a counselling service in accordance with legal and professional obligations. This data is not shared with anyone else except in the following circumstances.

Consent – I may share information with other professionals whom you have requested or agreed I should contact.

Serious Harm – I may share your information with the relevant authorities if I have reason to believe that this may prevent serious harm being caused to you or another person.

Compliance with the Law – for instance if I am required by a court of law.

Incapacity – in the event I am incapacitated and unable to work your contact information will be shared with my clinical executor so that they can contact you.

How long do I store your Data

I am required to keep session notes for a period of 5 years after the end of therapy after which they are destroyed by shredding. You are able to request to see these written notes at any point. The following will be shredded or deleted within three months of our work finishing:

Personal information Form

Emails regarding appointment arrangements

Your phone number from my work mobile phone.

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (Registration No ZB586605)