Privacy Policy

I collect some data in order to provide the services outlined on this website. I use a third party, ’10to8′ to book appointments. It is your decision to enter your information and if you want to use that booking and scheduling service. I will not enter your information without your permission, and that would be if you wanted reminders of when sessions are. You can read their cookie and privacy policy here. Read my cookie policy here.

Please avoid using email for confidential and sensitive information, wherever possible. If you send any personal details and you use gmail, you can turn on confidential mode for added security. See here for more information.

I take protecting your data seriously and have put in place the below in order to respect that.

Data that I hold

Name, contact number, email, address, date of birth, GP details, medical conditions, current medication, overview of presenting issue and risk factors. I aim to minimise the storage of special category data and criminal history as much as possible.*

I aim to keep written records containing personal information to a minimum and regularly delete emails and documents where there is no legal or business need to retain that information.

Legal basis for processing personal data

Phone number and email address are used for practical purposes such as arranging sessions. The rest of the information is kept for safety purposes; in case there is a risk of harm to the client or by the client. The information is used to identify risk and to ensure I am working within my abilities. Brief notes of the sessions may be held in order to ensure quality of service to the client.

Storing records

I keep anonymous brief notes from sessions. All information is stored as confidential data in locked storage and digital password protected systems.

How long do I keep records

If you approach me and do not become a client, I will retain your personal information for no longer than six months. If you chose not to pursue counselling after your introduction session, your data will be disposed of as confidential waste within six months. For clients, I will retain your data for five years after counselling contract has ended. I am required to keep financial records for tax purposes for seven years.

Sharing your data

I will never provide your personal details to a third party without your consent except in the following circumstances:

• I may be required to share information if I am issued with a court order. 
• It may become necessary for me to break confidentiality for safeguarding reasons, serious harm to self or others, acts of terrorism or drug trafficking/ money laundering. The personal data shared with be adequate and proportionate e.g. the minimum required. Your information may be shared with health professionals and emergency services as appropriate. 
• In the event of my death or becoming incapacitated, my supervisor will access a password protected list of current clients and their contact details. My supervisor will contact the clients and will discuss options for support.
• I use third party software (gmail) which will capture certain information about you when you contact me or book a session. There are restrictions on when and how they can access your personal information.
• In rare circumstances, to my legal professional advisors and/ or underwriters in the context of seeking legal advice or in the context of legal action. 
• I only use your data in relation to delivery of service and do not sell it for marketing purposes or sell to third parties. 

Your rights

Where I have asked for your consent to process personal information, you have the right to withdraw your consent. However, I do not typically ask for your consent to use personal information about yours I use it to provide services to you according to our contract and for legitimate business purposes. Under certain circumstances, by law you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information. This enables you to receive a copy of the personal information that I hold about you and to check that I am lawfully processing it
• Request correction of the personal information that I hold about you. 
• Request erasure of your personal information. This enables you to ask me to delete or remove personal information where there is no good reason for me to retain it.

Data Breaches

I will notify you and any applicable regulator of a suspected breach if this should occur. 

Complaints

If you have any concerns about the way I have used your data, you can discuss it with me if you feel able. You can contact me on kategidley2@gmail.com. If a resolution has not been found, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office ICO. 0303 123 1113.

*Special category data includes: 

• personal data revealing political opinions;
• personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin;
• personal data revealing religious or philosophical beliefs;
• personal data revealing trade union membership;
• genetic data;
• biometric data (where used for identification purposes);
• data concerning health;
• data concerning a person’s sex life; and
• data concerning a person’s sexual orientation.

Updated: 10.11.23

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