Privacy Policy
Last updated: 01/2025
At The Counselling Practice, we are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
---
Who We Are
We are a team of qualified and trainee therapists offering counselling services to adults and young people. Our practice is based in [insert location], and we are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in line with GDPR requirements.
---
What Information We Collect
When you contact us or begin therapy, we may collect:
Your name and contact details (phone, email, address)
Emergency contact information
GP details (for safety purposes)
Notes from sessions, assessment forms, and correspondence
Information you share as part of the therapy process
We collect only the information that is necessary to provide a safe and effective service.
---
How Your Information Is Stored
All information is stored securely:
Paper notes are kept in locked filing cabinets
Digital records are stored on password-protected devices or encrypted platforms
Any email or messaging correspondence is managed using secure systems
We take data protection seriously and regularly review our processes to keep your information safe.
---
Why We Collect This Information
We collect and store your personal data:
To provide you with counselling services
To contact you regarding your appointments or care
To comply with legal and ethical responsibilities (e.g. safeguarding)
We will never use your information for marketing or share it without your consent, except where legally required (e.g. risk of harm, court order).
---
How Long We Keep Your Information
In line with ethical guidelines, client records are kept for 7 years after the end of therapy. For children and young people, records are kept until their 25th birthday (or 26th if aged 17 at the end of therapy).
After this period, records will be securely destroyed.
---
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access the information we hold about you
Request corrections to inaccurate data
Ask us to erase your information (in certain circumstances)
Withdraw consent for data processing (where applicable)
Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you have concerns
---
Third Parties
We do not share your information with third parties unless:
You give clear, written consent
There is a legal or ethical obligation (e.g. risk to life, safeguarding, serious crime)
In any case where disclosure is necessary, we will aim to discuss this with you first wherever possible.
---
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy or your data, you can contact us at:
The Counselling Practice
Email: thecounsellingpractice@hotmail.com
Phone: 07857 836390
Address: 153 The Parade Watford, WD17 1NA