Privacy Notice
Your privacy matters
Choosing to contact a counsellor often involves sharing sensitive personal information. I understand the trust this requires and am committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. This notice explains what information I collect, why I collect it, how it is stored, how long I keep it and the limited circumstances in which it may be shared.
Who I am
Perspectives Counselling Service is my private counselling practice. I provide psychodynamic counselling for adults and young people aged 16+.
Telephone: 07533 698084
Email: perspectivescounsellingservice@gmail.com
I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). My registration number is ZB389605.
What information I collect
I may collect contact details, GP and emergency contact details, payment information, assessment information, correspondence and brief clinical notes. Where appropriate I may collect limited information from a parent or legal guardian for clients aged 16–17. Health information and clinical notes are special category personal data.
Why I collect your information
If you contact me through my website, email or telephone, I will only use the information you provide to respond to your enquiry. If you decide not to proceed with counselling, I will normally delete your enquiry information within one month unless there is a legitimate reason for me to retain it. If we work together I use your information to provide counselling, arrange appointments, maintain clinical records, manage invoices and financial records required for legal and tax purposes, meet professional obligations and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
How I use your information
I only use your information for purposes connected with providing counselling and managing my practice. I do not sell or share your information for marketing.
Young people aged 16–18
I usually collect information directly from young people. Where appropriate I may also collect limited information from a parent or guardian. I respect young people's confidentiality unless there is a safeguarding concern, significant risk of harm or legal requirement to disclose information.
Confidentiality
Counselling is confidential. Confidentiality may need to be broken where there is a serious risk of harm, a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult, or where disclosure is required by law. Wherever possible I aim to discuss this with you first.
Clinical supervision
I attend regular clinical supervision. Client information is anonymised or pseudonymised wherever possible.
Online counselling and communication
Online sessions use secure video software. Email and telephone are mainly used for appointments and practical information. Email cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Keeping your information secure
Electronic records are stored on password-protected devices and secure systems with appropriate security measures. Paper records are stored securely and are only accessible to me.
Lawful basis
Legitimate Interests apply when responding to enquiries and managing my practice. Contract applies when providing counselling. Special category personal data is processed under the relevant provisions of UK data protection law.
How long I keep records
Records are normally retained securely for seven years after therapy ends unless legally required for longer. At the end of this period they will be confidentially destroyed or securely deleted.
Your rights
You have rights under UK GDPR including access, correction, restriction, objection and, where applicable, erasure and data portability.
Questions, concerns or complaints
Please contact me first with any questions.
Telephone: 07533 698084
Email: perspectivescounsellingservice@gmail.com
If unresolved you may contact the Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF. Telephone 0303 123 1113.