Privacy Policy 

1. About Me and Privacy
Your privacy is important to me, and I take care to keep your personal information secure and confidential in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and BACP ethical guidelines. 

2. What Information I Collect
To provide counselling, I collect:

• Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email.
• Session Notes: Brief notes, usually anonymised or kept under a code/initials.
• Emergency Contact: Name and number of next of kin. 

3. How I Store Your Data

• Digital Data: Emails, scheduling, and notes are stored on password-protected devices/encrypted services (e.g., [mention email provider, e.g., Gmail/Outlook]).
• Paper Records: Any handwritten notes or signed contracts are kept in a secure, locked cabinet. 

4. How I Use Your Information
Your data is used to provide counselling services, manage appointments, and for supervision purposes. I will never share your information with third parties without your explicit consent, unless legally required. 

5. Exceptions to Confidentiality
Confidentiality will only be broken if I believe you or others are in serious danger, for terrorism, money laundering, or, if a court orders me to disclose information. 

6. Data Retention
I retain your personal data for [e.g., 7 years] after our last session, as required by my insurance provider, after which it is securely destroyed. 

7. Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to request a copy of the data I hold about you, to request corrections, or to ask me to delete your records. 

8. Contact
If you have questions, please contact me.