Privacy Policy

Your privacy and confidentiality are extremely important. This Privacy Policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, and stored in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This policy will also be discussed during your initial consultation or first session, alongside the therapeutic contract, so you have a clear understanding of how your information is handled.

To provide a safe and effective counselling service, the following information may be collected:

• Name and date of birth
  Basic details to help identify you and understand your needs.
• Contact details (phone number, email address, home address)
  Used to communicate with you about appointments and any necessary updates.
• GP details
  Requested only for safeguarding purposes, should there be a concern about your safety or wellbeing.
• Next of kin
  Used only in the event of an emergency.
• Session notes
  Brief, anonymised notes are kept to support the therapeutic process and meet professional and insurance requirements.

Your information is used solely for:

• Providing counselling services
• Managing appointments and communication
• Ensuring your safety and wellbeing where necessary
• Meeting legal, ethical, and professional obligations

Your data will never be sold or used for marketing without your explicit consent.

Confidentiality is a core part of counselling. Your information will not be shared without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

• If there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others
• If there are safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults
• If required by law (e.g. court order)

Where possible, this will always be discussed with you beforehand.

Anonymous information may be discussed in professional supervision to ensure safe and effective practice. Your identity will never be disclosed in these settings.

Your data is stored securely in the following ways:

• Paper records
  (contracts, notes) are kept in a locked filing cabinet
• Electronic data
  (emails, contact details) are stored on password-protected and encrypted devices
• Phone contacts
  are saved using minimal identifying information

All reasonable steps are taken to ensure your data is kept safe and confidential.

• Session notes and minimal identifying information are retained for up to 7 years, in line with professional and insurance requirements
• Contact details are usually deleted within 1 month after the end of counselling
• Paper records are securely shredded once no longer required

Under data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data held about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your data where appropriate
• Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)

Any requests can be made using the contact details provided above.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please feel free to get in touch.
If you are considering counselling, you are welcome to arrange a free initial telephone consultation to discuss your needs and see whether Change & Grow Counselling Services is the right fit for you.