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Privacy Policy

Laura Waters Counselling

Privacy and Data Policy

I am a BACP registered counsellor, and I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

What data I collect about you:

· Name

· Date of birth

· Gender (or preferred identity)

· Address

· Telephone/SMS number and email address and preferred way to communicate ie. Phone call, text, email, voicemail permission.

· Counselling history

· Medical conditions that are relevant to counselling

· Prescribed medication

· Difficulties, including learning difficulties and mental health issues

· Your presenting issues

· Brief notes after each session

Optional: Some clients may choose to give me an emergency contact, and we will talk about when this is ok to use (for example, if a client has a medical condition and has a seizure whilst in a session).

What I will use your data for:

I will use this information to contact you and to help me to provide you with a counselling service, including making any reasonable adjustments.

In regard to GP and emergency contact details. I will only use this information when absolutely necessary and will discuss this with you.

My handwritten notes are brief, and you will not be identified in any way. I use them to briefly record what you want from therapy and the work we have completed together. This ensures that I am working safely and ethically inline with the BACP ethical framework.

Who may have access to your data:

· You – this will be provided free of charge within one month of your request.

· During supervision sessions I may talk about your sessions, but I will never use your full name or identifying information.

· In the instance of a court order.

· As in our working agreement, I may contact external agencies/GP/emergency services if I feel that you are at serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else, including children and vulnerable adults.

· Where I am required to comply with safeguarding legislation, child, and vulnerable adult legislation.

· When I am required if you tell me that you are involved or know of any acts of terrorism, money laundering or drug trafficking, or if the police ask for information that might relate to a road traffic accident.

· In respect of the last two bullet points – I may disclose your personal data without your consent. This is so that I can comply with my legal duty to protect your health, safety, and wellbeing and that of others.

How long will I keep your data for and how is it stored:

For five years after your last session with me, in line with the requirements of my insurance company. They will be stored securely and at the end of this period they will then be shred.

Your rights:

· To be informed about the personal data that I process about you.

· Request access to your data.

· Have your data amended if the details are incorrect.

· Refuse processing of your data.

· Object to processing of your data.

If you withdraw your consent or ask me to limit the processing of your data, please be aware that I may not be able to fulfil our agreement to provide counselling services to you.

How to make a complaint if you’re not satisfied with the way that I have managed your data:

Firstly, please make me aware and I will do my best to resolve for you. If you’re not satisfied you can contact:

The information Commissioner’s Office which can be located at www.ico.org.uk.

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