Privacy

Privacy refers to the freedom from intrusion into one’s personal matters. Privacy concerns start when you click on a website. Cookies are set, IP addresses may be noted and service providers (web host, your internet or phone provider amongst many others) will collect their own data subject to GDPR. Sending me a message via whatever means leaves an electronic trail.

I look at collated analytical data about website performance but not at individual data.

I purge all personal data on a regular basis, whether from website, emails, phone and messages. 

Initial contact information is deleted after a month if no further contact is made.

All client information will be kept inline with insurance requirements and then deleted.

Client notes, bookings and other electronic data are always password protected and encrypted where possible.

Contact details are kept separate from clinical and other notes. This is to ensure that clients are not directly identifiable through clinical notes, which will not contain any names.

I adhere to the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

I do not research clients online, via social media or elsewhere, nor do I discuss them online, however anonymously.

I discuss my clients with a counselling supervisor, as should all counsellors. This is for your benefit, to ensure good practice, offer constructive comments and suggested development for my practice. The supervisor is equally bound by privacy and the Ethical Framework.

I have a clinical will which means that if I suddenly become incapacitated through an accident your contact details will be passed onto a fellow counsellor who will explain the situation and discuss your way forward.