Privacy Policy

This is to inform you what data I am collecting from you and what I intend to do with it. This privacy policy will be periodically reviewed and amended to continue to make sure that all personal data stored is kept as secure as possible. Any amendments to this or any other policy or terms and conditions will be updated on my website.

What data do I keep and why do I need it?

Name and age – this is basic information that helps me get to know you.

Address, email address, phone number – I use this as a way of contacting you regarding your sessions. I will mainly use the method you first contacted me on but if I cannot reach you, I will try a different method.

Next of kin/medical professional’s details – If I was worried that you were at risk then I may need to contact your next of kin or medical professional if I can.  If I can and it is appropriate to do so, I will let you know when/if I am going to do this.

Session notes – I keep brief notes of our session(s). See below for how these are kept.

Will I share your data and if I do, who will I share it with and for what purpose?

It is very unlikely that I will share your data. I will not sell it on or use it for unethical reasons. I may have to share it if my notes are subpoenaed by court, or if you or anyone you tell me about is at harm or risk of harm I may have to pass this information on. I may also discuss your case during supervision but I only use your first name. I may also discuss aspects of your case with colleagues, without using your name or any information that reveals your identity.

How will I store your data?

Any paper copies of documents that include any of your data will be kept secure in a locked drawer or cabinet whenever I am not actively working with you or on your case, and those will be returned to that secure location as soon as I have completed my work. Only I have access to that locked drawer or cabinet. 

Any of your data that is held electronically will be stored on my password protected computer.  Any emails from you containing your data and any sensitive or personal information that I need to keep will be printed off at the first available opportunity and stored as above with your case notes. Your email will then be deleted from the server as further protection against computer hacking. Any replies to yourself from me will be on a new email thread that does not include your previous email. Your name, phone number and email address may be stored on my passcode-protected mobile phone or password-protected computer or similarly protected tablet, but only I will know that you are a client. No one else has access to my phone or computer or tablet. No personal or sensitive information will be stored alongside your contact details on any device that I own or use for any longer than absolutely necessary, such as until I can action or print off and delete your email or message as indicated above. Only I will have access to your information.

How long will I store your data for and how will I dispose of it?

I will keep your details and session notes for the time required by my insurer (currently 7 years).

After this time I will destroy any document with your personal information and delete your phone number out of my mobile phone.