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Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
This privacy notice explains how Barbara Counselling collects, uses and protects your personal information when you visit this website, contact me, or use my counselling services.
Barbara Counselling is the data controller responsible for your personal data. In this privacy notice, "I", "me" and "my" refer to Barbara Counselling.
Contact Details
Barbara Counselling
Email: barbara.counselling.uk@gmail.com
Phone: 07769 318807
Website:www.barbaracounselling.uk
I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that any personal information you provide is handled securely, respectfully and in accordance with UK data protection law, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Please let me know if your personal information changes so I can keep my records accurate and up to date.
2. What Personal Data I Collect and Why I Use It
Personal data means any information that can identify you. This does not include anonymised information where your identity has been removed.
Depending on how you interact with Barbara Counselling, I may collect and process the following types of personal information.
Contact and Enquiry Data
This includes information you provide when contacting me through:
Contact forms on my website
Email
Telephone calls
Social media messages
Booking enquiries
This may include:
Your name
Contact details
Information about your enquiry
Details you choose to share about your reason for seeking counselling
I use this information to:
Respond to enquiries
Arrange introductory calls or counselling sessions
Provide information about my services
Maintain appropriate records
The lawful basis for processing this information is legitimate interest, as it is necessary for managing enquiries and providing my counselling services.
Counselling Client Data
As part of providing counselling, I may process personal information relating to your wellbeing, emotional experiences, personal circumstances and therapeutic journey.
This may include information about:
Your reasons for seeking counselling
Your emotional wellbeing
Past experiences
Relationships and personal circumstances
Information discussed during counselling sessions
This information is treated as confidential and is only used to provide safe, ethical and effective counselling support.
Health and wellbeing information is considered special category data under UK GDPR. Where required, I process this information with your explicit consent and in accordance with professional counselling standards.
I only collect information that is necessary for providing counselling and maintaining professional records.
Technical Data
When you visit my website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:
IP address
Browser type
Device information
Pages visited
Time spent on the website
Website interaction data
This information may be collected through website analytics tools and cookies.
I use this information to:
Improve website performance
Understand how visitors use my website
Maintain website security
Improve my services and online presence
The lawful basis for processing this information is legitimate interest.
Marketing Data
If you choose to subscribe to any updates or communications, I may collect information about your communication preferences.
I use this information to:
Send relevant updates or information about my services
Improve communication with visitors and clients
You can withdraw your consent to marketing communications at any time.
3. How I Collect Your Personal Data
I may collect personal information:
Directly from you when you contact me or book counselling sessions
During introductory calls or counselling sessions
Through my website contact forms
Through email or telephone communication
Automatically through cookies and website analytics
I only collect information that is necessary and relevant for providing my services.
4. Confidentiality and Sharing Your Information
Counselling is based on trust and confidentiality. Information shared during counselling sessions remains private, except in circumstances where I have a legal or professional obligation to share information.
This may include situations where:
There is a serious risk of harm to you or another person
There are safeguarding concerns
Disclosure is required by law
I may share limited personal information with:
My clinical supervisor (as required by professional standards)
Professional advisers where necessary
IT and website providers who support my business systems
Authorities where legally required
Any information shared is handled carefully and only when necessary.
I do not sell, rent or share your personal information for marketing purposes.
5. International Data Transfers
Some service providers I use may process information outside the UK.
Where personal data is transferred internationally, I ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with UK data protection requirements.
6. Keeping Your Information Secure
I take appropriate steps to protect your personal information from:
Accidental loss
Unauthorised access
Misuse
Alteration or disclosure
Client information is stored securely, and access is limited only to situations where it is necessary.
7. How Long I Keep Your Information
I retain personal information only for as long as necessary and in accordance with professional, legal and regulatory requirements.
Counselling records are kept securely for the appropriate retention period required by professional guidance and insurance requirements.
After this period, information is securely deleted or anonymised.
8. Your Data Protection Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have rights including:
The right to access your personal information
The right to request correction of inaccurate information
The right to request deletion of your information where appropriate
The right to restrict or object to processing
The right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details below.
You also have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
9. Third-Party Links
My website may contain links to external websites, such as professional organisations or social media platforms.
I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites and recommend reviewing their privacy policies before providing personal information.
10. Cookies
My website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and understand website usage.
You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect how some parts of the website function.
11. Contact Me
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Barbara Counselling
Email: barbara.counselling.uk@gmail.com
Phone: 07769 318807
Website: www.barbaracounselling.uk