As your therapist your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information is one of my highest priorities. I am collecting your information in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and as a member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy I am bound by their Ethical Framework for Good Practice. This privacy notice details my GDPR Policy
Personal Information I collect
For the purpose of providing an effective counselling service at an initial assessment I will record your first name and surname, address, telephone numbers, email address, D.O.B, and GP details. Any personal and confidential information and session notes will be recorded separately on a coded system.
Who I share it with
In order to enhance the quality of therapy being offered to you and in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy I discuss all my client work in clinical supervision your identity is not revealed but this ensures I am working ethically and in your best interests. Any communication of information about you for research or professional development requires your explicit consent. Your refusal to give consents will not affect the service you receive.
If I consider that you are at imminent risk of causing serious harm to yourself or others, I may seek additional assistance on your behalf or on behalf of vulnerable others with the Emergency Health Care Service (e.g. Mental Health Crisis Team) this will normally be done with your consent unless the circumstances prevent this, in which case I will inform you about what has been communicated and to whom. Confidentiality would also need to be broken in the case of your disclosing anything of an illegal nature for example money laundering, terrorism or extremism.
How Long I keep your information and how it is kept secure and safe
Records of sessions will be kept securely in a locked cabinet at my premises under a coded system for up to 7 years after your last session and they will then be destroyed by shredding. The brief session notes are separate to your basic contact details.
Your rights over your personal data
The Data Controller for Solace Counselling Services is: Jeanette Payne, contact address: ‘The Manse’ School Lane, Narborough, Leicester. LE19 2GS or email: Jeanette@solacecounsellingservices.co.uk I will do my utmost to resolve any concerns you have in relation to how I manage your data but if these are not resolved to your satisfaction, you may choose to contact the ICO who I am registered with ref: ZA322574