Psychotherapy, Counselling and Supervision Service Privacy Policy

Storage of Information

All your Personal and Special Categories Information will be stored in a locked filing cabinet, on an encrypted, password-protected USB device, and on a password-protected computer. I am the only person that has access to this information. However, in the event of my unfortunate demise, I have a Clinical Will in place with a trusted, appropriate person. If this comes into force, they would notify you accordingly and would manage the safe storage and destruction of your information as per this agreement.

Retention

All your Personal and Special Categories Information will be retained as detailed above for a period of seven years after the closure of our counselling or supervision contract (or seven years after you turn 18 if you are under 18 when we began working together). After the seven years your information will be destroyed safely and securely by incineration.

Electronic Records

Any electronic records and information such as emails will be kept for a period of seven years after closure of our counselling or supervision contract, after which all of your electronic information will be deleted (or seven years after you turn 18 if you are under 18 when we began working together).

Text Messages

Upon agreement to the counselling or supervision contract, your contact details will be added to my mobile phone under your first and last initials only. Your contact details and any text messages will be deleted two months after our contract has ended.

Sharing Information

As your counsellor or supervisor I adhere to current legislation and this Data Protection Policy by ensuring all your Personal and Special Categories Information including case notes, emails, letters, reports and referral documents, will not be shared without first obtaining your explicit consent, unless I am subpoenaed by a court of law.

Client’s Rights

The Personal and Special Categories Information I retain about you under GDPR guidelines needs to be accurate and kept up to date. Should any of your information be incorrect or require amending please notify me as soon as possible and I will amend and update your information accordingly. You have the legal right to access your records and to rectify and erase details contained within. I am duty bound to ensure I abide by your request unless there is any other residing legislation preventing me from doing so at the time. If you wish to access your information or obtain copies, you can request this in writing and I will respond within 30 days of your request.

Breach of Confidentiality

If for any reason you you feel that I have breached your confidentiality, then in the first instance you are encouraged to discuss this with me. If you are unhappy with my response you can contact the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), of which I am a registered member, on 0303 123 1113.