Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 01/06/2025
Introduction
Try Counselling ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website or use our counselling services.
As a counselling practice, we adhere to strict ethical guidelines and legal requirements regarding confidentiality and data protection, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
-
Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address
-
Session Information: Notes from counselling sessions, treatment plans, and progress records
-
Health Information: Mental health history, current concerns, and other relevant medical information
-
Communication Records: Emails, messages, and correspondence between us
-
Payment Information: Billing details and payment history (though we do not store credit card details)
Information Collected Automatically
-
Website Usage: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our website
-
Cookies: Small data files that help improve your website experience
How We Use Your Information
For Counselling Services
-
Providing counselling and therapeutic services
-
Maintaining accurate session records and treatment plans
-
Monitoring your progress and wellbeing
-
Communicating with you about appointments and treatment
-
Billing and payment processing
For Website and Administrative Purposes
-
Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
-
Improving our website and services
-
Sending appointment reminders and service updates
-
Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
Legal Basis for Processing
-
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
-
Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or agree to our services
-
Contract: To fulfill our counselling service agreement with you
-
Legitimate Interest: For administrative purposes and service improvement
-
Legal Obligation: To comply with professional and legal requirements
Confidentiality and Professional Standards
As a qualified counsellor, I am bound by professional ethical codes that require strict confidentiality. Your personal information and session content will only be shared in the following exceptional circumstances:
-
Risk of Harm: If there is immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others
-
Legal Requirements: When required by law or court order
-
Professional Supervision: For professional development purposes (anonymized)
-
With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to information sharing
Data Storage and Security
Security Measures
-
Secure, encrypted storage systems for all client records
-
Password-protected files and systems
-
Regular security updates and monitoring
-
Physical security measures for paper records
-
Secure disposal of confidential information
Data Retention
-
Active Client Records: Retained during our therapeutic relationship
-
Closed Case Records: Retained for 7 years after final session (professional requirement)
-
Website Data: Retained for as long as necessary for service provision
-
Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
-
Right of Access: Request copies of your personal data
-
Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
-
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to professional retention requirements)
-
Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
-
Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a transferable format
-
Right to Object: Object to certain types of data processing
-
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided below.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies to:
-
Remember your preferences and improve user experience
-
Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
-
Ensure website security and functionality
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:
-
Posting the updated policy on our website
-
Sending an email notification to active clients
-
Providing notice during your next session
Contact Information
Please use the contact form on the link below to contact Try Counselling.
Complaints
If you believe we have not handled your personal data properly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Information Commissioner's Office
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Post: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
Professional Registration
This practice operates under the ethical guidelines of the NCPS. As a practitioner I have professional indemnity insurance cover.
This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to protecting your privacy and maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality in our therapeutic relationship.