Privacy Notice
This privacy notice sets out how Counselling with Lindsay collects, uses, stores and protects any personal information you provide when you engage with my counselling service. I am committed to maintaining your trust, safeguarding your data, and working in a way that is fully compliant with data protection law and the BACP Ethical Framework.
1
What Information I Collect
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Name and contact details
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Reason for seeking counselling
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Any accessibility needs
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GP or healthcare provider
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Emergency contact details
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Optional information about personal history or concerns
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Consent to process data and share information if necessary
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Counselling notes (anonymised)
2
Confidentiality and Limits
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Your information is kept strictly confidential unless:
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You give written permission for it to be shared
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There is serious risk of harm to yourself or others
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There is a legal requirement (e.g safeguarding concerns, acts of terrorism, or court orders)​​​​
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Where possible I will discuss this with you beforehand
3
Data Storage and Security
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Paper notes are stored securely in a locked cabinet
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Electronic records are stored in encrypted, password-protected systems
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I do not record sessions or share your information for marketing purposes
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No identifiable information is stored on public-facing platforms or third-party services without explicit consent
4
How Long I keep your Data
Client records are retained for 7 years after the end of counselling in accordance with BACP recommendations and legal obligations. After this period, all data is securely destroyed.
5
Your Rights
You have the right to:
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Access your personal information I hold about you
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Request corrections to inaccurate data
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Request deletion (unless retention is legally required)
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Withdraw consent at any time
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Lodge a complaint with the ICO (www.ico.org.uk)
6
Online Counselling
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Online sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted platforms.
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Clients are responsible for ensuring they have a private space and a reliable internet connection.
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Session links are unique to each client and are not recorded or stored.
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Clients are advised not to share session links and to inform the therapist if privacy cannot be maintained on their end.
7
Supervision
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All therapists are required to undertake regular supervision. In supervision, case material may be discussed anonymously and confidentially to ensure best practice.
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Supervisors are bound by the same professional and ethical obligations around data protection and confidentiality.
8
Contact Me
For any questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights regarding your personal data, please contact:​​​​
​Lindsay Deacon