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This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information in line with UK GDPR and professional ethical standards.

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1. Information I Collect

When you begin counselling, I may collect:

• Your contact details (name, phone number, email, address).

• Date of birth and emergency contact details.

• Information you share in forms (e.g., background, medical information relevant to counselling).

• Session notes (kept brief and anonymised).

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2. Why I Collect This Information

I collect and store information in order to:

• Provide you with safe and effective counselling.

• Keep appropriate records in line with professional standards.

• Contact you about appointments, cancellations, or important updates.

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3. How Your Information is Stored

• Paper notes are stored securely behind two physical lockeds.

• Electronic information is stored securely with password protection/encryption behind two digital locks.

• Only I have access to your records.

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4. How Long Information is Kept

• In line with professional guidelines, records are kept for 7 years after our work ends (or until a young client reaches 25, whichever is longer). After this, records are securely destroyed.

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5. Confidentiality & Sharing of Information

Your information is confidential. It will only be shared in the following situations:

• If you give consent for me to share with another professional (e.g., GP).

• If there is risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

• If there are safeguarding concerns about a child or vulnerable adult.

• If I am legally required (e.g., by court order).

In supervision, I may discuss my client work to ensure safe and ethical practice. This is always done without identifying you personally.

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6. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access the information I hold about you.

• Request corrections if something is inaccurate.

• Ask for your information to be deleted (in certain circumstances).

• Withdraw consent for me to hold your information, if legally possible.

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7. Complaints

If you have concerns about how your data is handled, please raise them with me in the first instance.
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk.

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8. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is used, please contact me at:
Danielle Lemer, The Counselling Studio
dani@thecounsellingstudio.com

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