Privacy Policy

Privacy Notice

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In line with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), as a professional adhering to the principles as set down in The Data Protection Act 2018 and in compliance with guidance from the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), I am obliged to share the following information regarding how client data is protected.

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Information held:

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As a counsellor in private practice I collect the following information: 

client name; address; phone number; email address; date of birth; emergency contact and GP details.

Access to the property is via the front entrance which does use a video doorbell. This allows me to manage clients' entry and exit from the building. Images are fully encrypted, held locally and stored for a maximum of ten days 

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How information is used:

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The information a client gives me when we contract to work together is stored securely as a paper record. Anonymised session notes and a log of attendance for current clients are stored securely on my computer and anonymised phone numbers of current clients are stored on my dedicated counselling work mobile.

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Paper records are held in a combination locked metal cabinet and both computer and mobile telephone are password protected. Electronically held information, on computer and mobile telephone, is deleted once the counselling has concluded. Paper records remain securely held for five years after the client work has come to an end and are then securely destroyed. 

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I will use a client's phone number, email or address to make contact in regard to appointments, to reply to any contact initiated by a client and for anything else in connection with or regarding the therapeutic alliance.

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I will never share client data with a third party unless a client specifically asks me to, or unless I am obliged to by a court of law. In this unlikely event I would always endeavour to inform clients before any disclosures are made.

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Client rights:

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Clients have the right to:

· Access a copy of their personal data held by Mark Woodberry Counselling & Psychotherapy.

· Request that Mark Woodberry Counselling & Psychotherapy rectifies or corrects any personal data found to be inaccurate or out of date.

· Request that personal data is erased.

· Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

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The information within this privacy notice is shared and discussed with potential clients during the initial introductory consultation. If the potential client then decides to enter into a counselling agreement explicit consent to hold personal information (data) is also sought.