Data Protection Statement

Types of personal data we collect and use


In order for us to work with you we will need the following information from you:
Name and address
Contact telephone number
Email address (if you have one)
Date of birth
Emergency contact details, name and telephone number
The name and address of your GP
Any history of health issues, such as diabetes, epilepsy, ADHD, disabilities Etc.
If you are taking medication and what that medication is, prescribed or otherwise.
Personal details in relation to your current presenting issue.

Using your personal data


Confidentiality is critical with regards to counselling and psychotherapy. Your data is necessary for us to provide a counselling service to you, it is stored securely so that your identity is protected. It is used for accounting purposes, to comply with our legal obligations. It may be used for referral to another service provider, but only when authorised by yourself. We may use your personal data to inform your emergency contact, a doctor or the emergency services if we feel you are unwell or your life is at risk. We do not use your data for marketing purposes, on occasion we may wish to write up a case study, however this will be anonymous, and prior to doing so we will discuss this with you and request your permission.

Sharing of your personal data


The law dictates certain regulations in relation to the material you disclose, and there are very few circumstances in which we may need to involve a third party. We will only disclose your data if we are forced to do so, and the reasons for doing so are as follows:
If we suspect you are at serious risk of harm from yourself or others.
If you tell us that you intend to harm someone else.
If you tell us that you are involved in drug trafficking, terrorism or money-laundering.
If forced to do so by a court of law.

Data retention


We will hold your records for six years after our last meeting.

Your rights under data protection law


The right to be informed about our processing of your personal data.
The right to have your personal data corrected if it is inaccurate and to have incomplete personal data completed.
The right to object to processing of your personal data.
The right to restrict processing of your personal data.
The right to have your personal data erased.
The right to request access to your personal data and information about how we process it.
The right to move, copy or transfer your personal data.
Rights in relation to automated decision-making including profiling.

Reach for Help – Counselling & Psychotherapy
25 May 2018