Cookies & Privacy

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit. They are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.The use of cookies and similar technologies has for some time been commonplace and cookies in particular are important in the provision of many online services. Using such technologies is not, therefore, prohibited by the Regulations but they do require that people are told about cookies and given the choice as to which of their online activities are monitored in this way.

 

You can disable any cookies already stored on your computer, but these may stop our website from functioning properly.

 

This website does not collect or store any of your personal information.

 

This website will Use Google Analytics technical cookies only after that you consent to the cookies usage. 

 

This information is not shared with any third parties.

 

We do not control these third party cookies and so the user must review the cookie policies of these other websites for further information. 

 

Updated March 2025​
 

 

 

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I am committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should I ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using my services, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this Privacy Notice.

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Personal information that I may collect about you is as follows:
- Name
- Age
- Date of Birth
- Occupation
- Address
- Telephone number (including permission to send text messages and leave a voicemail)
- Email address
- Counselling/psychological intervention history
- Relevant medical conditions
- Prescribed medication
- GP name, address and telephone number
- Next of kin name and telephone number
- Session notes

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Your personal data is stored as follows:

Some personal data may be recorded electronically on third party software. All third-party software used is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulations Act 2018.

All data stored electronically is password protected and the passwords are regularly changed.

All paper records are stored in a locked filing cabinet within securely locked premises and names are coded for privacy.

Information may be stored on various electronic devices such as telephone number or text messages on a password protected business phone or email account.

My house, next to the location of my office, has a camera door bell and a camera in the garden. If you would rather it switched off for your session please let me know.

 

How I Use Your Data?

I use your personal data for the following purposes:

Provision of Services: To provide counselling and mental health services to yourself.

Communication: To communicate with you regarding your appointments, sessions, or any

other related matters.

Billing and Payment Processing: To process payments and manage your account.

Improvement of Services: To improve our services, based on feedback and usage patterns.

Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.

 

Data Sharing:

Everything you share with me is confidential but there are some exceptions to this:

Safeguarding and prevention of harm: If I feel you or someone else is at significant risk of danger I may have to share information.

Legal Obligations: When I am required by law to share your data, such as with regulatory bodies, law enforcement, or other authorities. Please inform me of any forthcoming court cases you may be involved in. There are also legal obligations in terms and involvement in money laundering, drug trafficking, terrorism, or aspects of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Clinical Supervision: In accordance with the NCPS guidelines I receive regular supervision where clients are discussed with a qualified supervisor. Only your first name would be used to ensure privacy.

Professional advisors or third party professionals: I may share your data with professionals such as an accountant or mortgage advisor, whereby your name may be seen on a bank statement.

However, all third party service providers are required to have appropriate security measures in place in accordance with GDPR.

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Data Retention

I retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Typically, this will be:

Clinical Records: Retained for 7 years after the last treatment session in compliance with professional guidelines and insurance purposes. After this period, they will be deleted.

Payment Information: HRMC requires us to keep accounts information for six years, plus the current tax year, so up to seven in total. This will simply be a record of invoices and/or payments.

Communication information: email or texts are used to communicate, re-arrange or cancel counselling. It is requested that specific content related to our sessions is not emailed to me and I will not respond to this.

Any websites that you access are recorded and retained for a period by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Although highly unlikely, it is possible for the ISP to read the emails saved to the log. Any emails between us form part ofthe written notes that are compiled as part of your counselling relationship.

Social Media Communication: You are free to follow ‘Calm & Kind Counselling’ social media sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram, but bear in mind if you comment others can see this and may assume you are attending counselling sessions. No counselling queries are responded to via social media and friend requests are not accepted on social media accounts.

Business Review communication: I welcome reviews on business sites but bear in mind these are public forums, and your identity may be revealed.

GPS Tracking: To ensure your own privacy, you may wish to adjust settings on any GPS tracking systems you have on your phone or watch as it enables others to see when you are attending sessions.

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Cookies and Tracking Technologies

My website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyse usage patterns. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

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Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and where appropriate, notified to you by email or other means. Please check back regularly to stay informed of updates.

 

Complaints

If you believe that your data protection rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.In the UK, this is the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). However, I would appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns directly before you approach the ICO, so please contact me first.

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If you would like to have the full privacy policy sent to you via email, please do not hesitate to let me know.

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Updated July 2025