Privacy Policy

This is to inform you what data I am collecting from you and what I intend to do with it.

What data do I keep and why do I need it?

Name and age – this is basic information that helps me get to know you.

Address, email address, phone number – I use this as a way of contacting you regarding your sessions. I will mainly use the method you first contacted me on but if I cannot reach you, I will try a different method.

Next of kin/medical professional’s details – If I was worried that you were at risk then I may need to contact your next of kin or medical professional, if I can. I will let you know when/if I am going to do this.

Session notes – I keep brief notes of our session(s). I keep this so that I can note important instances within the session itself but also to monitor your progress over time. Over time means getting a longer term view of your improvement, patterns which are changing or not, recurrent themes or blocks in your life, choosing to work on the same or different presenting issues. I am also required to keep the notes by my insurance provider.

Will I share your data and if I do, who will I share it with and for what purpose?

It is very unlikely that I will share your data. I will not sell it on or use it for unethical reasons. I may have to share it if my notes are subpoenaed by court, if you or anyone you tell me about is at harm or risk of harm I may have to pass this information on. I may also share session notes with another medical professional with whom you are also consulting so that they may receive a fuller picture of what is going on for you, and thus they might be able to improve your treatment plan with them, only if you ask for me to share this. I may also discuss your case during supervision but I only use your first name.

How will I store your data?

Physical, hand-written, notes are locked in a filing cabinet/ writing desk, to which only I have the key to access. Any digital notes are kept on an external hard-drive, locked in the same cabinet, and are not accessible on any ‘cloud’ based service.

Example text: It is mainly stored as hard copy in a locked filing cabinet. Immediately after the work is finished, I transfer the data with your initials to my password protected computer. Your phone number(s) may be kept in my business mobile phone with your first name and last initial. Only I will access your information.

How long will I store your data for and how will I dispose of it?

I will keep your details and session notes for the time required by my insurer (currently 7 years).

After this time I will destroy any document with your personal information and delete your phone number out of my mobile phone.