Privacy Policy

1. Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Terms

I am committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Statement sets forth my current privacy practices with regard to the information I collect when you or your computer interact with my website.
By accessing this website, you acknowledge and fully understand my Privacy Statement and freely consent to the information collection and use practices described in this Website Privacy Policy.

1.1 General Data Protection Regulations

It is a legal requirement under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for me to make my data processing procedures clear to you.
I keep the minimum amount of information needed by me to give you a good service, I only use it for this purpose and all information is kept securely.
I Anne Walker, am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and I am the Registered Data Controller and Processor for Ocean Waves Counselling services.

More information is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk/

1.2 Your rights under GDPR are:

Right to be informed
Right to rectify any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
Right to withdraw consent to me using your personal information
Right of access
Right to data portability
Right of erasure

1.3 Accessing Personal Data

You have the right to request access to any information that I hold about you. To make such a request, or to ask for further information about what I hold please email me at oceanwavewscounselling@gmail.com

1.3 Amendment of Personal Details

To update personal details please email Ocean Waves Counselling at: oceanwavescounselling@gmail.com Once I am informed that any personal data processed by me is no longer accurate, I will make corrections based on the updated information you have provided.

1.4 Withdrawing Consent

You are able to withdraw any consent you have provided regarding use of your personal data at any time, by email me.

1.5 Privacy Policy Updates

2. Personal Information

I collect personal information relating to:

Enquires about counselling services in order to set up an initial appointment.
To set up a working contract and for ongoing work.
Contact information for emergencies

2.1 Type of Information Collected

Can include but is not limited to:

Name
Address
Contact details
Date of birth
IP address
Relevant Medical Information
Availability
information relevant to your Counselling Session, such as lifestyle, work, and family

2.2 Why is Information Needed?

I use this information to understand your needs and to provide you with a better service.
Brief notes on our sessions provide me with prompts / reminders of points we may need to revisit in later sessions. I do not include any names or identifying information about anyone you might talk about in your sessions.
To operate our business efficiently including financial records
To notify you about changes to our service
To improve my website to ensure that its content is presented in the most effective manner for you.

2.3 Limits of Confidentiality

I will not share your personal details with any other person or organisation without your knowledge and permission, unless there is a legal requirement, such as a child or adult safeguarding issue, or a perceived risk of harm.
There are some requirements under the law to do with serious crime where I would have to share information with the authorities.
A court of law can require me to show my records of our sessions together. This is a rare occurrence.
I do not routinely share your personal information with other Counsellors or Supervisors unless it is necessary to your counselling process. With your consent, I may share your contact details with another counsellor if it is necessary to set up a therapeutic referral.

2.4 Data Storage

I store your data on cloud-based systems that adhere to the GDPR.
When I stop working with you, I will delete your name, phone number and email address from my email and phone systems.
Any paper base data is stored in a locked box in a locked property.

2.5 How Long is Data Stored?

Once a client finishes counselling, all data regarding their counselling is stored securely for 7 years and then destroyed.

3. Security

E-mails unless encrypted is not a fully secure means of communication. Whilst I attempt to ensure that my online systems and communications are protected against viruses and other harmful effects, I cannot be held responsible for any communications that are not virus free.
To protect your privacy, you may wish to limit your email contents.

4. Third Party Links

This website may include links to third-party sites. Clicking on these links may allow third parties to collect or share data about you. I do not control these third-party websites and I am not responsible for their privacy statements. I would therefore recommend you read their privacy policy.

5. Cookies

My website uses cookies.
Cookies are small files save onto electronic devices when you visit a website. They store information about how you use the website.
The law states that I can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of the site.
For all other cookies you would need to give permission for their use.

6. Social Media

I do not connect with my clients, past or present, on social media
I do use social media for promoting my business and networking with colleagues.
I will never share anything about our sessions together on social media.
I do post articles and mental health information in order to provide some support for people who might be considering seeking counselling or therapy, or other services, from me or other counsellors.

7. Complaints

Should you have any concerns, or feel the need to complain about my use of personal information, please send an email with details of your concerns/complaint to: oceanwavescounselling@gmail.com

Alternatively, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk/ but I would hope you would contact me first.