Privacy policy, GDPR and Confidentiality Statements

How I handle your information

I take your privacy, confidentiality and data protection seriously. This page explains what information I collect, why I collect it, how it is stored, and your rights under UK GDPR. It also outlines the limits of confidentiality that apply to all counselling work.

What information I collect

I collect only the information that is necessary for safe, ethical counselling practice, including:

  • Your name, address and contact details

  • Emergency contact information

  • Health information (including medical conditions such as heart problems, asthma, allergies etc)

  • Brief notes about out sessions

  • Any information you choose to share with me as part of therapy.

I do not collect unnecessary data, and I do not use your information for marketing.

Why I collect this information

Your information is used solely for:

• Providing counselling safely and effectively
• Keeping appropriate clinical records
• Contacting you about appointments
• Meeting my legal and ethical responsibilities as a practitioner

I do not share your information with third parties unless required by law.


Confidentiality

Everything you share with me is treated as confidential. I will not disclose your information to anyone unless:

• You give clear, written consent
• I am required to do so by law
• There is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or someone else
• There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult


If I ever needed to break confidentiality for safety reasons, I would always aim to discuss this with you first unless doing so would increase the risk.


How your information is stored

Your information is stored securely using password‑protected systems. Any written notes are kept minimal and stored safely. I do not keep unnecessary data, and I do not store information on devices that are shared or unsecured.


How long I keep your information

In line with professional guidelines, I keep counselling notes for a set retention period of 7 years and then securely destroy them. I only keep information for as long as it is legally or ethically required.


Your rights under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access the information I hold about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (in some circumstances)
• Withdraw consent for me to hold your data (where applicable)
• Ask how your information is used
• Make a complaint if you have concerns about data handling


ICO Registration

As a counsellor handling personal data, I am required to be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This registration confirms that I comply with UK data protection law and follow the correct procedures for storing and processing personal information. My registration number is ZC013332.

If you ever have concerns about how your data is handled, you can raise them with me directly, or contact the ICO for independent advice.



Contact for data concerns

If you have any questions about how your information is used or stored, or if you wish to exercise any of your GDPR rights, you can contact me at: Michellekingcounselling@hotmail.com

How to complain

If you have any concerns about the use of your personal data, that I have not been able to resolve you can make a complaint to the ICO.

ICO Address:

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliff House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF.

Telephone Helpline: 0303 123 1113

Website: https://www,ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint