Privacy Policy

1. Information I Collect

Personal Information

When you contact me or book a therapy session, I may collect the following information:

• Name and contact details (email, phone number)
• Information about your therapeutic needs and goals
• Session notes and clinical records (stored securely)
• Payment information (handled securely via third-party processors)

Website Usage Data

When you visit this website, basic technical information may be collected automatically, such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited. This helps me understand how the website is used and improve its functionality.

2. How I Use Your Information

I use your personal information to:

• Provide counselling and therapeutic services
• Communicate with you about appointments and sessions
• Maintain accurate clinical records as required by professional guidelines
• Process payments for therapy sessions
• Comply with legal and professional obligations

3. Confidentiality in Therapy

As a BACP registered counsellor, I adhere to strict confidentiality standards. Everything you share in therapy is confidential, with the following limited exceptions:

• Risk of harm: If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, I may be required to break confidentiality to ensure safety
• Legal requirements: In rare cases, I may be legally required to disclose information (e.g., court order, safeguarding concerns)
• Professional supervision: I attend regular clinical supervision to ensure the quality of my work. Discussions are anonymised, and supervisors are also bound by confidentiality

I will always discuss any potential need to break confidentiality with you first, wherever possible.

4. Data Storage and Security

I take data security seriously and use appropriate measures to protect your information:

• Clinical notes are stored securely in password-protected, encrypted systems
• Paper records (if any) are kept in locked storage
• Email communications are kept secure and deleted when no longer needed
• Online session platforms (e.g., Google Meet) are configured for maximum privacy and security

I retain clinical records for 7 years following the end of therapy, in line with BACP guidelines. After this period, records are securely destroyed.

5. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: You can request a copy of the information I hold about you
• Correction: You can ask me to correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your data (subject to legal and professional obligations)
• Portability: You can request your data in a transferable format
• Objection: You can object to certain uses of your data

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me at annabel@kickstherapy.co.uk

6. Third-Party Services

I may use third-party services to support my practice, including:

• Email providers (for communication)
• Video conferencing platforms (e.g., Google Meet for online sessions)
• Payment processors (for secure payment handling)

These third parties are carefully selected and are required to handle your data securely and in compliance with GDPR.

7. Cookies and Website Analytics

This website may use cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site. No personally identifiable information is collected through these tools without your consent. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

8. Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practice or legal requirements. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised accordingly. Please review this policy periodically.

9. Contact Me

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact me:

If you are not satisfied with how your data is handled, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk