Privacy policy
Who I am
In my work as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I act as a data controller. I am responsible for collecting and for processing the information that you have provided to me. Processing includes the organisation, retrieval, consultation, use, storing and destruction of information and its disclosure to other parties.
What information I may collect
I may collect and process the following types of personal data:
• Contact information: name, email address, phone number
• Communication data: records of emails, calls, and other interactions with me
• Website usage data: information collected via cookies and similar technologies
How I collect information
I collect personal data directly from you (e.g. when you contact me or engage with my services). When you provide me with information about yourself and your family, this information is protected and securely stored.
How I use your information
The main reason that your data is used by me is so that a service can be provided to you. This service will be managed through a contract that we each sign. The key legal basis I use for the processing of the data is that it is a necessary part of the contract referred to above. I also ask for your consent to do so.
The information that you provide is used for the purposes of assessing your needs and for providing a counselling or psychotherapy service to you. Some non-identifiable information may be shared with my supervisor who will provide professional advice and feedback to me. This will be done anonymously so you will not be identified from this process. I will securely store the information acquired from the counselling or psychotherapy sessions in a locked filing cabinet. It will be kept for no less than seven years but may be kept for longer and this will depend upon a variety of different factors (e.g. legal rules, insurance requirements, changes to ethical policies, returning clients, etc.).
I may also use some of this information for other reasons, such as to:
• maintain records
• respond to any enquiries you make about the services I have provided
• investigate complaints
• meet my statutory obligations
• ensure the accuracy of my records
Sharing your information
In rare instances, it may be necessary for me to share the information that you have disclosed to me with further individuals or organisations. Reasons for doing this include, but are not limited to:
• as part of my duty to protect a child, a vulnerable adult, yourself or the public
• for the prevention and detection of a crime
• if I am required to do so by a court of law
I will only share such information as necessary, and where I am satisfied that the other individual or organisation is entitled to receive it.
Marketing
I never use or share your personal information for marketing purposes.
Cookies
I use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and understand how my website is used. Read my cookie policy.
Your rights
If you believe that the information I hold about you is incorrect, or if you have concerns about how I am handling this information, please contact me.
If you wish to have your personal information deleted, please let me know and I will take reasonable steps to remove it unless I need to keep it for legal, insurance, auditing, internal risk management or archiving purposes.
Contact me
If you would like further information, then please contact me at info@ruthcarr.co.uk
You can also refer to the Information Commissioner’s Office website.
Their website explains your rights in relation to the information I hold.