Privacy Notice

I take your privacy seriously. This notice explains what personal information I collect, why I need it, how I protect it and your rights.

Who I Am

I am the Data Controller for information held about my clients.

Email: petedalecounselling@gmail.com

I handle personal information in accordance with UK data protection law, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, alongside the ethical and professional standards applicable to my counselling practice.

Information I Collect

To provide counselling safely and professionally, I may collect:

• Your name, contact and emergency contact details
• Assessment and relevant health/wellbeing information
• Brief counselling/session notes
• Appointment information and correspondence
• Payment records
• Safeguarding or risk information, where necessary

Counselling may involve special category data, such as information about your physical or mental health, sexuality, beliefs or other sensitive personal circumstances. I only collect and process information that is relevant to providing counselling and running my practice.

Why I Use Your Information

Your information may be used to:

• Provide counselling safely and effectively
• Arrange and manage appointments
• Maintain appropriate counselling records
• Process payments and administer my practice
• Meet professional, legal, insurance or safeguarding responsibilities

Depending on the purpose, my lawful basis for processing information may include contract, legitimate interests, legal obligation, vital interests or consent. Where special category information is processed, I also rely on an appropriate condition under Article 9 of UK GDPR and, where applicable, the Data Protection Act 2018.

Confidentiality

What you share with me is confidential.

Information will only be disclosed in limited circumstances, such as:

• With your consent
• Where required by law or court order
• Where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person
• Where there are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult

Wherever possible and appropriate, I will discuss a need to break confidentiality with you first.

I also undertake regular professional supervision. As part of this, I may discuss aspects of my client work while keeping identifying information to a minimum. Supervision is conducted within professional confidentiality requirements.

How Your Information Is Kept Safe

Digital information is protected using appropriate passwords and security measures, and any paper records are stored securely. Your information is not sold or shared for marketing purposes.

Counselling records are normally retained for 7 years after your final session and are then securely destroyed or deleted unless there is a lawful reason to retain them for longer.

Website, Payments & Online Counselling

My domain is managed through GoDaddy, and my website is hosted through ChatGPT Sites. These services may process limited technical information necessary to provide and secure the website.

I do not currently use Google Analytics or behavioural advertising/tracking. I use Google Search Console to understand how the website performs in Google Search. The website or hosting service may use cookies or similar technologies that are necessary for the website to operate securely and correctly.

Payment may be made by BACS, PayPal or cash. Banks and PayPal process payment information according to their own privacy arrangements. I retain only the payment records reasonably required for administration, accounting and legal purposes.

Online counselling may take place using different reputable video or communication platforms. I will let you know which platform is being used where appropriate. Some third-party providers may process information outside the UK; where required, appropriate data-protection safeguards will be used.

Your Rights

Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to:

• Access the information I hold about you
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion or restriction of your information in certain circumstances
• Object to certain processing
• Withdraw consent where processing relies upon consent
• Request a copy or transfer of your information where applicable

Please contact petedalecounselling@gmail.com if you wish to exercise your rights.

I do not use counselling information for automated decision-making or profiling.

Data Protection Complaints

If you have concerns about how I handle your personal information, please contact me at petedalecounselling@gmail.com, explaining your concern and any relevant details.

I will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days and respond without undue delay.

If you remain dissatisfied, you can contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Website: ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113

You can also contact the ICO without raising the matter with me first.

Updates

I may update this notice if my practice, services or data-protection requirements change. The latest version will always be available on this website.

Last updated: September 2026