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Privacy Policy:

 

1.Introduction

Michael Wall Counselling is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how I, as a sole trader, collect, use and safeguard the personal data you provide during your engagement with my counselling practice/website.

 

2.Data Controller

The data controller is Michael Wall, Trading as Michael Wall Counselling, operating as a sole trader in the United Kingdom. You can contact me at:

3.Data Collection

I collect personal information necessary to my practice – this data may include:

  • Name

  • Contact Details (email address, phone number, home address)

  • GP details

  • Emergency Contact

  • Date of birth

  • Past history of counselling.

  • Medication
     

4. Purpose of data collection

Your personal data is collected to:

  • Provide counselling services

  • Contact with regards to appointments

  • Safeguarding

  • Process payments

  • Comply with ethical and professional standards
     

5. Legal standing for processing:

I process your data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Contract – Agreement made with you to deliver an ethical service

  • Consent – situational consent when required (sharing information or making referrals)

  • Legal obligations: Tax and safeguarding requirements
     

6.Confidentiality and Data Sharing

Your personal information will not be shared unless:

  • You provide explicit consent

  • Legal requirement to do so (court order)

  • I am under a professional duty of care to disclose information, to my supervisor or insurance provider or your emergency contact/GP

  • I will ensure that any data shared is strictly limited to what is necessary for the purpose of supervision or compliance with legal and professional obligations
     

7. Data Retention.

I retain your data for around 7 years to cover any legal and regulatory purposes. This period commences after the end of our counselling relationship – as required by professional standards.
 

8. Data security

I take the relevant measures to ensure that your personal data is firmly secure. These measures include, using encrypted devices, secure/locked file storage, as well as staying updated with data security protocols. 
 

9. Your Rights

Find your rights with regards to your data:

  • Access: You can request access to the personal data I hold about you

  • Rectify: You can request me to rectify any incorrect personal data

  • Erasure: You can ask me to delete any of your data in specific circumstances.

  • Restriction validity: you can ask me to verify how I process your data

  • Copy: you can request a copy of your personal data

  • Objection: You can object to the processing of your data under certain circumstances

  • Please contact me if you want to exercise any of these rights.
     

10. Complaints

If you have any concerns with regards to my approach in handling your data, you can contact me directly. Alternatively, if I my response is not sufficient then you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

11. Updating Privacy Policy

I will review this policy routinely and may make changes to keep up to date with regulatory and GDPR standards
 

12. Cookies

- What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help the website recognize your device and remember your preferences over time.

How I Use Cookies
My website uses cookies to:

  • Ensure the website functions properly.

  • Improve your browsing experience.

  • Analyse website traffic and user behaviour to enhance services.

Types of Cookies I Use
The following types of cookies may be used on this website:

  • Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the website to function correctly (e.g., enabling navigation and access to secure areas).

  • Performance and Analytics Cookies: These help track how visitors interact with the site (e.g., Google Analytics) so I can improve its design and functionality.

  • Functional Cookies: These remember your preferences and choices (e.g., language settings).

Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies may be set by third-party providers such as Wix or analytics services like Google Analytics. These providers may collect and process information according to their own privacy policies.

Managing Cookies
You can control or disable cookies via your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the website. For more information on managing cookies, visit ICO Cookie Guidance.

By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

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