Privacy policy
This privacy policy supports the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that took effect on 25th May 2018. I, Vicky Mould, am the data controller and hold registration with the Information Commissioner's Office (reference ZA833777).
About access to your personal information
I need access to your personal information to provide my counselling service or determine if it's appropriate for you. Some of the information I collect is sensitive, such as details relating to neurodiversity and mental health. As counselling falls under a health and social care service, I have a lawful basis for processing sensitive information.
I have published this privacy policy to outline the personal information I will gather from you and what I will do with it. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your information.
How do I collect your information?
I may collect your personal information when you contact me through this website, via my practice mobile, or through a therapist directory listing.
When you make an enquiry using the contact form on this website, it is not accessible to the website host, Webhealer, or stored on their system. It does mean you authorise me to contact you back and peruse any information you voluntarily provide.
What information will I collect from you?
If you book an online or telephone consultation, I will collect the following information from you:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Preferred contact number
- Email address
- GP details
- Neurodiversity/learning differences
- Any mental health needs.
If we decide to proceed with counselling, I will also create and collect online documents such as: - A signed working agreement
- A signed data consent form.
I will also keep brief, factual notes about our counselling sessions, which may include sensitive information you have disclosed in a session.
How will I store your information?
I will store your information on a password-protected device (backed up using OneDrive). I also have McAfee Total Protection installed.
I'll keep your signed documents and session notes separate from your personal and contact details.
Your phone number will be on my practice mobile and protected using a passcode and Face ID.
Can I share your information with anyone else?
I can share your information with another professional if you ask me to and I have your signed consent, or in the exceptional circumstance where I can break confidentiality, such as: - If I have significant concerns about your safety and wellbeing or the safety and wellbeing of others, including a child or young person.
- You infer knowledge of or involvement in acts of terrorism, drug trafficking or money laundering.
- I'm legally obliged to do so (court subpoena).
If I needed to break confidentiality, I would try to discuss this with you first, including what information I will share and to whom I will share it.
I regularly consult with a counselling supervisor - this is a requirement for all practising counsellors, and it helps me support you as best I can. But I will never reveal your identity to my supervisor.
How long will I keep your information?
If we have had a consultation but decided not to proceed with counselling, I will delete your information one month after our last contact.
If we're engaged in counselling, I'll keep your information for up to three years after the end of our counselling relationship and then delete it.
I have chosen three years as a reasonable timeframe for keeping your information, including the time limit for taking a complaint to The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
You can contact me if you have questions or concerns about your personal information
I last updated this privacy policy on 05/05/2024.
If you have any questions or concerns about your personal information, please email me through this website, and I will do my best to assist you.
