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Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2025

I take your privacy seriously. This policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

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By using this website or engaging in counselling with me, you agree to the terms of this privacy policy.

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1. Who I Am

Sam Parker
BACP Registered Counsellor
Based in Stockport, Greater Manchester
Email: sparkercounselling@gmail.com
I am the data controller for the personal information you share with me.

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2. What Information I Collect

a) Through Counselling

When you begin counselling, I may collect:

  • Your name, date of birth, and contact details

  • Emergency contact information

  • GP contact (if consent is given)

  • Relevant medical or mental health information

  • Brief session notes (kept minimal, anonymised where possible)

b) Through the Website

When you use my website (hosted by Wix), I may collect:

  • Your name and email (if you use the contact form)

  • Technical data like IP address, browser type, and site interaction via cookies (see section 6)

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3. Why I Collect Your Data

Your personal information is collected to:

  • Contact you regarding your sessions

  • Provide safe, ethical, and effective counselling

  • Comply with professional and legal obligations

  • Improve website performance (for technical data only)

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4. How Your Data is Stored

  • Digital client information is stored securely on a password-protected device or encrypted service.

  • Any handwritten notes are kept in a locked cabinet (if used).

  • Session notes are anonymised and kept separate from contact details.

  • Emails are stored in a secure, GDPR-compliant account and deleted when no longer needed.

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5. Confidentiality & Sharing

Everything discussed in sessions is confidential, except in the following situations:

  • You disclose a serious risk of harm to yourself or others

  • You disclose abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult

  • I am required by law or a court order

  • You give clear consent to share information (e.g. with your GP)

I will always aim to discuss this with you before breaking confidentiality unless it’s unsafe or legally prohibited.

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6. Website Cookies

My website is hosted by Wix, which uses cookies to:

  • Improve website functionality and performance

  • Collect data about site usage (anonymously)

You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings.

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7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data I hold about you

  • Correct any inaccurate data

  • Request data deletion (unless I am legally required to retain it)

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Make a complaint to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) if you’re unhappy with how your data is handled

🔗 www.ico.org.uk

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8. Data Retention

  • Client data is typically retained for up to 7 years after therapy ends (in line with BACP and insurance guidelines).

  • Website contact data is deleted once it’s no longer needed for communication.

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9. Contact

If you have any questions about this policy or your data, please contact:

Sam Parker
Email: sparkercounselling@gmail.com

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