Privacy Statement

What data we collect from you

Kingsclere Counselling Service may request personal data such as name, date of birth, phone number, address, and email address for the purposes of making and maintaining contact with you.

We also ask for details of your GP practice in case of medical emergency, or threat to your vital interests.

Throughout therapy, sensitive personal information may be disclosed by you and this may form part of your clinical notes documenting our sessions together.

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Sharing your data

Everything you say is kept in strict confidentiality. Your data is NOT shared with anyone, apart from the following exceptional circumstances:

  • If it is necessary to protect your vital interests (threat of harm to self) or the vital interests of others (threat of harm to others)
  • If it is necessary in relation to legal proceedings
  • If it is necessary for administering justice
  • If it is necessary for medical purposes and is undertaken by a health professional or someone who is subject to an equivalent duty of confidentiality.
  • As a requirement of my profession, I discuss my client work with my supervisor to ensure that I am working safely and effectively. My supervisor is bound by the same ethical and legal frameworks as me and any discussion remains anonymous.

How we store your data & how long we store it for

All data will be stored securely during our time together and for 6 years following the conclusion of therapy. It will then be destroyed in a secure and appropriate manner.

In the unlikely event of a breach I will notify all parties (and the Information Commissioners’ Office) within 72hours.

Consent

If you wish to withdraw your consent, please email me at sharon@kingsclerecounsellingservice.co.uk.

Questions & Concerns

If you have any concerns about how your data has been handled please contact the information commissioners’ office.

Will I have to lie on a couch?

No you can sit facing us on a chair or sofa.

You can see pictures of our consulting rooms on our 'About' pages so you know what to expect when you arrive.

Seeking professional help is a sign of weakness

Taking action to help yourself and reaching out takes great strength

My counsellor might judge me for what I've done

We understand the complexity of human beings, and pride ourselves on being able to remain non-judgemental and see the person behind the actions.

My therapist is going to read my mind

We have a good understanding of people, and tend to ask the right questions, but as far as we know we don't have any superpowers!

What is the point in talking to someone who doesn't actually know me?

Actually, sometimes it is easier to talk to someone who doesn't know your history or have an established role in your life, and is therefore more objective.

Counselling is only for people who are really ill

Anyone can benefit from counselling. We work with a range of mental health conditions, but we also work with people facing tricky situations, struggling to make a decision or just feeling a bit off.

Everyone will know I'm seeing a counsellor

No-one need know you are seeing one of our therapists unless you want them too. We take confidentiality very seriously and protect it any way we can. However if you wish to tell people, this is nothing to be ashamed of, and we encourage you to be proud of the steps you have taken.