GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR)

In my counselling practice, your privacy and confidentiality are the highest priority when collecting and storing information. This privacy notice explains how I use and store your data and meet GDPR obligations.

Who I am

MichaelFeldmanCounselling

What do I collect?

I will collect ‘personal data’ and ask for your name, your contact details, GP’s contact details, any medication you are on and details of who to contact in an emergency. This is so that I can contact you if necessary, and also to comply with the regulations of my professional bodies and insurance company. I am required to show the ICO that I have a lawful basis on which I use this information, and the most appropriate is ‘legitimate interest’ for personable (article 6) and special category data (article 9). More details are available at link for ICO – legitimate interests

I make brief session notes which are coded and stored separately from your personal information.

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Storage of Data

Your personal details are stored in a locked cabinet separate from session notes which are stored in their own cabinet. Your name and contact details are stored on a password protected mobile phone which is touch ID enabled.

I will keep your data for the duration of our work together and then securely dispose of your information after 7 years.

Sharing of Personal Information

Your information is confidential and the only exceptions to this may be when there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or to others; when I am legally obliged; or when I have your written consent. I have regular supervision in accordance with the BACP regulatory requirements to check my practice and my supervisor is equally bound by the same limits of confidentiality.

Your Rights

You are entitled to be informed about what information I hold about you and at any time you can request to access this. You can request to have incorrect information rectified. You may request to have your records erased. The same applies to restricting processing. You can request data portability of your notes to another therapist. You may object to the processing of your data These rights may be declined, as in defence of legal claims I may be unable to do so citing the lawful basis of legitimate interests.

If you have any concerns about how I have used your data, please contact the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). My data entry can be found on their website at www.ico.org.uk

If you would like to discuss anything in this privacy statement, please contact me via Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.