Privacy Statement

The data controller processing your data is Laura Smith [Lifeline Counselling]. and we are committed to ensuring that the personal data we process is handled in accordance with data protection legislation (the General Data Protection Regulation and UK Data Protection Act 2018). 
Lifeline Counselling can be contacted by email: laura@lifeline-counselling.co.uk.

Why and how I use your information:

Name and Age: 
This is basic information that helps me get to know you.
Address, email address, text message, phone number: 
I use these to make contact with you regarding your counselling. 
Doctors details: 
I may need to contact your GP in an emergency or if you give significant cause for concern, such as harm to yourself.
Medical details: 
There are some medications and conditions that may impact how you are currently feeling, giving further insight into your presenting issue, how best to manage it and whether talking therapy is suitable for you at the present time.

Will I share your data and if I do who will I share it with and for what purpose?

It is very unlikely I will share your data. 

• I will not sell it on or use it for unethical reasons
• I may have to share it if my notes are subpoenaed by court
• If you or anyone you discuss with me is at harm or risk of harm I may have to pass this information on to your GP or the police.
• Should you wish to access any of your records I keep, you are welcome to request these.

Storage of your records:

This website and the contact form does not store your messages, all messages sent using the contact form go directly to the email address.
The data on paper is kept in a locked filing cabinet. All sensitive documents are held as password protected documents on my devices. All of my devices are password protected, and your phone number may be kept in my mobile phone which is also passcode protected.

How long will I store your data for and how will I dispose of it?

• I will keep your Assessment form, signed Agreement to Counselling, Confidentiality and Privacy and your Assessment session notes for 5 years. 
• I will delete your phone number out of my mobile phone after our work together has ended..
• All electronic communication will be deleted as soon as they are no longer needed.

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If you have concerns about the use of your personal data, the Information Commissioner’s Office is an independent body set up to uphold information rights in the UK. They can be contacted through their website: www.ico.org.uk, or their helpline on 0303 123 1113, or in writing to: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

Policy updated May 2021; reviewed annually.