Anna Fay Counselling
Privacy Policy
Anna Fay Counselling is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information in a responsible manner. This privacy policy outlines the data that is collected, how I use your information, and how I keep it secure as well as the rights and choices you have over your personal information.
Anna Fay Counselling is registered as an individual practitioner with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), any personal data provided by you through means such as (verbal, written, in electronic form, or by your use of this website) will be held and processed in accordance with the data protection principles set out within the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), informed by the Data Protection Act 2018.
What information do I collect about you?
I collect information about you through this website, an introductory call, contact details form, assessment form in your first session which may include psychological and physical health, social and family background, which we may also return to in our sessions.
How will I use the information about you?
The information I collect will remain confidential and will be used solely to support the work in our therapy sessions. I may discuss your personal information with my supervisor (a BACP registered/accredited counsellor and supervisor) for the purpose of ensuring that my practice remains safe and effective. Your full name remains anonymous with my supervisor.
Sharing your personal information with third parties.
I do not discuss your personal information with third parties. However, if there was an immediate risk that you might harm yourself or someone else then I may have to share your personal information that is relevant with a third party such as your GP or the emergency services without first obtaining consent so as not to delay accessing help, therefore not endangering your life or that of another. I will inform you what personal information is shared and to whom. It is possible I may be legally required by a Court of Law or Professional Body to provide personal information about you in which you have limited or no rights of refusal.
Access to your information.
You have the right to request a copy of the information that I hold about you. If you would like a copy of some or all of the personal information, please email me at annafay.counselling@gmail.com. It is important that your personal information is accurate and up to date, and you have a right to correct or remove information that you think is inaccurate, or erase information that I hold about you. I can refuse your request if the information is required in the defence of a legal claim, or there is an overriding legitimate interest to retain your information.
How do I store your information.
Any personal information in electronic records is identified by initials only and stored on a computer device using encryption and password protected system. Any personal information written down (also initials only) is stored in a locked filing cabinet in my locked counselling room when I am not using it. I keep your personal information and any process notes from our sessions for 5 years, after this time your records are erased.
This privacy policy is kept under regular review and was last updated on 1st February 2024.
If you want to make a formal complaint about the way I have processed your personal information you can contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) which is the statutory body that oversees data protection law in the UK.