Privacy & Data Protection

Your Privacy Matters

At Phoenix Counselling Services, protecting your privacy and personal information is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship. I understand that counselling often involves sharing sensitive and deeply personal information, and I am committed to handling your data with the utmost confidentiality, professionalism, and care.

This Privacy Notice explains how your personal information is collected, stored, used, and protected in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Who Is Responsible for Your Information?

Phoenix Counselling Services is the Data Controller for the personal information you provide. If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how your information is handled, please contact: Phoenix Counselling Services Email: info@phoenix-cs.com Telephone: 07551 420 219 Website: www.phoenix-cs.com

What Information Is Collected?

Depending on the services you receive, I may collect: Your name, address, telephone number, Email address, date of birth, emergency contact details, GP details (where appropriate), relevant medical information, information relating to your mental and emotional wellbeing, session notes, appointment records, and payment information. Only information that is relevant to providing counselling services will be collected.

Why Is Your Information Collected?

Your information is collected to: Arrange appointments; provide counselling services safely and effectively; maintain clinical records; communicate with you regarding appointments; meet professional and legal obligations; and maintain accurate financial records where required. Special category data relating to your health is processed under Article 9(2)(h) UK GDPR for the provision of health and counselling services.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed within counselling is treated as confidential. However, there are rare circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, including where: There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person. There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult. Disclosure is required by law or court order. There is a legal obligation to report certain information. Wherever possible, this would be discussed with you before any disclosure is made.

How Your Information Is Stored?

Your personal information is stored securely using password-protected and encrypted systems where appropriate. Appropriate technical and organisational measures are in place to reduce the risk of unauthorised access, loss or misuse of your information. Only information necessary for the delivery of counselling services is retained.

How Long Is Information Kept?

Clinical records are retained in accordance with professional guidance and legal requirements. Unless a longer retention period is required by law, records are normally retained for seven years following the end of therapy. Records relating to children and young people may be retained for longer in accordance with professional guidance. After the retention period has expired, records are securely destroyed.

Will My Information Be Shared?

Your personal information will never be sold or shared for marketing purposes. Information will only be shared where: You have provided your consent. It is necessary for safeguarding reasons. It is required by law. It is necessary to protect life or prevent serious harm. Where clinical supervision is undertaken, client anonymity is maintained at all times.

Clinical Supervision

As part of maintaining safe and ethical practice, I regularly attend professional clinical supervision. Your case may be discussed anonymously with my clinical supervisor to ensure the highest standards of care. Identifying information is removed wherever possible.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to: Request access to your personal information. Request correction of inaccurate information. Request erasure of information where appropriate. Restrict certain types of processing. Object to processing in certain circumstances. Request a copy of your personal data. Withdraw consent where consent is the lawful basis for processing. Some rights may be limited where professional, legal, or safeguarding obligations apply.

Website Cookies

This website may use cookies to improve functionality and understand how visitors use the site. Where required, you will be asked for consent before non-essential cookies are placed on your device. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.

Website Security

Reasonable measures are taken to protect information submitted through this website. However, no method of internet transmission can ever be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Changes to This Privacy Notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, professional guidance, or the services provided. The latest version will always be available on this website.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding how your information is handled, or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact: Phoenix Counselling Services Email: info@phoenix-cs.com Telephone: [07551 420 219] Website: www.phoenix-cs.com If you remain dissatisfied after contacting me, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Information Commissioner's Office Website: https://ico.org.uk Telephone: 0303 123 1113