This Privacy Policy details how I collect, store, use, and protect your personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who I Am

My name is Megan, and I am an Integrative Counsellor, offering private counselling services. I am committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about how I handle your personal data, please feel free to contact me:

• Email: meganbenhamcounselling@gmail.com
• Phone: 07732 050417
  

2. What Information I Collect

I may collect and store the following personal data:

• Name, date of birth, home address, phone number, email address
• Emergency contact details
• Health information relevant to counselling services
• Payment and billing details

3. How I Use Your Information

Your personal information is used for the following purposes:

• To provide and manage counselling services
• For appointment scheduling, invoicing, and payment processing
• To maintain accurate records in compliance with legal and professional requirements
• To ensure the safety and security of my practice
• For any other purpose with your consent

4. How I Protect Your Data

I take your privacy seriously and implement safeguards to protect your data, these include:

• Keeping paper records in a secure, locked location
• Electronic records are stored on encrypted, password protected devices or cloud systems
• Restricting access to your data to authorised individuals only

5. Confidentiality and Data Protection

I prioritise maintaining client confidentiality with the uttermost care and implement appropriate security measures to protect your data. Your information will not be shared with third parties
except in the following circumstances:

• When required by law or court order (this may include safeguarding concerns or disclosure of serious criminal activity such as treason, terrorism, or money-laundering)
• If there is a risk of serious self-harm, suicide, or harm to others
• During regular professional supervision, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework guidelines (any identifying information is anonymised)

6. Data Retention

I retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations. Once counselling services are no longer required, I will keep your data for seven years from the final contact date, after which it will be securely deleted or destroyed.

7. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• The right to access your records
• The right to request corrections to your information
• The right to request delation of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• The right to restrict or object to processing
• The right to report data portability
• The right to lodge a complaint with the relevant authority

8. Security Measures

I implement administration, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information
from unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss.

9. Changes to this Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy. Any changes will be posted on my website: meganbenhamcounselling.co.uk and will take effect upon publication.

10. Data Breach Procedure

In the unlikely event of a data breach, I will assess the severity and report to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours if necessary. Affected clients will be informed with undue delay.