Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Privacy Notice
Your privacy is important to me. I am committed to protecting your personal information and handling it responsibly, securely and in accordance with UK data protection law, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and any subsequent amendments.
This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal information from the time you first contact me until after our counselling work has ended.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how I process your personal information, please contact me using the details on my website.
As the Data Controller for your personal information, I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). My registration number is ZB604768.
How I use your information
If you contact me to enquire about counselling or become a client, I will process your personal information where it is necessary to provide counselling services, comply with my legal and professional obligations, and manage my practice.
As counselling involves processing health information, I also process special category personal data in accordance with Article 9 of the UK GDPR, which permits the processing of health data for the provision of health and social care.
Initial enquiries
When you first contact me, I will collect the information necessary to respond to your enquiry. This may include information you provide through my website, by email, telephone, voicemail or in person. I may also receive your details from a GP, healthcare professional, support worker or another trusted person if they are making an enquiry or referral on your behalf.
If you decide not to proceed with counselling, I will securely delete your personal information within one month unless I am legally required to retain it. If you would like me to delete your information sooner, please let me know and I will do so wherever possible.
While you are receiving counselling
To provide counselling safely and effectively, I may collect and hold information including:
I only collect information that is relevant to providing counselling.
How I keep your information secure
I take the security of your personal information seriously.
Electronic records are protected using passwords and, where available, multi-factor authentication.
Paper records are stored securely in a locked filing cabinet.
My diary contains only your first name and appointment details and is stored separately from your counselling records.
I keep brief factual notes to support my therapeutic work. These are kept separately from your contact details and stored securely.
Confidentiality and supervision
As part of my professional and ethical practice, I attend regular clinical supervision.
I may discuss aspects of our work with my supervisor to ensure I provide safe and effective counselling. Wherever possible, identifying information will be removed or minimised. My supervisor is bound by the same professional and ethical duties of confidentiality.
Online counselling
If we work together online, I use secure technology to provide counselling.
Although I take reasonable steps to protect your information, no online communication or platform can guarantee complete security. By choosing online counselling, you acknowledge and accept this small level of risk.
Email communication
Email is used primarily for arranging appointments and sharing practical information.
Please be aware that email is not always a completely secure method of communication. By contacting me by email, you acknowledge this risk.
Financial records
If you pay by bank transfer, your name and payment details will appear in my financial records.
These records may be shared with my accountant, bank, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) or other organisations where necessary to meet my legal, financial or professional obligations.
Sharing information with third parties
I will not share your personal information without your knowledge unless:
Where possible, I will always discuss this with you before sharing information.
I only use reputable organisations that process personal information in accordance with UK data protection law and only where necessary to meet my legal, professional or business obligations.
How long I keep your information
I normally retain counselling records for seven years after counselling has ended.
After this period, your records will be securely destroyed unless there is a legal or professional reason to retain them for longer. If we agree that you are likely to return for further counselling, we may agree to retain your records for a longer period.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
Some of these rights are subject to legal or professional limitations.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact me in writing at:
emcewanpsychotherapy@outlook.com
Further information about your rights is available from the Information Commissioner's Office:
Data protection complaints
If you have any concerns about how I have handled your personal information, please contact me in the first instance using the email address above. I welcome the opportunity to investigate your concerns and resolve them wherever possible.
I will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 30 days, investigate it fairly and keep you informed of the outcome without undue delay.
If you remain dissatisfied following my response, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Information about making a complaint is available at:
https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint
Personal data breaches
If a personal data breach occurs that is likely to result in a risk to your rights and freedoms, I will comply with my legal obligations, including notifying the Information Commissioner's Office and affected individuals where required.
Version: 2.0
Last reviewed: August 2026
Next review: August 2027