Counselling PracticE
Privacy Policy
Confidentiality & Data
Privacy Policy
The Hill Counselling Practice (THCP) is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Register of Data Controllers (ICO) registration number: ZB273655 and as such is required to be transparent about how and why personal data is gathered, recorded, stored, how and when it is deleted.
Personal information:
When you contact THCP via email, mobile/text or telephone your contact details will be stored electronically, either on a PC or mobile phone. For the purposes of anonymity your mobile contact details are stored under an identifier code known only to the therapist. Your full name will not be stored against your number.
Your contact details will be used in order to: arrange an initial consultation; bookings; manage communications around scheduled appointments and for video call sessions. Your details will be kept for the duration of our work together. This contact information will then be deleted a month after we have finished working together.
During your first session you will be asked to read and sign a counselling contract and to complete a referral summary form containing your contact information along with your details and doctors telephone number.
Storing your personal information:
All personal information is stored on a password protected PC and session notes are stored in a locked cabinet. You are not identified by name in session notes. Notes are retained for the legal requirement of 7 years after which time will be shredded.
Confidentiality:
All sessions will be conducted in confidence, the date, session number and brief notes will be documented.
Confidentiality, in accordance with British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR), will be maintained and applied to all records with the exception of the following:
When you have given your permission to share information. When compelled to give evidence by a court of law Safeguarding adults (adult protection) Safeguarding children (child protection) Offences involving children under the age of 18. In cases of terrorism, fraud or money laundering.
Website:
You can contact THCP email: hello@thehillcp.com. This communication will be deleted a month after we finish working together. By visiting the website you accept and consent to the terms described in this privacy policy.
Cookies:
A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site.
Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences. Overall, cookies help THCP provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not.
A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you. You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of some websites.
Google Analytics:
Each time you visit a website Google analytics automatically tracks information such as (but not limited to) your geographical location, IP address, browser type, browser version, operating system, referral source, page views, length of visit, the times and dates you visit the site, navigation paths, whether you are a new visitor or a returning visitor. When you visit www.thehillcp.com the information collected by Google analytics may be used by THCP to customise the website according to your interests and help improve our service.
Controlling your personal information:
THCP will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. You may request details of personal information which THCP hold about you under the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR).
If you would like a copy of any stored personal information, please email hello@thehillcp.com.
Amendments and updates:
THCP may amend and/or update this privacy policy from time to time without notice. Please check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.