Privacy policy and Data protection

How do you get my consent?

When you provide me with your personal information in the course of contacting me about my services or arranging a session, you are giving your consent to me collecting that information and using it for that specific reason.  

I will not use your personal information for any secondary reason,  like marketing, unless I have asked you directly for consent to do so.  

How can I access, update or amend my personal information?

You have the right to review the personal information I store about you and your therapy sessions. You also have the right to request I update or amend your data if it is incorrect. To action any of these rights you can email your request to admin@bluemindcounselling.com.             

How do I withdraw my consent? 

For the purpose of legal protection, I am required to hold the personal information you have given to me in return for psychological services. If you make an enquiry through this website and subsequently do not require my services, your details will be securely erased after 3 months. Notes will be kept for a minimum of 5 years as a requirement made by my insurance provider, after that I will delete all your personal information permanently. 

If you withdraw your consent during the 5 year retention period, your data will be archived until the 5 year period expires. Whilst your information is archived, it will not be accessed or processed in any way except if needed for legal protection or if required to do so by law.  

Should you wish to withdraw your consent at any time please email admin@bluemindcounselling with your request.                                                                                   

When you get in touch or book a session, I collect personal details such as your name, address, email and/or telephone. This  information is used to identify you and contact you about the services that you require. Whilst you use the website I also receive information about your computer such as your IP address, operating system and browser details.  This information helps me provide a better website experience for you.   

I may disclose your personal information if I am required to do so by law or if you violate my Terms and Conditions of service. 

In compliance with the 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) client registration details are stored in a secure, electronic records system. I use digital forms by IntakeQ which specialises in the collection, processing and storage of personal data for medical professionals and therapists. Please be assured that your personal data will be stored on secure servers behind a firewall and will always be encrypted when in storage and whilst being transmitted across the internet. 

Isometimes record information about what you tell me in our sessions on paper depending on the protocol we are using.  Often, I record only brief notes and these act as an 'aide memoire' so that I can review the course of our sessions as time progresses. None of these paper records involve your full name or other details. Any paper documents are locked in a robust non-portable cabinet to which only I have access. 

In general, the third-party providers I use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to allow them to perform the services they provide to me. For these providers, I recommend that you read their privacy policies so you can understand the manner in which your personal information will be handled by these providers.  
All information will be kept confidential unless you (client) and I (counsellor) agree to discuss something with a third party such as your GP.  Where appropriate a consent form will be used. The only reasons for breaking confidentiality would be if the counsellor considered that your life or the life of another was at risk, or if the counsellor was liable to civil or criminal court proceedings if the information was not disclosed. If at all possible this would be discussed beforehand.  

Supervision
All members of BACP are required to have regular supervision. My work continues to be supervised to ensure that it is safe, ethical and effective. Aspects of our work may be discussed during these sessions, but no full name will be used and identifiable details removed. My supervisor is a member of BACP and as such they are bound by the same confidentiality rules as myself.  In keeping with the requirements of BACP’s Ethical Framework I have appointed a trusted colleague to take over the administration of my practice in the event of my death or incapacity, and to deal with my appointments and destroy my notes in a confidential manner. This colleague is also a member of BACP and is bound by the same professional confidentiality rules as set out in their Ethical Framework.