Data Protection Statement for Psychotherapeutic Counselling
As a self-employed psychotherapeutic counsellor, I am committed to ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. This data protection statement outlines how I collect, process, and protect your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
1. Data Collection: I collect personal information directly from you during our initial consultation and subsequent sessions. This may include, but is not limited to, your name, contact details, medical history, and other relevant details necessary for the counselling process.
2. Purpose of Data Processing: Your personal information is collected and processed solely for the purpose of providing psychotherapeutic counselling services. This includes assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing support. I will not use your data for any other purpose without obtaining your explicit consent.
3. Confidentiality: All information shared during counselling sessions is treated with the utmost confidentiality. I adhere to the professional ethical standards and legal obligations of confidentiality. Exceptions to this confidentiality may apply in situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or where required by law.
4. Data Security: I implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. Electronic records are securely stored with password protection, and paper records are kept in a secure and locked location.
5. Data Retention: Your personal information will be retained for the duration of our counselling relationship and for a period thereafter as required by professional and legal standards. After this period, your data will be securely and permanently deleted.
6. Consent: By engaging in psychotherapeutic counselling with me, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information as described in this statement. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, and this will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
7. Your Rights: You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal information. If you have any concerns about how your data is being handled, please discuss them with me. If you remain unsatisfied, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority.
This data protection statement is subject to periodic review and may be updated to ensure compliance with any changes in applicable laws or professional standards. Any updates will be communicated to you in a transparent manner.
