Information I collect about you and how I use it
Upon starting working with me, basic personal information will be collected for contact and identification reasons. During our sessions, an assessment of your health will be completed, and notes will be taken during sessions. These will include the personal and sensitive details about your life that you share with me. The assessment and notes are used solely for the delivery of a therapy service to you.
Lawful basis for processing your information
The lawful basis for my holding and using your information to deliver a service to you is your consent.
By consenting, you agree to my processing of your information for the purposes detailed in our agreement.
How long I keep your information for
Your information is kept for the time necessary to provide the service requested. I am required to hold your details and session notes for a period of 7 years following the end of treatment to comply with legal obligations that are placed upon me by my insurers. In the case of a child under 13 then records will be kept 7 years after they reach the age of majority (18-years-old). After this date, all data will be securely deleted.
Security of your data
Information will be kept securely and confidentially in line with my data retention policy as stated above.
Confidentiality
Your therapy and personal information are kept securely. Anonymised information will be shared with my supervisor, who is also professionally registered and who regularly reviews my practice. This is good practice for your benefit and safety. If you would like the details of my supervisor, these can be provided upon request.
There are limits to confidentiality. These are in cases where I have serious concerns that you or any vulnerable person is at risk. In such circumstances, I have a professional duty of care to share relevant information with appropriate organisational bodies who can support the minimisation and management of this risk. If this arises it will be discussed with you in the session and recommendations will be discussed and documented in your notes. I adhere to the professional ethical codes of conduct and guidelines of my registered professional bodies to ensure that you receive a professional and quality service.
Your rights
You have rights relating to the information I hold to verify the accuracy or to ask for them to be supplemented, deleted, updated or corrected. You have the right to request a copy of the information that I hold about you. If you would like a copy of some or all of your personal information, please email or write to me via the contact form. Information will be provided to you within 30 days.
It is important to me that your information is accurate and up to date. You may ask me to correct or remove information that you believe is inaccurate. You have a right to request the transfer of your data to another individual or company.
You can be refused access to health records, or part of them, if:
There is a concern that you, or someone else, could be seriously harmed as a result of the information disclosure.
The information relates to, or was provided by, an identified individual other than you or a health professional involved in your care.
Sharing of data
There may be times where your information needs to be shared with 3rd parties. I will explicitly ask your consent before doing so, and the data will be sent to 3rd parties securely.
On occasions I may be obliged by law to report information to the appropriate authorities. For example:
Where a formal court order has been issued
If a crime has been committed.
Further information and guidance about the Data Protection Act can be obtained from:
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Fax: 01625 524510
Web: https://ico.org.uk/