Privacy Statement

This statement is a way to communicate what information I keep, how and why I use it, and your rights, in line with the General Data Protection Act (GDPR), which took effect on 25th May 2018.

Within my psychotherapy and supervision practice, I am committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of anyone enquiring about, or using my services – from visitors to my website, through to visitors to my therapy room.  I would not sell, rent out or trade email lists or personal details with other companies and businesses for any reason.

Overview

I work in private practice with adults and young people as a Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, which requires me to receive and hold personal data of individuals who inquire about or access my services.  Any information I ask you to provide that identifies you will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

Types of data I collect and how they are stored

Digital records
Email details

Your email address in my email account contacts list
Emails sent to me, either via my website, Counselling Directory, BACP Find a Therapist, or directly are deleted after one calendar year, or sooner if they are responded to and I consider the matter closed.
Telephone number

The number/s given by you will be stored within my phone contacts on a passcode protected mobile without your surname.  This will be deleted once we have agreed to end our work together.

Paper records
Client contact details

These usually include: name, address, email contact, next of kin, telephone number and GP details
They are stored separately to case notes in a locked filing cabinet.
These will usually be destroyed by shredding 5 years after the end of the therapy relationship.  If you return as a client within 5 years, the date for shredding historical notes will be re-set to the date at the end of the most recent episode of therapy.
Client assessment notes

These usually include information on support structure, relevant mental health history, presenting issues, and goals for therapy.
These are anonymised and kept in locked filing cabinet with case notes.  They are kept separate from any documents that might identify you.
These will usually be destroyed by shredding 5 years after the end of the therapy relationship.  If you return as a client within 5 years, the date for shredding historical notes will be re-set to the date at the end of the most recent episode of therapy.
Case or supervision notes

These are brief notes based on the themes brought to the session.
These are anonymised and kept in locked filing cabinet with case notes.  They are kept separate from any documents that might identify you.
These will usually be destroyed by shredding 5 years after the end of the therapy relationship.  If you return as a client within 5 years, the date for shredding historical notes will be re-set to the date at the end of the most recent episode of therapy.

Disclosure of information to others

During the course of our work together, it is my aim that any information disclosed to others is done in a collaborative way, ideally by supporting you to do so in relation to the protection of self and others.

I maintain confidentiality in accordance with guidelines laid out by The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and these can be viewed at https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/

Under safeguarding principles, I would contact relevant authorities or agencies (or support you to do so), if I became aware of an issue related to your safety or that of a child or vulnerable adult, or imminent, serious danger to another individual.

I would need to report activities related to terrorism, money laundering or radicalization.  This is because I am duty bound under the law, just as any member of the public would be if they were aware of such information.

I am obliged to share information if the courts order me to do so.  Your consent will be sought where possible, and in writing.

Access to your personal information

You have the right to see, receive a copy and amend any information I hold on you.  I will aim to arrange this within 20 working days from the initial request. To do so, you can ask me in person or email jane@janebroom.co.uk.

Where this concerns case notes, I would encourage a discussion first to explore the impact on the therapeutic relationship and a debrief after reading.  If you wish to retain a copy of the notes, you would be required to sign a release form to indicate that you understand the implications.

Following the end of our work together, you have the right to request destruction of your records before the time period stated above.  I will take all reasonable steps to do so unless I need to keep them for legal, auditing or internal business purposes. You can request this in writing by letter or email to jane@janebroom.co.uk.