I am a member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS) and subscribes the division of Counselling Psychology. 

And, in addition, a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP).

If you have any issues with your experience of counselling, please do feel encouraged to raise them during therapy. This is often a normal part of the therapeutic relationship, and sometimes speaking the unspoken, or facing a disagreement, can be a positive event. I always encourage clients to direct the therapy from themselves. I also actively seek feedback throughout the process. This can help you feel more in control of your process and also help deliver the therapy that best fits your needs. If you feel you have been harmed, or treated unethically, then please consider making a formal complaint to the BACP 

Purpose:

This privacy policy aims to provide prospective, current, and former clients with a clear understanding of how and why data related to their interactions with Bay Counselling is managed. As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS), and guided by my own moral and ethical values, I am deeply committed to protecting your privacy and complying with both the spirit and the letter of data protection laws.

Data Collection:

The types of personal data I may collect (where relevant) include your name, email address, mobile phone number, records of session times and dates, GP contact details, residential address, and date of birth. I adhere to the ethos of capturing only the 'minimal required amount' of personal data necessary to perform my job ethically.

Purpose of Data Collection:

Correspondence information is retained to schedule our meetings. Contact details and GP information may be kept for safeguarding purposes and to mitigate the risk of harm to yourself or others (where relevant). This information is stored with your consent, based on a legitimate and professional interest in providing appropriate care and support in the counselling context.

Data Sharing and Disclosure:

My commitment to confidentiality is a lifelong professional and moral duty, exemplified in the BACP ethical framework, which I rigorously follow. Your personal information is never shared without your consent or knowledge, where possible. Sensitive information, such as the contents and context of our discussions during sessions, is not stored digitally or on paper. Your information may be explored and discussed during supervision meetings, where your identity will be anonymised. Disclosure of your details would only occur where there is a legal duty to do so, to prevent harm to yourself or others, and in respect of the laws of the United Kingdom.

Personal data, such as your email address and phone number, are stored and accessed through an encrypted Microsoft email server, accessible only by Bay Counselling via a laptop and tablet. Both devices are password-secured and require two-step verification for access. They can be remotely wiped in the event of theft or a data breach and operate on secure, updated systems. Data security is paramount to me, and I routinely seek improved methods of managing digital security, in addition to adhering to the principle of capturing 'minimal required personal data'.

Data Retention:

Your contact details are stored from the point of initial contact, throughout our work together, and for up to a year thereafter. Copies of any materials created during our sessions will be deleted with your consent, and you are welcome to retain the original copies if you prefer. Data is securely deleted annually, including any backed-up data.

Your Rights:

You have the right to request access to any personal data related to you, provided it does not infringe on the privacy of others. The personal data mentioned above, such as records of our meeting dates, is accessible at any time. To request access to any data, simply send me an email with your request. If you wish to have your data removed at any point, you are welcome to request this without needing to provide a reason. You may also withdraw your consent to the use of your personal information at any time.

Changes to Policy:

Any changes to this privacy policy will be communicated, and the updated version will be available on my website. You are entitled to question any changes.

If you have any complaints, concerns, or questions about your data, you can contact me directly at baycounselling@outlook.com. If you are dissatisfied with the response, you may also contact the BACP, BPS, or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

We adhere to the principals of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679 and the Data Protection Act 1998 and will always continue to review and revise our procedures to meet legal requirements, as well as moral duties.