At Teale Therapy, your privacy is important to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you visit my website or engage in counselling services with me. By using this website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.For the purposes of UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Data Controller is: Teale Therapy Website: www.tealetherapy.com Email:catherine@tealetherapy.com

 

 

1.Information I Collect To provide safe, ethical and effective counselling services

I may collect the following personal information:- Name- Gender or preferred identity- Age- Date of birth- Relationship status and family information- Occupation- Address- Telephone number- Permission to contact you by telephone, SMS or voicemail- Email address- Counselling history- Relevant medical conditions- Prescribed medication- Information relating to the difficulties you wish to discuss in therapy- Assessment information- Session summaries and brief therapeutic notesI only collect information that is relevant to providing counselling services and supporting your wellbeing.

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2.How Your Information Is Stored

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure or alteration.Paper RecordsThe following documents may be stored securely in paper format:- Contact sheets- Counselling agreement or contract- Assessment records- GDPR consent documentation- Written session notesPaper records are kept securely and accessible only to me.Electronic RecordsThe following information may be stored electronically:- Assessment records- Brief session notes- Contact information- GP details- Email correspondence- SMS and WhatsApp messages where applicableSmartphone StorageYour name and telephone number may be stored in a secure note application on my smartphone to allow contact in the event of emergencies or appointment-related matters.Email, SMS and WhatsAppIf you contact me via email, SMS or WhatsApp, your correspondence and contact details will be stored within those services. Please be aware that these services have their own privacy and security policies. My email service is currently Gmail. I recommend that sensitive personal information is not shared via email where possible.Website No personal counselling information is stored on the Teale Therapy website.

 

3.How I Use Your Information

I use your personal information to:- Respond to enquiries- Arrange and manage appointments- Provide counselling services- Maintain professional records- Meet legal, ethical and insurance requirements- Protect your safety and wellbeing where necessaryI will only use your personal information where the law permits me to do so.The lawful bases for processing your information may include:- Performance of a contract- Compliance with legal obligations- Legitimate interests relating to the provision of counselling services- Your consent where applicable.

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4. Online Counselling and Video Sessions

Where online counselling sessions are provided, I use Microsoft Teams as my video conferencing platform. Microsoft Teams processes limited personal information, such as your name, email address (where applicable), IP address and technical information necessary to facilitate video appointments. Microsoft acts as a separate data processor and handles data in accordance with its own privacy policies and security measures.

I take reasonable steps to ensure that online sessions are conducted securely and confidentially. Clients are encouraged to access sessions from a private location and use a secure internet connection wherever possible.

Please be aware that while Microsoft Teams employs security measures to protect communications, no online platform can guarantee absolute security.

 

5. Professional Consultation To maintain high professional standards

 I engage in regular professional consultation with an appropriately qualified therapist. During consultation, identifying details are minimised wherever possible. My consultant will not know you personally or professionally. Information discussed is limited to what is necessary for professional reflection and support, and confidentiality is maintained throughout.

 

6.Therapeutic Executor

In the event of my death or incapacity, your name and contact details may be shared with my appointed Therapeutic Executor.This is solely so that clients currently engaged in therapy can be informed and offered appropriate information regarding the continuation or ending of services.

 

7.Emergencies and Legal Requirements 

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling; however, there are circumstances where information may need to be shared.Examples include:- Where there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of another person.- Where emergency medical intervention may be required and you have provided consent.- Where I am legally required to disclose information.- Where I become aware of information relating to terrorism, serious crime, safeguarding concerns or other situations requiring disclosure under UK law.

Where possible, I will discuss any necessary disclosure with you first.

 

8.Retention and Deletion of Information

Following the end of our therapeutic work together:- Emails, SMS messages, WhatsApp messages and other routine correspondence will normally be deleted within one month.

Therapy records, assessment information and session notes relating to adult clients will be retained securely for seven years following the end of therapy.Therapy records, assessment information and session notes relating to clients under the age of 18 will be retained securely until the client reaches the age of 18, and for a further seven years thereafter.

 

9.Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to be informed about how your personal information is used.- Access the personal information I hold about you.- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.- Request erasure of your personal information in certain circumstances.- Request restriction of processing.- Object to processing where appropriate.- Request transfer of your information to another service provider where applicable.Please note that some rights may be limited where I am legally or professionally required to retain information.

 

10.Making a Request

If you would like to access, amend or discuss any information held about you, please contact:Catherine Teale Email: catherine@tealetherapy.com I may ask for proof of identity before releasing personal information to ensure confidentiality and security. A fee will apply.

 

11.Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact me in the first instance so that I can attempt to resolve the issue.If you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).Website: https://www.ico.org.uk

 

12.Changes to This Privacy Policy

 I reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, professional practice or business operations.Any updates will be published on this website.Effective Date: January 2025