Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important. Space To Be is committed to protecting your personal information and handling it responsibly in line with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and in accordance with the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Space To Be is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

 

What Information Is Collected

 

I may collect and process the following:

Name, date of birth, and contact details

Emergency contact details (where appropriate)

Information shared during enquiries and sessions

Brief, factual session notes

Limited information required for online sessions

This may include special category data (e.g. information about your health), which is treated with strict confidentiality.

 

How Your Information Is Used

 

Your information is used to:

Provide therapeutic services

Manage appointments and communication

Maintain appropriate records

Ensure your safety where necessary

Meet legal and professional obligations

 

Legal Basis for Processing

 

Your data is processed under the following lawful bases:

Contract – to provide therapy services

Legitimate interests – to manage and deliver services safely

Provision of health care – for processing sensitive data

Vital interests – where there is risk of serious harm

Consent, where required

 

Confidentiality and Data Sharing

 

All information shared in therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties except:

Where required by law

Where there is risk of serious harm to you or others

For professional supervision (anonymised where possible)

Where appropriate, you will be informed before any disclosure.

 

Online Sessions

 

Online sessions are conducted using secure platforms (e.g. Zoom or similar).

Sessions are not recorded without your explicit consent

You are responsible for ensuring a private environment where possible

While reasonable steps are taken, online communication cannot be guaranteed as fully secure

 

How Your Data Is Stored and Retained

 

Paper records are stored securely in locked storage

Electronic data is stored on password-protected devices

Data is retained for up to 7 years after therapy ends, then securely destroyed

 

Website Use, Cookies and Analytics

 

When you visit this website, limited anonymous data may be collected to improve performance.

Cookies may be used for essential functions and analytics

Analytics tools (e.g. Wix or Google Analytics) may collect non-identifiable usage data

You can control cookies through your browser settings

If you contact Space To Be via the website, your details will only be used to respond to your enquiry.

 

Third-Party Services

 

Space To Be may use trusted third-party services (e.g. website hosting, email providers, video platforms) to support service delivery. These providers process data in accordance with their own privacy policies.

Some services may store data outside the UK; appropriate safeguards are in place.

 

Your Rights

 

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

Access your personal data

Request correction or deletion

Restrict or object to processing

Withdraw consent where applicable

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office.

 

Contact

 

For any questions about this policy or your data, feel free to contact me at: spacetobecounselling@gmail.com

 

Updates

 

This policy may be updated from time to time without prior notice. The latest version will be available on the website.