Privacy Policy for The Right Steps Counselling

Introduction

Welcome to The Right Steps Counselling. I am committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy sets out how I collect, use, and protect any information that you give me when you use my services. By engaging with my services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information Collection

I may collect the following types of information:

1. Personal Identification Information: This includes your name, age, contact details (such as email address and telephone number), and any other information that you voluntarily provide when you engage in my counselling services.
2. Health Information: As part of providing trauma and family counselling services, I may collect sensitive health information that is necessary for the purpose of your treatment.

How Information Is Collected

1. Direct Interactions: You may provide me with your personal and health information through email (aliona.lebed@gmail.com), over the phone (+44 775396 3702), or during counselling sessions.
2. Indirect Interactions: I may receive information about you if you are referred to me by another health professional or an existing client, with your prior consent.

Use of Information

The information I collect from you may be used in the following ways:

1. To Provide Counselling Services: To administer and deliver the counselling services you have requested.
2. To Improve Services: To continually improve my services based on the information and feedback you provide.
3. To Communicate: To communicate with you about any changes to my services, or to respond to your inquiries.
4. To Comply with Legal Obligations: To comply with legal requirements, such as maintaining records for regulatory or ethical reasons.

Storage of Information

Your information is securely stored at my practice’s premises and on secure, GDPR-compliant servers. I take appropriate measures to ensure that your personal data is treated securely and in accordance with this privacy policy.

Data Retention

I will only retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes I collected it for, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Typically, personal data related to counselling services is retained for a period of 7 years after the end of treatment.

Disclosure of Information

I will not share your information with any third parties except in the following situations:

1. With Your Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent to share your information with third health professionals or family members.
2. For Legal Reasons: When required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

Security of Your Data

I am committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, I have put in place suitable physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information I collect.

Your Data Protection Rights

Under data protection law, you have rights including:

1. The Right to Access – You have the right to request copies of your personal data from me.
2. The Right to Rectification – You have the right to request that I correct any information you believe is inaccurate or complete information you believe is incomplete.
3. The Right to Erasure – You have the right to request that I erase your personal data, under certain conditions.
4. The Right to Restrict Processing – You have the right to request that I restrict the processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.
5. The Right to Object to Processing – You have the right to object to my processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.
6. The Right to Data Portability – You have the right to request that I transfer the data that I have collected to another organisation, or directly to you, under certain conditions.

If you make a request related to your rights, I have one month to respond to you. If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact me at my email: aliona.lebed@gmail.com or call me at +44 775396 3702.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. I will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or the information I hold about you, please contact me at aliona.lebed@gmail.com or call +44 775396 3702.

Agreement

By using my services, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. I thank you for choosing The Right Steps Counselling and look forward to assisting you.

This Privacy Policy provides a comprehensive outline of how personal data is handled within a UK-based counselling practice, ensuring compliance with GDPR and local data protection regulations while maintaining a personal tone appropriate for a counselling service provider.