Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Who I am

Name: Chris Kinsella
Role: Counsellor
Contact email: chrispkinsella@yahoo.com

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
ICO registration number: [to be added once confirmed]

What information I collect

I may collect and store personal data including your name, email address, telephone number, session notes, emergency contact details, GP details (where relevant), and payment records. This may include special category data, such as information relating to your mental and emotional health.

Why I collect this information

Your data is collected and processed in order to provide counselling services, communicate about appointments, maintain appropriate clinical records, ensure your safety and wellbeing, and meet professional, ethical, and legal obligations.

The lawful bases for processing are the provision of health care, explicit consent, and legitimate interests related to safe and effective practice.

How your data is stored

Personal data is stored securely. Digital records are kept on password-protected devices and paper records are stored in locked, secure storage. Reasonable steps are taken to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. Only I have access to your identifiable personal data.

How long your data is kept

Records relating to adult clients are kept for 7 years after the last session, in line with professional and legal guidance. After this period, data is securely destroyed.

Sharing your information

Your personal data is kept confidential and is not shared with third parties, except where there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, where disclosure is required by law, or in professional supervision, in which case information is anonymised.

Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to access your personal data, request correction or erasure (where appropriate), restrict or object to processing, and lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Requests can be made using the contact details above.

Website contact form

If you contact me via the website contact form, I will collect your name, email address, and any information you choose to include. This information is used solely to respond to your enquiry, is sent securely to my email inbox, and is not used for marketing or shared with third parties. The contact form is for initial enquiries only, and you are advised not to include sensitive personal or clinical information.

Complaints

If you have concerns about how your data is handled, please raise them with me in the first instance. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. The most current version will always be available on my website www.chriskinsella.com.