Your Privacy Matters

Beginning counselling often involves sharing personal and sensitive information. I understand the trust that this requires and I am committed to handling your personal information with care, respect, transparency, and confidentiality.

This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

As a registered member/accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I also work within the BACP Ethical Framework, which places great importance on confidentiality, safeguarding, and the respectful handling of client information.

Who I Am

Data Controller:

Natalie Lynam

Email: fi*********************@***il.com

Telephone: 07973214237

Practice Address: S26

As the Data Controller, I am responsible for deciding how your personal information is collected, used, and stored.

Information I May Collect

Depending on the nature of our contact and therapeutic work together, I may collect:

• Your name and contact details

• Emergency contact information

• GP details (where relevant and agreed)

• Information shared during counselling sessions

• Assessment and intake information

• Appointment and attendance records

• Correspondence between us, including emails and messages

• Invoices and payment records

Some of this information may be considered “special category data” under UK GDPR because it relates to your physical or mental health.

Why I Collect Your Information

I collect and process personal information to:

• Respond to enquiries

• Arrange appointments

• Provide counselling services

• Maintain appropriate clinical records

• Ensure safe and ethical practice

• Meet legal, professional, and insurance requirements

• Manage payments and administration

• Protect clients where safeguarding concerns arise

I only collect information that is necessary for these purposes.

Confidentiality and Its Limits

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of counselling and I take this responsibility seriously.

Information shared within counselling sessions remains confidential unless:

• You provide consent for information to be shared;

• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person;

• Safeguarding concerns arise involving a child or vulnerable adult;

• Disclosure is required by law or court order;

• Professional ethical obligations require consultation.

Where possible, I will discuss any necessary disclosure with you before information is shared.

Clinical Supervision

As required by the BACP Ethical Framework, I regularly attend professional supervision to ensure safe and effective practice.

Client work may be discussed within supervision; however:

• Your identity is protected wherever possible;

• Information is anonymised;

• Supervisors are also bound by professional confidentiality obligations.

How Long Information Is Kept

Records are retained only for as long as necessary in accordance with professional guidance, insurance requirements, and legal obligations.

Typically, counselling records are retained for:

• Adults: Seven years after the end of therapy

• Children and Young People: Until the client’s 25th birthday (or longer where required)

Records are securely destroyed when they are no longer required.

How Your Information Is Stored

I take appropriate steps to keep your information secure.

This may include:

• Password-protected devices

• Secure email systems

• Locked storage for paper records

• Encrypted digital storage where appropriate

While every effort is made to maintain security, no electronic system can be guaranteed to be completely risk-free.

Website Data and Cookies

When you visit this website, certain information may be collected automatically through cookies and website analytics.

This may include:

• Browser type

• Device information

• Pages visited

• Time spent on the website

• General geographical location

This information is used to improve website performance and user experience and does not normally identify you personally.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request erasure of information where appropriate

• Restrict processing in certain circumstances

• Object to processing where applicable

• Request data portability where relevant

• Withdraw consent where consent is the basis for processing

Some rights may be limited where counselling records are involved or where legal obligations apply.

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact me.

Data Protection Concerns and Complaints

I welcome the opportunity to resolve concerns openly and respectfully wherever possible.

If you have any concerns about how I collect, store, use, or share your personal information, please contact me in the first instance so that I can investigate and resolve your concerns.

Data protection complaints can be submitted by email to fi*********************@***il.com.

I will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 30 days and will investigate and respond without undue delay.

If you remain dissatisfied with my response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP House
15 St John’s Business Park
Lutterworth
Leicestershire LE17 4HB

Website: https://www.bacp.co.uk

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF

Telephone: 0303 123 1113

Website: www.ico.org.uk

Changes to This Privacy Notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal, professional, or organisational requirements.

The most current version will always be available on this website.

Last Updated: June 2026