Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [21/05/2025]

At Online Talk Therapies, I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with sensitivity, integrity, and transparency. This privacy policy outlines how your information is collected, used, stored, and protected in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who I Am

I am a registered counsellor offering confidential therapy services. If you have any questions about this policy or how your information is handled, you can contact me at:

Name: Janine Kennedy
Email: janine@onlinetalktherapies.com
Phone:

2. What Personal Data I Collect

I may collect and process the following personal data:

  • Full name, contact details (email, phone number)
  • Emergency contact information
  • GP details (if required for safety purposes)
  • Brief notes of our sessions (stored securely)
  • Any information you voluntarily share during sessions

3. Why I Collect This Information

Your information is collected to:

  • Provide counselling services
  • Respond to enquiries
  • Maintain accurate and ethical records of our sessions
  • Meet legal and professional obligations
  • Safeguard you or others in cases of serious risk

4. How Your Data Is Stored

All notes and personal information are:

  • Stored securely in password-protected or encrypted systems
  • Not shared with third parties unless legally required or with your explicit consent
  • Retained for up to 7 years in accordance with professional insurance and regulatory requirements, then securely deleted

5. Confidentiality and Exceptions

Counselling is confidential, but there are exceptions where I may need to break confidentiality:

  • If I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm
  • If required by law or a court order
  • If you disclose information relating to acts of terrorism, money laundering, or child/vulnerable adult abuse

Where possible, I will always aim to discuss this with you first.

6. Your Rights

Under data protection laws, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data I hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request erasure of your data (where applicable)
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

7. Cookies and Website Use

This website may use cookies to improve your experience. You can disable cookies in your browser settings. No personal data is collected through this site unless you submit an enquiry form.

8. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be reviewed and updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this website.