top of page

Privacy Policy

Your privacy is extremely important to me. This notice explains how I collect, use, and store your personal information, in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

​

Who I am

I’m Kate Bethell, a qualified integrative counsellor and hypnotherapist breathwork practitioner, advanced EFT practitioner, mindfulness coach and qualified eating disorders specialist offering private therapy sessions.

 

For the purposes of data protection law, I am the Data Controller responsible for deciding how your personal information is collected, stored and used.

​

I am committed to keeping your information safe, confidential and only using it in ways that are lawful, ethical and transparent.

​

​

​What information I collect

To provide effective therapy, I may collect the following personal information:

  • Your name, address, phone number and email

  • Date of birth

  • GP details (only if needed for safeguarding purposes)

  • Emergency contact details

  • Notes from our sessions

  • Information about your health, history, or anything you choose to share with me that helps with your therapy

​

This information is either collected directly from you (via forms or conversations) or with your consent.

​

Why I collect your information

I collect and use your data so I can:

  • • Provide safe, effective and appropriate therapy
    • Maintain accurate client records
    • Manage appointments and communicate with you regarding your therapy
    • Meet legal, professional and ethical obligations
    • Manage safeguarding concerns where necessary
    • Obtain professional supervision in accordance with professional ethical requirements

​

I will only use your information for these purposes and will never sell your personal information or use it for unrelated marketing activities.

​

Lawful Basis for Processing Your Information

Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases for processing your information:

• Contract – to provide the therapy services you have requested
• Legal obligation – where I am required to comply with legal or regulatory requirements
• Vital interests – where processing is necessary to protect your life or the life of another person
• Provision of health and therapeutic services – where special category information is processed as part of providing counselling and therapeutic support

​

How your information is stored

Your information is stored securely:

  • Paper notes are kept in a locked cabinet

  • Electronic data (e.g. emails or appointment details) is stored on a password-protected device

  • Any personal data is kept separately from session notes wherever possible

​

I take reasonable and appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration or destruction.

​

Confidentiality and when I may need to share your data

Everything you share with me is treated confidentially. However, there are limited circumstances where I may need to share information:

• If I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person
• If required by law, court order or other legal obligation
• During professional supervision, where identifying information is minimised wherever possible
• Where you have given your explicit consent for information to be shared

Where appropriate and safe to do so, I will always aim to discuss this with you first.

​

How long I keep your data

In accordance with guidance from professional bodies and insurers:

• Client records are retained securely for seven years following the end of therapy
• After this period records will be securely and confidentially destroyed

 

Your Rights

Under data protection law, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request erasure of information where appropriate
• Restrict or object to certain types of processing
• Withdraw consent where consent is the lawful basis relied upon
• Request information about how your data is being used

• Make a complaint about how your personal information is collected, stored, processed or shared

​

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me directly.

​

Use of Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As part of running my practice, I may use secure technology and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with administrative tasks, resource creation, website content, professional reflection, training and business development.

 

No personally identifiable client information is entered into AI systems. Any information used for professional reflection, training or resource development is fully anonymised and stripped of identifying details.

 

AI tools do not provide therapy, assess risk, make clinical decisions or replace my professional judgement. All clinical decisions and professional responsibilities remain solely my responsibility as your therapist.

 

Data Protection Complaints Procedure

If you have concerns about how your personal data has been collected, stored, processed or shared, you have the right to make a complaint directly to me.

​

Complaints should be submitted in writing by email to:

katebethelltherapy@outlook.com

Upon receiving your complaint, I will:

• Acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 30 days
• Investigate the concerns raised
• Keep you informed of progress where appropriate
• Provide a written outcome without undue delay

 

I aim to resolve concerns fairly, transparently and as quickly as possible.

 

If you remain dissatisfied following completion of this process, you have the right to raise your concerns with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

 

Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

Kate Bethell

Email: katebethelltherapy@outlook.com

Telephone: 07732 302041

​

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
www.ico.org.uk​

bottom of page