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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.

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Who I am

I’m Kate Bethell, a qualified integrative counsellor and hypnotherapist offering private therapy sessions. I’m committed to keeping your information safe, confidential, and only used in ways that are lawful, ethical, and transparent.

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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

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

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Why I collect your information

I collect and use your data so I can:

  • Provide safe and appropriate therapy

  • Keep accurate records of our sessions

  • Contact you about appointments or changes

  • Fulfil legal, ethical and professional obligations (e.g. for supervision or safeguarding)

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I only use your information for these purposes and never for marketing or sales.

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Lawful basis for using your information

Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Contract: To deliver a therapy service you have requested

  • Consent: Where applicable, for example when you agree to me holding sensitive information

  • Legal obligation: To comply with laws or regulations, such as safeguarding

  • Vital interests: If I need to act to protect your life or safety​

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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

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I take appropriate measures to protect all personal data from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

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Confidentiality and when I may need to share your data

Everything you share with me is confidential. However, there are a few rare exceptions where I may need to share information:

  • If I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or others

  • If I am required to do so by law or a court

  • In supervision (required for ethical practice), though your identity will not be revealed

  • If you give me clear consent to share information

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I will always try to speak to you first if there is a need to break confidentiality, unless it is unsafe or not possible.

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How long I keep your data

In line with guidance from my professional bodies and insurers:

  • Client records are kept securely for 7 years after our last session

  • After this time, they are confidentially destroyed

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Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information

  • Ask me to correct or delete it

  • Withdraw your consent at any time

  • Object to or restrict how I use it

  • Make a complaint if you're unhappy with how I handle your data

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

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Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how your information is handled, please contact me:

Kate Bethell

Email: katebethelltherapy@outlookcom

Phone: 07732 302 041

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If you’re not happy with how I handle your data, you can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
www.ico.org.uk​

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