Privacy Notice

Privacy notice for counselling and psychotherapy clients

Please be aware that I treat your data responsibly and in accordance with GDPR

• What information is retained:  On our first appointment I collect your personal data, your name address and phone number, the name and phone number of an emergency contact person, and details of any medication that you taking.  After appointments I collect minimum and non-identifiable sensitive information i.e. session notes.
• Why I collect information about you:  I retain your personal data i.e. your phone number in order to contact you, where I might need to postpone our appointment.  Regarding the emergency contact person: this person would literally only be contacted in the case of an genuine emergency, for example where there is a real and immediate concern for your life.  In the unlikely event of my contacting this person, the sensitive content of our work together would not be shared.  As a psychotherapist, I have a ‘legitimate interest’ in obtaining information about you in order to provide you with the best possible service.  This information will not be used for any other purpose.
• How information is kept:  I retain your identifiable information such as your name and address electronically on GDPR compliant software.  Session notes are kept to a minimum and are non-identifiable, these are also kept on GDPR compliant software. 
• Sharing information:  I am professionally obliged to attend supervision where my work is discussed.  No identifiable information is shared with my supervisor.  Other than my supervisor, the content of our work together is not disclosed to anyone.  This is also an ethical requirement of my profession.  The following are exception to this, my legal obligation in the event of the disclosure of serious risk to an individual.  Also, as a mandated person, I am legally obliged to report any disclosure of past child abuse to TUSLA, as well as any current risk of neglect, or abuse to children. 
• How long the information is retained for:  Your information is kept for 10 years for indemnity reasons.  After this time period your personal information and session notes will be destroyed confidentially and securely. 
• Your rights:  You have the right to see your personal data within 30 day of my receiving a written signed request. If the case of couples therapy I need to receive requests from both partners. You also have the right to ask me to correct any factual errors. You have the right to complain to the data controller (which is myself).  If you are not happy with the response, you are entitled to complain to the GDP regulator. 
• Summary:  Your information will only be used for the purposes of our therapy work together. All data will be retained in a safe, secure and confidential manner.  The information will not be retained longer than is required and will not be shared without your written consent unless the is an identified risk to life or unless required to be shared by operation of law.