Your Privacy Matters

Transparent information about how I protect and respect your personal data

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy explains how I, Laura Portsmouth, collect, use, store and protect personal information provided by people who:

  • visits my website, lauraportsmouthcounselling.co.uk;
  • contacts me about counselling services; or
  • provides personal information as part of the counselling process.

I am committed to protecting your privacy. Any personal information I collect will be used only for legitimate counselling and business purposes and in accordance with data protection law.

Information may be discussed confidentially with my professional supervisor. Wherever possible, identifying details will not be disclosed. Information may also be shared where there is a safeguarding concern, a legal obligation, or another lawful and necessary reason, as explained in this policy.

What Does this Policy Cover?

Your Rights

You have the following rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR):

  • The right to be informed about how I use your personal data.
  • The right to access the personal data I hold about you.
  • The right to ask me to correct personal data that is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • The right to ask me to delete your personal data in certain circumstances.

What Data do I Collect?

For my counselling records, I may collect the following personal information:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Mobile number
  • Relevant medical history
  • Doctor’s name and contact details
  • Relationship status

These records are stored securely in locked files and are accessible only to me, except where disclosure is required by law, for safeguarding purposes, or as otherwise explained in this privacy policy.

Email Addresses

These are kept solely for arranging and confirming session dates/times where this is the client's preferred method of contact. They are retained only for as long as necessary for the delivery of counselling services and to meet my professional and legal obligations.

How Do I Use Your Data?

The personal data I collect from you during our first meeting will be processed and stored securely. I will comply with my obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 and other applicable data protection legislation.

How Can You Access Your Data?

You have the right to ask for a copy of any of your personal data held by me. Under the GDPR I will provide any information in response to your request free of charge.

How to Make a Data Protection Complaint

If you have any concerns about how I collect, use, store or share your personal information, please contact me in the first instance:

Laura Portsmouth
Email: laurprtsmth@gmail.com 
Tel: (07800) 512918

I will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 30 days. I will investigate your concerns, keep you informed where appropriate and tell you the outcome without undue delay.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Further information is available at https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/