MyBeing Counselling Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines how MyBeing Counselling (Jasmin Duncan MBACP) collects, stores, and protects your personal information in accordance with ethical and legal requirements, including the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018. Please read the following carefully to understand how your data will be used, stored, and protected. By engaging in counselling sessions with MyBeing Counselling, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

Collection of Data
In order to provide you with counselling services, I collect only the essential information needed for the purpose of our sessions. This typically includes:

• Your name

• Address

• Contact details (phone number, email address)

• Emergency contact information

• GP details
  

These details are necessary for:

• Contacting you regarding session scheduling or cancellations

• Sharing relevant documents related to your sessions

• Ensuring your safety and safeguarding during sessions
  

In addition, I may keep brief, non-specific notes on the content discussed during our sessions. These are stored in a secure, confidential manner to assist in the therapeutic process.

Storage of Data

All personal data and coded client notes are stored securely:

• Paper records My personal handwritten notes are securely stored in a locked filing cabinet and are anonymised, with no identifying details such as names, dates, or any information that could be traced back to you. Once our counselling sessions have ended, these notes will be shredded. However, I will update my electronic records, which will be securely stored for 3 years.

• Electronic records Client notes are assigned a unique code and kept separate from any personal information. All personal data is securely stored on a password- and fingerprint-protected MacBook, ensuring compliance with GDPR guidelines.
  

I am committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your data. I will not share your information with third parties unless:

• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

• I am legally required to release information, such as in the case of a court order, child protection concerns, or disclosures related to money laundering, fraud, terrorism, or human trafficking.
  

Data Retention
Your personal contact details will be stored securely for a period of One year following the end of our counselling sessions. Client notes will be retained for Three years after the conclusion of counselling, in line with my professional insurance requirements. After this period, all information will be destroyed:

• Paper records will be shredded

• Electronic records will be deleted securely
  

Your Rights
As a client, you have the right to:

• Request access to the information I hold about you.

• Request amendments to any incorrect or incomplete data.

• Request the deletion of your data, in accordance with GDPR, where applicable.
  

If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is handled, or if you wish to exercise your rights, please feel free to contact me.

By engaging in counselling with MyBeing Counselling, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.