Privacy Policy & Data Protection

Your privacy is a priority. This policy explains how I collect, store, and use your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK-GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who I Am

I am Ann Moorhouse, a Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I am the ‘Data Controller’ for your personal information. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under registration number: ZC109945.

2. Information I Collect

I collect the following information to provide you with safe and professional therapy:

  • Contact Details: Name, email, phone number, and address.

  • Sensitive Information: Brief session notes, and occasionally relevant medical history or GP contact details.

  • Website Data: If you use my contact form, I collect the details you provide to respond to your inquiry.

3. How I Store Your Data

I am committed to a paperless, secure practice:

  • Digital Records: All session notes and contact details are kept in password-protected, encrypted files.

  • Mobile Security: If I have your phone number stored for contact, it is kept on a passcode-protected device.

  • Retention: I usually keep your records for 7 years after our work ends (as required by my professional insurance), after which they are securely destroyed.

4. Why I Keep This Data

I process your data primarily to fulfill our contract for therapy. It helps me provide a consistent service and ensures I can contact you about appointments. In legal terms, I also process "special category data" (health information) under the basis of providing health or social care.

5. Sharing Your Information

I do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing. I only share information in the following specific cases:

  • Professional Supervision: As required by the BACP/NCPS, I discuss my work with a supervisor. Your identity is always kept anonymous.

  • Legal/Safety Exceptions: As outlined in our contract (e.g., if there is a risk of serious harm or a legal requirement).

  • Professional Will: In the event of my unexpected incapacity, my appointed supervisor would access your contact details to inform you.

6. Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

  • See a copy of the information I hold about you.

  • Ask me to correct any mistakes in your data.

  • Withdraw your consent for me to hold your data (though I may need to retain some information for legal/insurance reasons).

7. Contact Me

If you have any questions about how your data is handled, please email me at ann@annmoorhouse.com. If you have concerns, you also have the right to complain to the ICO (www.ico.org.uk).