07585119298 [email protected]

Privacy Policy for Therapy Services

Your privacy and confidentiality are fundamental to our therapeutic relationship. This policy explains how I collect, use, protect, and share your personal information in accordance with UK data protection laws, ICO guidelines, and the BACP Ethical Framework.

1. Who Am I?

I am Michael Lipo, a freelance therapist practicing in Wokingham, providing individual therapy, relationship therapy, and clinical supervision. I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their Ethical Framework.

Data Controller Details:

Michael Lipo

49 Denmark Street

Wokingham, RG40 2AY

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +447585119298

2. What Information Do I Collect?

Personal Information:

  • Contact details (name, address, phone number, email)
  • Date of birth and age
  • Emergency contact information
  • GP details
  • Relevant medical or mental health history
  • Session notes and therapeutic records
  • Payment information
  • Correspondence between us

Sensitive Personal Data:

As a therapist, I necessarily process sensitive personal data relating to your mental health, relationships, and personal circumstances. This is essential for providing effective therapeutic support.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

I process your personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Consent: You have given explicit consent for processing sensitive personal data for therapeutic purposes
  • Legitimate Interests: For administrative purposes, safeguarding, and professional development
  • Legal Obligation: Where required by law or professional regulatory requirements
  • Vital Interests: In exceptional circumstances where there may be risk of serious harm

4. How Do I Use Your Information?

  • Providing therapeutic services and maintaining therapeutic records
  • Scheduling appointments and managing our therapeutic relationship
  • Processing payments and maintaining financial records
  • Communicating with you about your therapy
  • Meeting professional and legal obligations
  • Clinical supervision (anonymised where possible)
  • Safeguarding where there are concerns about risk of harm

5. Confidentiality and Sharing Information

Your confidentiality is paramount. I will not share your personal information without your explicit consent, except in the following circumstances:

Exceptions to Confidentiality:

  • Risk of serious harm: If there is immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others
  • Child protection: If there are concerns about the safety of a child under 18
  • Vulnerable adult protection: If there are concerns about abuse of a vulnerable adult
  • Court order: If legally compelled by a court
  • Terrorism or serious crime: As required by law

Clinical Supervision:

I receive regular clinical supervision as required by BACP. Your case may be discussed in supervision for professional development and to ensure quality of care. Information is anonymised wherever possible, and supervisors are bound by the same confidentiality requirements.

6. How Do I Protect Your Information?

  • Secure, encrypted storage of all digital records
  • Password-protected devices and systems
  • Locked filing cabinets for physical records
  • Secure disposal of confidential waste
  • Regular data protection training and updates
  • Compliance with ICO guidance and BACP requirements

7. How Long Do I Keep Your Information?

In accordance with BACP guidelines and insurance requirements:

  • Adult therapy records: Retained for 7 years after therapy ends
  • Records involving minors: Retained until the individual reaches age 25, or 7 years after therapy ends (whichever is longer)
  • Financial records: Retained for 6 years for tax purposes
  • Safeguarding records: May be retained longer if required by relevant authorities

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right of Access: Request copies of your personal data
  • Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to professional obligations)
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how your data is used
  • Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
  • Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing (may affect therapy provision)

Please note: Some rights may be limited due to professional obligations to maintain therapeutic records and safeguarding requirements.

9. Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal data is being processed, please contact me first. If you remain unsatisfied, you can make a complaint to:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Phone: 0303 123 1113

Website

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Phone: 01455 883300

Website

10. Changes to This Policy

I may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, best practice, or my services. Any significant changes will be communicated to you, and the updated policy will be available on my website.

11. Contact Me

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how your personal data is processed, please don’t hesitate to contact me using the details provided at the top of this document.

This privacy policy is designed to be transparent about data processing while maintaining the trust and confidentiality essential to therapeutic relationships.