Please take a moment to read through the following information regarding my privacy policy.

Privacy Policy

Your Privacy Matters

As a practising counsellor, I take your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information very seriously. This policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect your data in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Who I Am

I am Adrianna Pearce, a qualified counsellor registered with BACP, working in accordance with professional ethical guidelines. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) https://ico.org.uk/, and this registration is renewed annually.

What Information I Collect

When you contact me or begin therapy, I may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Name, address, phone number, and email address

  • Emergency contact details

  • GP contact information (with your consent)

  • Relevant medical or mental health history

  • Session notes

  • Payment information (where applicable)

Why I Collect This Information

Your data is collected to:

  • Provide safe and effective counselling

  • Communicate with you about appointments and services

  • Maintain accurate clinical records

  • Fulfil legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities

Lawful Basis for Processing

Under GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases to collect and process your data:

  • Contract – to provide counselling services as agreed

  • Legitimate Interest – to run a safe and professional service

  • Consent – for any optional uses, such as contacting your GP

  • Legal Obligation – to meet legal or regulatory requirements

How Your Data Is Stored

  • Written notes and documents are securely stored in a locked cabinet

  • Digital records are password-protected and stored on encrypted devices

  • Emails and messages are handled using secure platforms

  • Your data will be kept for up to 7 years (or in line with insurance/legal requirements) after therapy ends, and then securely destroyed

Who Has Access to Your Data?

Confidentiality and Its Limits

  • To ensure I’m providing you with the best possible care, I may occasionally discuss our work with my clinical supervisor. These discussions are confidential, and I always take care to protect your identity by leaving out identifying details.

  • Your safety and well-being are important to me. If I ever have serious concerns that you might harm yourself or someone else, I may need to share some information with appropriate people/agencies to help keep you and others safe. I would always try to talk this through with you first.

  • Sometimes, a court may legally require me to share information. In such rare cases, I would seek guidance and support to make sure I handle this carefully and respectfully, only sharing what is absolutely necessary.

Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data I hold about you

  • Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request deletion of your data (in certain circumstances)

  • Restrict or object to how your data is used

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is handled, you’re welcome to contact me at:

adrianna.pearce1@gmail.com

You can also contact the ICO directly: https://ico.org.uk/