Flavius Counselling Services Privacy Policy

Your privacy is very important to me. I make sure your personal information is kept safe, secure, and only used for the purpose it was shared. I follow UK data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This notice explains:

  • What information I collect

  • Why I collect it and the legal basis for using it

  • How long I keep it

  • Who it may be shared with

  • Your rights regarding your data

If you have any questions, you can contact me:
📧 sonia@flaviuscounsellingservices.co.uk
📞 07745 933543

I am the Data Controller, which means I am responsible for the information you give me. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Why I Collect Your Information

I need your information to:

  • Provide you with counselling services

  • Keep accurate records for professional, legal, and ethical reasons

  • Contact you about appointments

The law allows me to process your information because:

  • It is necessary to provide counselling to you (for current clients or enquiries)

  • I have a legitimate interest in keeping records safely (for past clients)

  • For sensitive health information, it is necessary for your care and for the counselling contract

What Information I Collect

When you get in touch or attend sessions, I may collect:

  • Your name, date of birth, and contact details

  • GP contact information (if needed for safeguarding)

  • Notes from sessions

  • Relevant background or medical information (if you choose to share it)

  • Email correspondence between us, where relevant to your counselling or appointments

How I Store Your Information

Your information is kept safe and secure:

  • Digitally, on a counselling database that is encrypted and password-protected

  • On Google Drive, in a secure, password-protected file

  • Email correspondence is stored securely if it contains relevant information

  • Accessed only by me

I keep your records, including emails relevant to your counselling, for 7 years after counselling ends, then they are securely destroyed.

Sharing Your Information

I do not share your information unless:

  • I am required by law (e.g., court order)

  • There is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else

  • You give clear permission

In the rare event I am suddenly unable to continue working, a trusted colleague may access your contact information only to let you know and offer closure.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the information I hold about you

  • Request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information

  • Ask for your information to be deleted or withdraw your consent (please note that this may affect our ability to continue counselling sessions)