Privacy Policy

WHO WE ARE

 

Practice name: Dave Clayton Counselling

Name: Dave Clayton

Location: Herne Bay, Kent

Email: hello@daveclaytoncounselling.co.uk

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THE INFORMATION WE COLLECT

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We only collect the information needed to provide counselling safely and effectively:

• Your contact details (name, email, phone, address and emergency contact)

• Background or referral information you choose to share

• Session notes and counselling records, which may include information about your mental and emotional health

• Basic website usage information and essential cookies

 

WHERE YOUR INFORMATION COMES FROM

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• Information you give directly (email, phone, web forms, or in sessions)

• Information from referrers or health professionals, only with your permission

 

WHY WE USE YOUR INFORMATION AND OUR LEGAL BASES

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1. To provide counselling services

Includes assessment, scheduling, delivering sessions, and keeping professional records.

Legal bases: providing a service you have requested; our legitimate interest in running a safe practice; and, for sensitive health information, the basis is the provision of health/care services.

 

2. To manage our relationship and obligations

Includes communication, invoicing, anonymised or minimal supervision, and meeting legal requirements.

 

3. To keep the website secure and functioning

We use essential cookies only.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY AND SAFEGUARDING

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Counselling is confidential except in situations involving serious risk of harm, safeguarding concerns, or legal requirements.

 

WHO WE SHARE INFORMATION WITH

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• Clinical supervisors (minimised or anonymised information)

• GP or emergency contact (with consent or if required for safety)

• Legal or regulatory bodies when required

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We do not sell your data. We do not use any external tools or platforms to process your data.

 

INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS

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We do not transfer your data outside the UK. If this changes, we will add safeguards and update this policy.

 

DATA RETENTION

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Counselling records are kept for 5 years, then securely deleted or anonymised.

 

YOUR RIGHTS

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You have the right to be informed, access your data, request corrections, request deletion in certain cases, restrict processing, object to certain processing, and request data portability. To exercise these rights, email: hello@daveclaytoncounselling.co.uk

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We normally respond within one month.

 

COOKIES

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This website uses essential cookies only. If this changes, you will be informed and given choices via a cookie banner.

 

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

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Confidentiality for young clients follows UK guidance. Parents do not automatically have access to notes without the young person’s consent, except where legally required.

 

SECURITY

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We use appropriate measures to protect your information, including secure storage and controlled access.

 

COMPLAINTS

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If you have concerns, contact: hello@daveclaytoncounselling.co.uk

You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): ico.org.uk / 0303 123 1113

 

CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

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We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will appear on this page.