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1. Privacy Policy

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At Kind Counselling, I am committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how I collect, use, and store your personal data when you use my services or visit my website.

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What Information I Collect

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To provide safe and effective counselling, I need to collect certain information from you. This includes:

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• Personal Identification: Your name, date of birth, and gender identity.

• Contact Information: Your email address, phone number, and home address.

• Emergency Contact: The name and contact details of a trusted person (or your GP) in case of an emergency.

• Clinical Notes: Brief, anonymised notes taken after our sessions to track your therapeutic progress.

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How I Use Your Information

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Your information is used solely to:

• Deliver professional, personalised counselling services.

• Manage our session appointments and scheduling.

• Ensure your safety and full fill my ethical duties as a practitioner.

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Data Security & Storage

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I take data security incredibly seriously.

• Digital Data: Any electronic records or contact information are stored on password-protected, encrypted devices.

• Paper Records: Any physical notes are kept in a securely locked filing cabinet.

• Anonymisation: Clinical notes are kept separate from your contact details and are coded so you cannot be identified by them.

• Retention: I retain your records for 7 years following the end of our therapy, after which they are securely destroyed. This is standard practice to comply with professional insurance requirements.

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Confidentiality & Exceptions

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Everything we discuss in our sessions is strictly confidential. I will not share your information with third parties unless:

1. I believe there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

2. I am legally compelled to do so by a court of law.

Wherever possible, I will always try to discuss breaking confidentiality with you first.

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Your Rights

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Under UK data protection law, you have the right to request a copy of the information I hold about you, ask me to correct any inaccuracies, or object to how your data is being processed.

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2. Complaints Procedure

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At Kind Counselling, I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and ethical space for all my clients. However, if something hasn't felt right, or if you feel dissatisfied with the service you have received, I encourage you to share this so it can be addressed.

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Step 1: Informal Resolution

If you feel comfortable doing so, I invite you to raise any concerns directly with me during a session or via email. Often, misunderstandings can be resolved quickly through an open, honest conversation where we can look at what went wrong and how to fix it.

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Step 2: Formal Complaint

If we cannot reach an informal resolution, or if you feel the issue is too serious for an informal chat, you can make a formal complaint.

• How to submit: Please put your complaint in writing and email it to kind.counselling@hotmail.com.

• Acknowledge: I will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 3 working days.

• Investigation: I will thoroughly review your concerns and provide a full, written response within 14 working days, outlining any steps being taken to remedy the situation.

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​Step 3: Independent Escalation

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Professional Body Details: I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their Ethical Framework. If you feel your complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved through my internal process, you can contact the BACP Professional Conduct team directly at professional_conduct@bacp.co.uk or visit their website to access their formal complaints procedure.