Service Description:
Self funded Counselling is available to couples and individuals. As a result of self funding you have greater control over your data we collect.
We collect your information to:
- process and set up your counselling sessions
- ensure safe and effective clinical practice
What type(s) of information do we use?
- contact details
- family and relationship details
- demographic information
- clinical notes
- outcome information
- session attendances
- risk information
What is the legal basis for using your information?
The legal basis for providing this service is a contract legal basis. Should we carry out a referral on your behalf or share information we would request your consent. The contractual basis means:
- We must collect information to deliver the services you have requested safely
Where do we get your information?
- yourself
Who do we share your information with?
To ensure safe and consistent clinical practice among the counsellors who deliver the counselling service, anonymised information is shared in supervision with a supervisor within TLC. This supervisor is a qualified counsellor and works within the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical guidelines. These are available upon request.
We also provide counsellors with training and specific guidance on what can or cannot be discussed in these sessions. Specifically:
- The Counsellor will never tell your whole story and will use only information that is relevant to get the support they need to help you
- All your identifying details are not discussed (such as name, geographical location, number of children, jobs, ages etc)
No recording (audio or video) should take place without your consent and clear understanding of what the recording will be used for, how long it will be stored and by whom. You will be provided with a consent form if a recording is necessary, and you have a right not to consent without this effecting the counselling provided.
If you are attending counselling as a couple, TLC will share booking information with both parties. For example if an appointment is cancelled by one person, TLC will confirm this with both. This is to ensure both parties are aware of bookings and cancellations.
Sharing in exceptional circumstances
We may share your personal data if there is a risk to you or another person, including a child at risk of harm as we have a legal duty to do so. Any decision to share your personal information would be made carefully, and where possible with your consent. Before you pass on information to us, you must think about what you tell us, and understand that we may have to pass it on, in the following circumstances:
- If what you have told us puts you or someone at risk – for example you may harm someone or yourself, or they may harm you.
- If what you have told us is illegal – we may be required by law or have a duty to pass on information about criminal activity.
- If it involves any risk of significant harm to a child, then we will pass on information necessary to protect the child.
How long will we keep your information?
- 7 years
Transferring your information outside of the European Union (EU)
We will not transfer your information outside of the EU.
Automated decisions using your information?
For this service all the decisions we make about you involve human intervention.
Your rights
In our your rights page you can find information about how to:
- exercise your rights
- contact our Data Protection Officer
- raise a concern with us
- make a complaint to the Information Commissioner
You can find out what information we hold about you, and ask us not to use any of the information we collect.
Further information
If you would like further information about this privacy notice, please email [email protected]
Updates (notice)
Our core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in our primary privacy notice.
We may update or revise this privacy notice at any time. If you are reading this as a printed copy please refer to www.talklistenchange.org.uk for the most up to date version.
