Privacy policy

At Open to words, your privacy is extremely important. This policy outlines how I collect, store and protect your personal information in line with ethical guidelines and data protection laws. 

What information is collected 

I may collect the following information: 

• Personal information (Name, date of birth, contact information)
• Emergency contact information
• Medical history relevant to your counselling work 
• Session notes 
• Communication records (emails, messages)
• Payment information (where applicable

How your information is used 

Your information is used too: 

• Provide safe and effective counselling services 
• Communicate with you about appointments and services 
• Maintain accurate and confidential records 
• Fulfill legal, ethical and contractual obligations 

Confidentiality 

All information shared in counselling sessions is treated as strictly confidential. There are, however, some exceptions where confidentiality may be broken: 

• If there is a risk of serious harm to you or others 
• If there is a lefal requirement (eg., a court order)
• If there is a disclosure of serious criminal activity, such as safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults 

Storage of your information 

How your personal information is securely stored: 

• Electronic records are password-protected and encrypted 
• Paper notes (if used) are stored securely in locked cabinets 
• Only the counsellor has access to your information 

Records are kept for 5 years after the end of therapy, after which they are securely destroyed in line with legal and professional requirements. 

Your rights 

You have the right to: 

• Access the personal information we hold about you 
• Request correction of any inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your records (subject to legal limitations) 
• Withdraw consent for use of your information (where applicable) 

Requests can be made it writing to the email below. 

Changes to this policy 

This policy may be updated from time to time. Any significant changes will be communicated to you. 

Contact 

If you have any questions about how your data is handled, please contact me on below details. 

Telephone - 07495410585 

Email - opentowordscounselling@outlook.com