Privacy policy.

I take confidentiality and privacy of your data seriously and abide by the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 in collecting, using and storing your personal information.

My Details.

I am Lottie Reid, a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor operating within the ethical framework of the BACP. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) https://ico.org.uk/. This registration is renewed annually.

Data I collect.

When you first contact me, I may collect the following information via email, phone or in session:

  • Name, home address, email address & phone number

  • GP contact details & emergency contact

  • Prior psychiatric or mental health history, current medication, existing medical conditions (where relevant)

  • Session notes (anonymised)

  • Payment details

How I use your data.

I collect this data to:

  • Support me to offer safe and effecting counselling

  • Communicate with you regarding appointments

  • Maintain accurate clinical records

  • Meet my legal, ethical and professional responsibilities

Legal basis for data collection.

The legal grounds for collecting this data are:

  • Contract – to provide counselling services as agreed

  • Legitimate Interest – to run a safe and professional service

  • Consent – for any optional uses, such as contacting your GP

  • Legal Obligation – to meet legal or regulatory requirements

How your data is stored.

  • Written notes and documents are stored securely in a locked cabinet

  • Digital notes and records are stored on a password-protected device used only by me. The only exception to this is if I am incapacitated (through serious illness or death), in which case a trusted nominated professional will access your contact details to inform you

  • Your data will be kept for up to 7 years (or in line with insurance and legal requirements) after therapy ends, and then securely destroyed

Your rights.

  • You have the right to see, rectify, restrict and delete data I hold about you in certain circumstances. If you make such a request I will respond within one month. If possible we will talk this through in a therapy session.

  • You may also lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Who has access to your data - confidentiality and its limits.

  • From time to time, I will discuss my work with a clinical supervisor. This is standard practice in order to improve the quality of our work. My supervisor is bound by the UKCP code of ethics and by the same confidentiality as myself.

  • If I believe that you are at risk of harming yourself or others, I reserve the right to break confidentiality in order to prevent harm.

  • I am legally required to report any safeguarding issues in relation to children or vulnerable adults. I would always try to discuss it with you first before taking any action.

  • I may be required by a court of law to give evidence (e.g. in criminal proceedings). In this unusual circumstance, I would seek guidance to ensure I handle this carefully and respectfully, only sharing what is absolutely necessary.

Please contact me if you have any questions - I am happy to discuss any of the above in more detail.