Privacy Policy

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Here at Local Counselling your privacy is important to us. As a professional counsellor and psychotherapist accredited with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I am committed to protecting the personal information you share with me through this website and during counselling sessions. This Privacy Policy explains what information is collected, how it is used, and how it is protected.

1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following information when you use our website or contact us:

• Name, email address, phone number, and other contact details
   
• Information you provide in contact forms, messages, or session bookings
   
• Technical information, such as IP addresses or browser type, collected automatically through website usage
   

2. How We Use Your Information
Your information may be used for:

• Responding to enquiries and booking counselling sessions
   
• Providing information about our services, updates, or resources
   
• Administrative purposes, record-keeping, and compliance with professional standards
   
• Improving our website and services
   

3. Sharing Your Information
We will never sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Personal information may only be shared:

• When required by law
   
• With professional services directly involved in your care, with your consent
   
• For administrative purposes, in compliance with data protection laws
   

4. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

5. Data Retention
Personal information will be retained in accordance with NCPS guidelines and legal requirements. Counselling records are stored securely and confidentially, typically for a minimum of seven years after the end of therapy.

6. Your Rights
Under UK data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
   
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
   
• Request that your personal information is deleted, where legally permissible
   
• Withdraw consent to use your information at any time
   

7. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website may use cookies to enhance your experience. These are small files stored on your device. You can choose to disable cookies in your browser settings.

8. Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact: Your Name, Email Address & Phone Number.

9. Updates to this Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page with the date of revision.