Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Matters
At Tash Thomas-Still Counselling, we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we handle your personal information with care and transparency.
1. Introduction
Tash Thomas-Still Counselling ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our counselling services or visit our website at tashcounselling.co.uk.
We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
2. Data Controller
Contact Information
Name: Tash Thomas-Still
Email: tashts.counselling@outlook.com
Phone: 07961600460
Address: Exeter, Devon
3. Information We Collect
3.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
- Counselling Information: Health information, personal history, therapy notes (stored securely and confidentially)
- Financial Information: Payment details for session fees
- Communication Data: Records of our correspondence
- Consultation Forms: Information provided in initial consultation forms
3.2 Information Collected Automatically
| Type of Data | Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| IP Address | Security & Analytics | Legitimate Interest |
| Browser Type | Website Optimization | Legitimate Interest |
| Usage Data | Improve Services | Legitimate Interest |
| Cookies | User Experience | Consent |
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
- Consent: For counselling services and marketing communications
- Contract: To provide counselling services you've requested
- Legal Obligation: To comply with safeguarding requirements and professional standards
- Vital Interests: In emergency situations where there's risk of harm
- Legitimate Interests: For business administration and website improvement
5. How We Use Your Information
5.1 Counselling Services
- Providing therapeutic support and treatment
- Maintaining confidential therapy records
- Scheduling and managing appointments
- Processing payments
- Fulfilling our duty of care
5.2 Communication
- Responding to enquiries
- Sending appointment reminders
- Providing service updates
- Sending newsletters (with consent)
5.3 Legal and Professional Requirements
- Complying with BACP ethical framework
- Safeguarding obligations
- Professional supervision (anonymised)
- Insurance and legal compliance
6. Confidentiality in Counselling
As a BACP registered counsellor, I maintain strict confidentiality. Information shared in counselling sessions is kept private with the following exceptions:
- Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
- Legal requirement to disclose (court order)
- Safeguarding concerns regarding children or vulnerable adults
- Terrorism or money laundering concerns
- Professional supervision (discussed anonymously)
These exceptions will be fully explained during our initial consultation.
7. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your data with:
7.1 Service Providers
| Provider | Service | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Email & Video Calls | Contact details, communications |
| Zoom | Video Sessions | Name, video/audio |
| Bank | Payment Processing | Transaction details |
| Website Host | Website Services | Usage data |
7.2 Professional Requirements
- Professional Supervisor: Anonymised case discussion for professional development
- Healthcare Professionals: Only with your explicit written consent
- Legal Authorities: When legally required
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data:
- Encrypted storage for digital records
- Locked filing cabinet for paper records
- Password-protected devices
- Secure video conferencing platforms
- Regular security updates
- Limited access to personal data
- Regular data protection training
9. Data Retention
| Type of Data | Retention Period | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Counselling Records | 7 years after last contact | BACP requirement |
| Financial Records | 7 years | HMRC requirement |
| Marketing Data | Until you unsubscribe | Consent-based |
| Website Analytics | 26 months | Performance analysis |
After these periods, data is securely destroyed.
10. Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the following rights:
Your Data Rights
- Access: Request copies of your personal data
- Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
- Restriction: Request limited processing
- Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Object: Object to certain processing
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at tashts.counselling@outlook.com
11. Children's Privacy
We provide services to young people aged 14+. For clients under 16, we may require parental awareness (though not necessarily consent) depending on the young person's capacity and circumstances.
12. International Transfers
Some of our service providers (such as Microsoft and Zoom) may process data outside the UK. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through:
- Standard contractual clauses
- Adequacy decisions
- Appropriate security measures
13. Cookies and Analytics
Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. We use:
- Essential cookies for website functionality
- Analytics cookies to understand usage (with consent)
- Marketing cookies for advertising effectiveness (with consent)
See our Cookie Policy for full details.
14. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.
15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Significant changes will be notified via email or website notice.
16. Complaints
If you're unhappy with how we handle your data, you can:
- Contact us directly at tashts.counselling@outlook.com
- Follow our Complaints Procedure
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Information Commissioner's Office
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
17. Contact Us
For any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:
Tash Thomas-Still Counselling
Email: tashts.counselling@outlook.com
Phone: 07961600460
Location: Exeter, Devon
Professional Body: BACP Registered Member