Who I Am
I am Alison Walker, a counsellor/psychotherapist providing private therapy sessions in person and online. Registered with the ICO (No: ZC098769) and BACP (Member No: 417951). Contact: alison@eastcoastcounselling.co.uk · 07825 395 801
What Information I Collect
- Contact details: name, email, telephone, postal address (if needed)
- Personal details: date of birth, GP/emergency contact
- Therapy records: session dates/times, brief factual notes
- Correspondence relating to appointments
- Payment information: invoices only (no card/bank details stored)
- Technical data for online sessions: collected automatically by Doxy.me
Why I Collect It
Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018: consent (initial enquiry), contract (agreed sessions), legitimate interest (post-therapy records), and provision of health care (mental health data).
How I Store & Retain Your Data
Records stored on an encrypted device and encrypted cloud storage. Emails/texts deleted within 1 month unless needed for ongoing work. Doxy.me used for online sessions (HIPAA-compliant, end-to-end encrypted; sessions not recorded). Session notes retained 7 years after therapy ends; financial records 6 years (HMRC requirement).
Confidentiality & Sharing
Information is only shared if: you request it in writing; I am legally required to; there is serious risk of harm; or my clinical supervisor reviews my work (always done confidentially, without identifying clients).
Your Rights
You have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, transfer, or withdraw consent for your data. Contact: alison@eastcoastcounselling.co.uk. You can also complain to the ICO at www.ico.org.uk · 0303 123 1113.
Updates
This notice will be reviewed regularly. Updates posted at www.eastcoastcounselling.co.uk and provided on request.