Therapist: Paul Frew

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T/A Through Counselling
 

Contact Email: paul@throughcounselling.co.uk
 

Phone Number: 07761 067167
 

Website: throughcounselling.co.uk

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1. Introduction

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This Privacy Policy is written for a private therapy practice operating in the United Kingdom and complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and relevant professional standards for counsellors and CBT therapists in the UK.

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Through Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care, confidentiality, and transparency.

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This Privacy Policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected when you contact or work with Through Counselling for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and related therapeutic services.

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2. Information Collected

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The types of personal information collected may include:

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Personal Details

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• Name

• Address

• Date of birth

• Telephone number

• Email address

• Emergency contact details

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Health and Therapy Information

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• GP details

• Medical history relevant to therapy

• Mental health information

• Session notes

• Risk assessments

• Treatment plans

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Financial Information

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• Payment records and invoices

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Website Information

If you use the website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, such as:

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• IP address

• Browser type

• Cookies and analytics data

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3. How Your Information Is Used

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Your information is used to:

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• Provide therapeutic services

• Arrange and manage appointments

• Maintain clinical records

• Communicate regarding sessions and enquiries

• Process payments

• Meet professional, legal, and ethical obligations

• Ensure client safety and wellbeing

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Your personal information will only be used where there is a lawful basis to do so under UK GDPR.

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4. Lawful Basis for Processing

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Through Counselling processes personal information under the following lawful bases:

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• Consent – when you voluntarily provide information

• Contract – to provide therapy services requested by you

• Legitimate Interests – for safe and effective practice management

• Legal Obligation – where disclosure is required by law

• Provision of Health Care – for the delivery of therapeutic support

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5. Confidentiality

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All sessions and records are treated confidentially.

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Information will not normally be shared with third parties without your consent unless:

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• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others

• There are safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults

• Disclosure is required by law or court order

• There are professional requirements related to supervision or insurance

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Where possible, confidentiality limits will be discussed with you beforehand.

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6. Clinical Supervision

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As part of professional and ethical practice, anonymised information may be discussed with a qualified clinical supervisor.

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No identifying information will be shared unless necessary and appropriate consent has been obtained.

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7. Data Storage and Security

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Through Counselling takes appropriate measures to protect your information.

This may include:

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• Password-protected devices

• Secure email systems

• Locked storage for paper records

• Encrypted digital storage where appropriate

• Restricted access to confidential records

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8. How Long Information Is Kept

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Client records are retained in line with professional insurance and regulatory guidance.

Records are typically kept for:

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• Adults: 7 years after therapy ends

• Children and Young People: Until age 25 or 7 years after therapy ends, whichever is longer

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After this period, records will be securely destroyed.

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9. Your Rights

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Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

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• Request access to your personal information

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request deletion of information where applicable

• Restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances

• Withdraw consent where consent is relied upon

• Request transfer of your data where applicable

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

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To exercise any of these rights, please contact Through Counselling using the contact details above.

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10. Sharing Information

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Your information may occasionally be shared with:

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• Clinical supervisors

• Your GP or healthcare professionals (with consent where appropriate)

• Legal or safeguarding authorities where required by law

• Accountants or payment providers for financial administration

Only the minimum necessary information will be shared.

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11. Online Sessions

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If therapy sessions are conducted online, secure platforms will be used where possible.

While reasonable precautions are taken, no online communication platform can be guaranteed completely secure.

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Clients are encouraged to attend sessions in a private and secure environment.

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12. Cookies and Website Use

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If the Through Counselling website uses cookies, they may be used to:

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• Improve website performance

• Analyse visitor activity

• Enhance user experience

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You can manage cookies through your browser settings.

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13. Complaints

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If you are unhappy with how your information has been handled, you may contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

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Information Commissioner’s Office
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113

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14. Updates to This Policy

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This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time.

The latest version will always be available upon request or published on the website where applicable.​