The Healing Space Privacy Policy

Protecting Your Privacy
This Privacy Policy explains how The Healing Space Therapy ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit our website, www.thehealingspacetherapy.co.uk, or engage in our counselling services.

Information We Collect
We take your privacy seriously and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act. We are registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

Website Usage Data:
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device, such as your IP address, operating system type, browser type, referring website, pages you viewed, and dates/times of access. We may also log actions you take on the website, such as links clicked.

Personal Information Collected: 

• Voluntary Website Submissions: We collect your name, contact number (phone or email), and any information provided in your enquiry.
• Counselling Services: We collect your name, contact number (phone or email), date of birth, address, preferred contact method, medical/psychiatric history (if applicable), GP details (if needed), and session notes.

Why We Collect Information
We use your information to: 

• Respond to enquiries and improve your client experience.
• Personalize our website and services based on feedback.
• Manage advertising and promotional effectiveness.
• Adapt services and make referrals (with your consent or in emergencies).
• Maintain brief anonymous session notes as required by our professional bodies (BACP and NCPS).

Information Security
We protect your information with appropriate safeguards set out by BACP and NCPS. These include physical, administrative, and electronic security measures. 

• Information is stored on a locked device and computer.
• Contact information is stored on password-protected devices and deleted after a set period (phone number) or potentially retained (email) for contacting you.

Sharing Your Information
We will not share your personal information except for the purposes it was collected for, with your consent, or as required by law. 

Confidentiality is Paramount: 

• We may break confidentiality only if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
• We will only retain your information for as long as necessary and in accordance with BACP and NCPS guidelines.
• We do not trade information with third parties under any circumstances.
• Everything discussed in therapy is confidential.
• During clinical supervision with a specialist counsellor, clients may be discussed using initials or first names only, to ensure the best possible care. This is a BACP and NCPS requirement.

Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will revise the date at the bottom of this section. Please review this document periodically to stay informed.

Your Acceptance
By using our website, completing forms, leaving voice messages, or attending counselling sessions, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at gemma@thehealingspacetherapy.co.uk.