Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

Introduction

This privacy policy explains how personal information is collected, used, and protected when you visit this website or contact Hayley Louise Therapy Services regarding counselling services.

Hayley Louise Therapy Services is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. Personal data is processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Data Controller

Hayley is the data controller, and if you have any questions about this privacy policy or how your data is handled, please get in touch with me using the email address Hayley@hayleylouisetherapyservices.co.uk

Personal Information Collected

Information You Provide

Personal information may be collected when you contact Hayley Louise Therapy Services through the website contact form or by email. This may include:

  • Your name
  • Email address
  • Phone number (if provided)
  • Information included in your enquiry
  • Information shared during counselling sessions if you become a client

Website Usage Information

When you visit this website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited on the website
  • Date and time of visits

This information is used to help improve the website and understand how it is used.

How Your Information Is Used

Your information may be used for the following purposes:

  • Responding to enquiries submitted through the website or email
  • Arranging counselling appointments
  • Providing counselling services
  • Maintaining confidential client records
  • Meeting legal, ethical, and professional obligations
  • Improving the website and services offered

Lawful Basis for Processing

Personal data is processed under the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – when you contact Hayley Louise Therapy Services or voluntarily provide information
  • Contract – where processing is necessary to provide counselling services
  • Legal obligation – where there is a requirement to comply with legal or professional duties
  • Legitimate interests – for operating and managing the counselling practice

Information shared during counselling sessions may include special category data, such as information relating to mental or emotional health. This data is processed only where necessary to provide counselling services and with appropriate safeguards.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an essential part of counselling. Information shared during counselling sessions will remain confidential except in the following circumstances:

  • Where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person
  • Where disclosure is required by law
  • Where information is discussed in professional supervision as part of ethical counselling practice

Supervision is a normal part of counselling practice, and identifying details are minimised wherever possible.

Online and In-Person Counselling

Hayley Louise Therapy Services offers both in-person and online counselling sessions. Online sessions may take place via secure video platforms. Reasonable steps are taken to ensure that online communication remains private and secure.

Data Storage and Security

Appropriate measures are taken to ensure that personal information is stored securely.

Personal data may be stored in:

  • Password-protected digital systems
  • Secure email accounts
  • Locked physical files where applicable

Access to personal data is limited to Hayley Louise Therapy Services unless disclosure is required for legal or professional reasons.

Data Retention

Client records are typically kept for 7 years after counselling has ended, in line with professional practice guidelines. After this period, records will be securely deleted or destroyed.

Website Analytics

This website uses Google Analytics to help understand how visitors use the website and to improve its performance.

Google Analytics may collect information such as:

  • Pages visited
  • Time spent on the website
  • General geographic location
  • Device and browser information

This information is anonymised and does not identify individual visitors.

Sharing Personal Information

Personal information will not be sold or shared with third parties except where necessary, such as:

  • Professional supervision
  • Secure service providers (for example website hosting or email services)
  • Where disclosure is required by law or safeguarding concerns arise

Any third parties used are expected to respect the confidentiality and security of your information.

Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal data held about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Request transfer of your data where applicable

Requests can be made by contacting Hayley Louise Therapy Services via email.

Complaints

If you have any concerns about how your personal data has been handled, please contact Hayley Louise Therapy Services so that the issue can be addressed.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK authority responsible for data protection.

Cookies

This website may use cookies to help improve user experience and analyse website traffic. Cookies are small files stored on your device when you visit a website.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

This privacy policy may be updated from time to time. The most current version will always be available on this website.