Privacy Policy

 Privacy Policy

Thomas Fox Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and transparency. This policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect your data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the ethical standards set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

1. Who I Am

I am Thomas Fox, a counsellor providing one-to-one therapeutic services online and in person. For data protection purposes, I am the data controller.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact me at:
📧 tom@thomasfoxcounselling.co.uk

2. What Information I Collect

I may collect and store the following information:

• Your name and contact details (email, phone number)
• Emergency contact information (with your consent)
• Relevant personal and health information that you choose to share during therapy
• Session notes (brief, anonymised)
• Website usage data via cookies (see section 6)
   

3. How I Use Your Information

Your data is used solely for the purposes of:

• Providing counselling services
• Contacting you regarding appointments or relevant updates
• Ensuring your safety and wellbeing during therapy
• Meeting legal, regulatory, or ethical obligations

I will never share your data for marketing or commercial purposes.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

I collect and process your information based on:

• Contractual obligation: to provide you with a counselling service
• Legitimate interest: to operate and improve the service
• Legal obligation: to meet regulatory requirements
• Vital interest: in the rare event of a risk of serious harm
   

5. How Your Information is Stored

Your data is stored securely in encrypted, password-protected digital systems or locked physical storage (if applicable). I retain counselling records for a minimum of 7 years, in accordance with BACP guidance and insurance requirements.

6. Website Cookies

This website may collect standard analytics data via cookies to improve performance and user experience. You can control cookie preferences in your browser settings.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information 
• Correct any inaccuracies 
• Request deletion of your data (within legal limits)
• Withdraw consent (if applicable)
• Lodge a complaint with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office)
   

8. Confidentiality and Exceptions

All sessions are confidential. However, I may need to break confidentiality if:

• There is a risk of serious harm to you or others 
• You disclose information relating to terrorism, drug trafficking, or child/vulnerable adult abuse (as required by law)

Where possible, this will be discussed with you first.

9. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice. The most recent version will always be available on this website.

Effective Date: 01/01/2025
Last Updated:  01/01/2025