Privacy Policy 

Privacy Policy 

Effective Date: 1st March 2025 

1. Introduction 
At Charlotte Dinnis Counselling, I am committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, and protect your personal information in the course of providing counselling services. 

2. Information I Collect 
I may collect and process the following types of personal information: 

Your name, address, phone number, and email address 

Your date of birth and emergency contact details 

Health information relevant to counselling services 

Payment and billing details 

Any other information you provide during sessions or through communications 

3. How I Use Your Information 
I use your information for the following purposes: 

To provide and manage counselling services 

To communicate with you regarding appointments and services 

To maintain accurate records in compliance with legal and professional requirements 

To process payments and invoices 

To ensure the security and safety of my practice 

For any other purpose with your consent 

4. Confidentiality and Data Protection 
I take confidentiality seriously and implement appropriate security measures to protect your data. Your information will not be shared with third parties except in the following circumstances: 

When required by law (e.g., court orders, safeguarding concerns) 

With your explicit consent 

If there is a risk of harm to yourself or others 

For professional supervision (anonymized case discussions) 

5. Data Retention 
I retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations. After this period, data will be securely deleted or anonymized. Once counselling services are no longer required, I will retain your data for seven years from the final contact date, after which it will be securely deleted. 

6. Your Rights 
You have the following rights regarding your personal data: 

The right to access your records 

The right to request corrections to your information 

The right to request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations) 

The right to restrict or object to processing 

The right to data portability 

The right to lodge a complaint with a relevant authority 

7. Security Measures 
I implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss. 

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy 
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on my website and will take effect upon publication. 

9. Contact Information 
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact me at: 

Charlotte Dinnis Counselling 
Queensgate House 
48 Queen Street 
Exeter 
EX4 3SR 

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation.