Privacy Policy

Last updated: 07.11.2025

Helen Woods Psychotherapy (“I”, “me”, or “my”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This policy explains how your data is collected, used, and stored in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018, and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

1. Data I Collect

I may collect and process the following information:

  • Personal information – name, contact details, and relevant information you provide when making an enquiry or booking sessions.

  • Therapy records – brief session notes, assessments, or relevant correspondence required for therapeutic work.

  • Website data – technical data such as cookies, IP addresses, and browsing behaviour (if analytics or contact forms are used).

2. How I Use Your Information

Your data is used to:

  • Provide therapeutic services and manage appointments.

  • Respond to your enquiries and communicate with you.

  • Maintain appropriate clinical records and professional supervision.

  • Comply with legal, ethical, and insurance requirements.

I will never share your information with third parties for marketing purposes.

3. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Contract: processing is necessary to provide a therapy service or respond to your enquiry.

  • Legal obligation: to meet professional, ethical, and record-keeping requirements.

  • Consent: for communication or information sharing beyond therapeutic purposes.

4. Data Storage and Security

All personal data is stored securely in line with data protection regulations:

  • Electronic records are encrypted and password-protected.

  • Paper records (if used) are kept in a locked filing system.

  • Only I have access to these records.

I retain adult client records for seven years after the end of therapy, as required by professional and insurance standards.

5. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to, correction, or deletion of your personal data.

  • Withdraw consent (where applicable).

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data is not handled lawfully.

More information: https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public

6. Website Cookies

This website may use cookies to enhance browsing or gather anonymous analytics data. You can control or disable cookies in your browser settings.

7. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please contact:

Helen Woods Psychotherapy
📧 helenwoodspsychotherapy@gmail.com
📞 07984 3650374
🌐 https://helenwoodspsychotherapy.com