Privacy Notice – Your Personal Information

I, Stella Forster am committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality. This notice explains how I collect, use, and store your personal information in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

If you have any questions about this privacy notice or how I handle your information, please contact me via the contact page form.

  • Name: Stella Forster Counselling and Psychotherapy
    Address: The Harlow, No 1 Cardale Park, Beckwith Head Road, Harrogate, HG3 1RZ.
    ICO Registration Number: 00011105742

  • I collect and store the following information so I can provide you with counselling and psychotherapy services:

    • Name, address, phone number, and email address

    • GP name and contact details (and emergency contact if provided)

    • Relevant personal history you share in assessment or therapy

    • Session notes

    • Website contact form messages (if applicable)

  • Your information is used to:

    • Contact you about appointments or queries

    • Provide safe, ethical counselling and psychotherapy

    • Keep accurate records as required by my professional body and insurance

    • Meet legal obligations, such as safeguarding or court orders

  • Under GDPR, I process your personal data on the following bases:

    • Contract – to deliver the counselling service you have requested

    • Legitimate interests – to run my practice efficiently and safely

    • Vital interests – if I need to safeguard you or another person from serious harm

    • Legal obligation – if I must share information by law

    • Paper notes are kept in a locked filing cabinet

    • Electronic records are stored on password-protected and encrypted devices

    • Only I have access to your records

  • I keep client records for 7 years after your therapy ends (as recommended by professional guidelines) unless the law or my insurance requires a longer period. After this, all records are securely destroyed.

  • Your information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone else except:

    • If you consent to me sharing your information with another professional (e.g., your GP)

    • If I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm

    • If I am required by law to share (e.g., a court order)

  • You have the right to:

    • Access a copy of your records

    • Ask me to correct inaccurate information

    • Ask me to delete your information (within legal/ethical limits)

    • Restrict or object to how I process your data

    • Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (www.ico.org.uk)

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    If cookies are used (e.g., Google Analytics), they help me understand how people use my site but do not identify you personally. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.