{"id":146,"date":"2026-06-08T13:24:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T13:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/?page_id=146"},"modified":"2026-06-08T13:24:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T13:24:44","slug":"privacy-policy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/?page_id=146","title":{"rendered":"Privacy Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"146\" class=\"elementor elementor-146\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68538425 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"68538425\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a4c594a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5a4c594a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"comp-m9a2zoy1\" class=\"comp-m9a2zoy1 CeUMmm wixui-column-strip\"><div class=\"Ak0vpt\" data-testid=\"columns\"><div id=\"comp-m9a2zoyl\" class=\"comp-m9a2zoyl FDI5TK wixui-column-strip__column\"><div class=\"\" data-mesh-id=\"comp-m9a2zoylinlineContent\" data-testid=\"inline-content\"><div data-mesh-id=\"comp-m9a2zoylinlineContent-gridContainer\" data-testid=\"mesh-container-content\"><div id=\"comp-m9a2zoyo\" class=\"N8MGzv _v6ohL ZS_qLz PO9MfV comp-m9a2zoyo wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\"><h1 class=\"font_0 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Privacy Policy<\/span><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><div id=\"comp-m9a34oo4\" class=\"N8MGzv _v6ohL ZS_qLz PO9MfV comp-m9a34oo4 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Last updated: April 2025<\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">I take your privacy seriously. This policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">By using this website or engaging in counselling with me, you agree to the terms of this privacy policy.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">1. Who I Am<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Sam Parker<br class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" \/>BACP Registered Counsellor<br class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" \/>Based in Stockport, Greater Manchester<br class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" \/>Email: <a class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" href=\"mailto:sparkercounselling@gmail.com\" target=\"_self\">sparkercounselling@gmail.com<\/a><br class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" \/>I am the data controller for the personal information you share with me.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">2. What Information I Collect<\/span><\/h3><h4 class=\"font_4 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">a) Through Counselling<\/span><\/h4><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">When you begin counselling, I may collect:<\/span><\/p><ul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Your name, date of birth, and contact details<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Emergency contact information<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">GP contact (if consent is given)<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Relevant medical or mental health information<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Brief session notes (kept minimal, anonymised where possible)<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><h4 class=\"font_4 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">b) Through the Website<\/span><\/h4><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">When you use my website (hosted by Wix), I may collect:<\/span><\/p><ul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Your name and email (if you use the contact form)<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Technical data like IP address, browser type, and site interaction via cookies (see section 6)<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">3. Why I Collect Your Data<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Your personal information is collected to:<\/span><\/p><ul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Contact you regarding your sessions<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Provide safe, ethical, and effective counselling<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Comply with professional and legal obligations<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Improve website performance (for technical data only)<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">4. How Your Data is Stored<\/span><\/h3><ul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Digital client information is stored securely on a password-protected device or encrypted service.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Any handwritten notes are kept in a locked cabinet (if used).<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Session notes are anonymised and kept separate from contact details.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Emails are stored in a secure, GDPR-compliant account and deleted when no longer needed.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">5. Confidentiality &amp; Sharing<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Everything discussed in sessions is confidential, except in the following situations:<\/span><\/p><ul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">You disclose a serious risk of harm to yourself or others<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">You disclose abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">I am required by law or a court order<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">You give clear consent to share information (e.g. with your GP)<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">I will always aim to discuss this with you before breaking confidentiality unless it\u2019s unsafe or legally prohibited.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">6. Website Cookies<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">My website is hosted by Wix, which uses cookies to:<\/span><\/p><ul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Improve website functionality and performance<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Collect data about site usage (anonymously)<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">7. Your Rights<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:<\/span><\/p><ul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Access the personal data I hold about you<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Correct any inaccurate data<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Request data deletion (unless I am legally required to retain it)<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Withdraw consent at any time<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Make a complaint to the ICO (Information Commissioner\u2019s Office) if you\u2019re unhappy with how your data is handled<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\ud83d\udd17 <a class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ico.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.ico.org.uk<\/a><\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">8. Data Retention<\/span><\/h3><ul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Client data is typically retained for up to 7 years after therapy ends (in line with BACP and insurance guidelines).<\/span><\/p><\/li><li class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Website contact data is deleted once it\u2019s no longer needed for communication.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">\u200b<\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">9. Contact<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">If you have any questions about this policy or your data, please contact:<\/span><\/p><p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Sam Parker<br class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" \/>Email: <a class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" href=\"mailto:sparkercounselling@gmail.com\" target=\"_self\">sparkercounselling@gmail.com<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Privacy Policy Last updated: April 2025 I take your privacy seriously. This policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. \u200b By using this website or engaging in counselling with me, you agree to the terms of this privacy policy. \u200b 1. Who I Am Sam ParkerBACP Registered CounsellorBased in Stockport, Greater ManchesterEmail: sparkercounselling@gmail.comI am the data controller for the personal information you share with me. \u200b 2. What Information I Collect a) Through Counselling When you begin counselling, I may collect: Your name, date of birth, and contact details Emergency contact information GP contact (if consent is given) Relevant medical or mental health information Brief session notes (kept minimal, anonymised where possible) b) Through the Website When you use my website (hosted by Wix), I may collect: Your name and email (if you use the contact form) Technical data like IP address, browser type, and site interaction via cookies (see section 6) \u200b 3. Why I Collect Your Data Your personal information is collected to: Contact you regarding your sessions Provide safe, ethical, and effective counselling Comply with professional and legal obligations Improve website performance (for technical data only) \u200b 4. How Your Data is Stored Digital client information is stored securely on a password-protected device or encrypted service. Any handwritten notes are kept in a locked cabinet (if used). Session notes are anonymised and kept separate from contact details. Emails are stored in a secure, GDPR-compliant account and deleted when no longer needed. \u200b 5. Confidentiality &amp; Sharing Everything discussed in sessions is confidential, except in the following situations: You disclose a serious risk of harm to yourself or others You disclose abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult I am required by law or a court order You give clear consent to share information (e.g. with your GP) I will always aim to discuss this with you before breaking confidentiality unless it\u2019s unsafe or legally prohibited. \u200b 6. Website Cookies My website is hosted by Wix, which uses cookies to: Improve website functionality and performance Collect data about site usage (anonymously) You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings. \u200b 7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR, you have the right to: Access the personal data I hold about you Correct any inaccurate data Request data deletion (unless I am legally required to retain it) Withdraw consent at any time Make a complaint to the ICO (Information Commissioner\u2019s Office) if you\u2019re unhappy with how your data is handled \ud83d\udd17 www.ico.org.uk \u200b 8. Data Retention Client data is typically retained for up to 7 years after therapy ends (in line with BACP and insurance guidelines). Website contact data is deleted once it\u2019s no longer needed for communication. \u200b 9. Contact If you have any questions about this policy or your data, please contact: Sam ParkerEmail: sparkercounselling@gmail.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-146","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/146","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=146"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/146\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":150,"href":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/146\/revisions\/150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/counsellingdidsbury.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}