This page contains information that I have split into three sections to inform you of the management, storage and processing of your information at Lucy Elizabeth Counselling & Psychotherapy:

 

1. Website Privacy Policy

2. Cookie Policy

3. Data Protection Policy

​

​

​

​

Please read this Privacy Policy before using my website or submitting any personal information. By using this website, you are accepting the practices outlined in this policy. Please email me at: lucy@lucy-elizabeth.co.uk if you have any questions regarding the following information.

 

I, (Lucy Elizabeth) understand that I have a responsibility to protect and respect your privacy and look after your personal data. I am committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of my website's visitors. Your privacy is very important to me and you can be confident that your personal information will be kept safe and secure. Here you’ll find information on how I manage data that I collect from you or that you provide to me and to assure you that it will be stored and processed confidentially.

​

I am a registered data controller with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). My registration number is: ZB288967. The term 'data controller' is used to describe the person or organisation that collects and stores and holds responsibility for people's personal data. In this instance, that is me.

​

Visitors to my website

​

Lucy Elizabeth Counselling & Psychotherapy is hosted by the Wix.com platform. Wix.com provides me with an online platform that allows me to provide information to you, advertise my services and collect information from you in order to respond to your queries and/or arrange a future appointment with you. As a result, your data may be stored through Wix.com’s data storage, databases and the general Wix.com applications on secure servers behind a firewall. When someone visits www.lucyelizabethcounselling.co.uk, third party services, such as Google Analytics, collects standard internet log information, such as IP addresses and details of visitor behaviour patterns. This is done to find out things such as the number of visitors to the various parts of the site. This information is processed in a way which does not personally identify anyone. I do not make, and do not allow Google to make any attempt to find out the identities of those visiting my website. You can find more information on how cookies are used on this website in the Cookies Policy below. 

​

Links to other websites

​

This privacy notice does not cover any links within this site that link to other websites. Those sites are not governed by this Privacy Policy, only by their own. Since I do not control other websites, I encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third party sites, if you have any queries or concerns. Any information that is supplied on other websites is not within my control and I cannot be responsible for their privacy policies and practices.

I have created links to book my services/ a free introductory, discovery call with me throughout my website that link to online forms that I have created via Google workspace. Google Workspace uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt data and Google Forms offer security and privacy configurations that comply with HIPAA/Data Protection Act regulations. I created these forms via a third party platform for the purpose of collecting initial information that I require from you more effectively and securely and to provide you with a user-friendly interface through which to do this. Should you prefer to offer me the information required within my online form without using these Google Forms, please contact me to make other arrangements for me to retrieve this information from you in a way that feels most preferable to you.

​

Collection of information via this website

I collect personally identifiable information, such as your name and email address when voluntarily submitted by visitors to my website via the contact forms provided. The information you provide is used to fulfil your specific request only, ie - so I can adequately respond to your query.

​

If you choose not to contact me through my website, ie - by using the online contact form and instead, choose to contact me directly via email or telephone, I will then collect information that I receive at lucy@lucy-elizabeth.co.uk and 07956788371, which will be securely stored and managed via encrypted software and password protected devices.

​

Distribution of information

I may share information with relevant authorities that may assist in the investigation of any criminal activities. I may do so when: (1) contact via my website, email or telephone is inappropriate and misused (2) trying to protect against or prevent actual or potential harm to self or others or, (3) if collected information was requested by law due to a current ongoing investigation. 

​

Access to your personal information

You are entitled to access the personal information that I hold about you and can request that I correct/edit or delete this information. Please email your request to lucy@lucy-elizabeth.co.uk and I will fulfil your request within 28 days. 

 

Changes to this privacy policy

Lucy Elizabeth Counselling & Psychotherapy reserves the right to modify this website privacy policy at any time, so please review it frequently. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon their posting on the website. If I make material changes to this policy, I will notify you here that it has been updated, so that you are aware of what information I collect, how I use it, and under what circumstances, if any, I use and/or disclose it. 

My Privacy Policy is under regular review and is updated annually or when it is subject to change by changes made in law. This Privacy Policy was last updated on 30 November 2021.

​

​

​

​

​

I use a system of classifying the different types of cookies which I use on the website, or which may be used by third parties through my website. This classification was developed by the International Chamber of Commerce UK and explains more about which cookies we use, why we use them, and the functionality you will lose if you decide you don’t want to have them on your device. 

​

What is a cookie?

Cookies are text files containing small amounts of information which are downloaded to your personal computer, mobile or other device when you visit a website. Cookies are then sent back to the originating website on each subsequent visit, or to another website that recognises that cookie. Cookies are useful because they allow a website to recognise a user’s device.

The reasons cookies are used on www.lucyelizabethcounselling.co.uk is:

• to provide the best experience for visitors 

• to monitor and analyse the performance, operation and effectiveness of my website

• to ensure my website is safe and secure to use.

• to understand how visitors use my website to inform any beneficiary enhancements  

​

How long are cookies stored for?

​

Persistent cookies:  These cookies remain on a user’s device for the period of time specified in the cookie. 

                                    They are activated each time the individual user visits the website that created that                                                particular cookie.

​

Session cookies :     These cookies allow website operators to link the actions of a user during a browser                                             session. A browser session starts when a user opens the browser window and finishes                                           when they close the browser window. Session cookies are created temporarily. Once you

                                   close the browser, all session cookies are deleted.

 

Cookies do lots of different jobs, like letting you navigate between pages efficiently, remembering your preferences, and generally improving the user experience.

You can find more information about cookies at www.allaboutcookies.org and www.youronlinechoices.eu.

​

Cookies used on this website

 

A list of all the cookies used on this website by category is set out below:

​

Strictly necessary cookies

These essential cookies enable services you have specifically asked for. These cookies are essential in order to enable you to move around the website and use its features, such as accessing secure areas of the website.

 

Performance cookies

These cookies collect anonymous information on the pages visited. By using this website, you agree that I can place these types of cookies on your device. These cookies collect information about how visitors use the website, for instance which pages visitors go to most often, and if they get any error messages from web pages. These cookies do not collect information that personally identifies a visitor. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Its only function is to improve how the website works.

 

Functionality cookies

These cookies remember choices you make to improve your experience. By using this website, you agree that we can place these types of cookies on your device. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your name or email entry you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. These cookies can also be used to remember changes you have made to text size, fonts and other parts of web pages that you can customise. They may also be used to provide services you have asked for such as watching a video or commenting on a blog. The information these cookies collect may be anonymised and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites.

​

Third party cookies

These cookies allow third parties to track the success of their application or customise the application for you. Because of how cookies work I cannot access these cookies, nor can the third parties access the data in cookies used on my website. For example, if you choose to ‘share’ content from my website through any social media networks you might be sent cookies from these websites. I don’t control the settings of these cookies, so please check any third party websites for more information about their cookies and how to manage them.

​

Using this website without cookies

If you would rather use my website, or any other website, without any cookies being saved, please switch to a private or incognito browser window. Or you can select 'reject' on the cookie banner that pops up when you access this site. Please be aware that the optimum browsing functionality may be affected if you choose to do this.

​

​

 

​

​

My privacy policy shall be made clear to you at the point of collection of your personal data. You will receive information regarding my compliance with the Data Protection Act within your Counselling Agreement Information pack, which I send out to you upon your acceptance of entering into a therapeutic contract together.

​

How the law protects you

Data protection laws state that I am only able to process personal data if I have valid reasons to do so. The reasons I process your personal data include, but are not limited to, your consent, performance of a contract, billing and to contact you.

​

​

How do I collect personal data from you?

I receive information about you from you when you use my website, complete forms on my website or via Google forms which you are directed to when you wish to book a discovery call or counselling session with me. I also receive information about you, from you, in person if you contact me by phone or email, for instance. I also collect information from you when you sign up for notifications of my upcoming services, my mailing lists etc.

​

​

What type of data do I collect from you?

The personal data that I may collect from you includes your name, address, email address, phone numbers, payment information and IP addresses. I keep notes in accordance with the law and with the British Association for Counselling and Therapy (BACP) guidelines. I may also retain records of your queries should you contact me and any correspondence between us.

​

​

How do I use your data?

 

I use information about you in the following ways:

​

• To process bookings that you have made with me

​

• To provide you with resources and services that you request from me or which I feel may be of interest and of benefit to you, where you have consented to be contacted for such purposes,

​

• To comply with my contractual obligations with you

​

• To enable me to review, develop and improve my website and services

​

• To provide customer care, including responding to your requests if you contact me with a query

​

• To keep track of billing and payments

​

• To carry out marketing and statistical analysis

​

• To notify you about any changes to my website and/or services, including any changes to fees

​

• To notify you about upcoming services that you have previously registered your interest in

​

Duration of data retention

​

I will keep your personal data for the duration of time that you are a client of mine. I shall retain your data for no longer than is legally necessary in accordance with applicable laws.

I may keep your data for up to 7 years after our work together. I may not be able to delete your data before this time due to legal and/or accountancy obligations. I assure you that your personal data shall only be used for these purposes stated here.

The duration of data retention periods that I adhere to are as follows:

​

• Client notes and assessment forms are retained for 5 years after the completion of the therapeutic contract.

​

• Client contact information and personal data is deleted upon the completion of the therapeutic contract

​

• In the instance where an assessment form was completed but no counselling services were then obtained, I will keep this information for 12 months following the date the assessment was carried out

​

​

Who has access to your personal data?

​

I do not and never shall sell your personal data to third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.

 

Your rights

In preventing the use or processing of your personal data, it may delay or prevent me from fulfilling my contractual obligations to you. It may also mean that I am unable to provide my services.

You have the right to object to my use of your personal data, or ask me to delete, remove or stop using it if there is no legal need for me to keep it. This is known as your right to be forgotten. There are legal and accountancy reasons as to why I will need to keep your data, but please do inform me if you have any concerns that I am retaining or using your personal data incorrectly.

​

You have the right to access the information I hold about you. Please email your requests to lucy@lucy-elizabeth.co.uk so that I can obtain this information for you.

​

​

You have the right to make a complaint about how I process your personal data to the Information Commissioner of which I am a registered data controller. Website: https://ico.org.uk/concerns/

​

​

Accessing and updating your data

​

Please let me know if your contact information changes.

​

​

Where I store your personal data

​

I follow the legal standards required in storing personal data, whereby I keep any digital data password protected and secure. Any information that I record on paper, ie - brief notes, are coded and securely locked away and do not include any identifiable information to any one other than myself. This is in accordance with the law and the BACP guidelines.

As the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure, I cannot guarantee the security of your data transmitted to my site and any transmission is at your own risk. Once I have received your information, I will use strict procedures and security features to prevent unauthorised access.

Any sensitive data, such as payment details, session notes, for example) are encrypted and protected.

 

​

Liability

I agree to take reasonable measures to protect your data in accordance with applicable laws.

​

​

​

Data Breaches

​

In the unlikely event of a data breach, I shall ensure that my obligations under applicable data protection laws are complied with where necessary.

 

 

​

Contact me

​

Please email me any questions or comments you have about privacy: lucy@lucy-elizabeth.co.uk

​

​

This Privacy Policy was last updated on 30 November 2023.