Last updated: November 2025
Pendle Counselling Services (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our website (www.pendlecounsellingservices.co.uk) or engage with our counselling services.
1. Who We Are
Pendle Counselling Services provides professional counselling services in the UK. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you may contact:
Data Controller: Pendle Counselling Services
Email: info@pendlecounsellingservices.co.uk
Phone: 07305137026
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for lawful processing of personal data.
2. What Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
We may collect the following personal information when you contact us or use our services:
- Name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Postal address (if relevant)
- Information shared in your enquiry
- Therapeutic notes (see Section 6)
- Emergency contact details
- Payment information (if applicable)
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Pages viewed and time spent on the site
- Cookies (see Section 9)
This helps us improve website performance and user experience.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to:
- Respond to enquiries
- Provide counselling services
- Maintain accurate clinical records
- Process payments
- Send appointment confirmations or reminders
- Improve the website and service
- Comply with legal or professional obligations
We only collect what is necessary for these purposes.
4. Lawful Basis for Processing
We rely on one or more of the following legal bases under UK GDPR:
- Consent – when you contact us or agree to therapy
- Contract – to deliver the services you request
- Legitimate Interests – to manage business operations
- Legal Obligation – where required by law, court order, or safeguarding duties
5. Confidentiality and Sharing Your Information
Everything shared in counselling is kept confidential except in the following circumstances:
• If there is a risk of serious harm to you or others
• If required by law (e.g., court order, terrorism, money laundering)
• If safeguarding issues arise involving vulnerable adults or children
• Clinical supervision (anonymised and required ethically for counsellors)
We do not sell or share your data with third-party marketers.
6. Counselling Records
Therapeutic notes are:
- Minimal and professional
- Kept separately from personal contact information
- Stored securely
- Accessible only to your therapist
Clinical notes are retained for [6 years] after therapy ends, in line with professional guidelines.
7. Data Storage and Security
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data from:
- Unauthorised access
- Loss
- Disclosure
- Alteration
This includes password-protected devices, encrypted storage, and secure email practices where possible.
8. How Long We Keep Your Information
We retain personal information only as long as necessary:
- General enquiries: up to 12 months
- Client records: 6 years
After this period, data is securely deleted or destroyed.
9. Cookies
Our website may use cookies to:
- Improve site performance
- Understand visitor behaviour
- Enhance user experience
You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.
10. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access your data
- Rectify inaccurate information
- Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
- Restrict processing
- Object to certain uses
- Data portability
- Withdraw consent at any time
11. Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party sites such as payment providers or booking systems.
We are not responsible for how these sites handle your data. Please review their privacy policies separately.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.