Privacy Policy

Ruth Flanagan Therapy

Effective Date: 6th October 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information in line with professional counselling ethics and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

1. Who I Am

I am Ruth Flanagan, a registered and accredited counsellor operating as Therapy with Ruth Flanagan. I am the Data Controller for the personal information you share with me.

You can contact me at:
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Phone: 07919 562339
- Address: Mindset Therapeutic Services, Cheshire House, Lymm, WA13 9UY

2. What Information I Collect

To provide counselling, I may collect the following:
- Personal identification details (name, contact details, date of birth, GP information)
- Health-related information (mental health history, medications, relevant medical conditions)
- Session notes (brief, factual notes about our work)
- Payment information (bank transfer details or invoices if applicable)
- Website/online booking information (if you use my website or forms)

3. Why I Collect This Information

I use this information to:
- Provide safe and effective counselling services
- Maintain records as required by my professional body and insurer
- Contact you about appointments or important information
- Ensure your safety or the safety of others if there is serious risk
- Comply with legal and professional obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

Under UK GDPR, the lawful bases I rely on are:
- Contract – to provide the counselling service you request
- Legal obligation – to comply with law, safeguarding, or court orders
- Vital interests – if there is risk of serious harm to you or others
- Consent – for specific situations where I ask for your agreement (e.g., sharing notes with another professional)

5. How I Store and Protect Your Data

- Paper notes are stored securely in a locked cabinet
- Digital records are stored on encrypted, password-protected devices
- Emails are kept secure and deleted when no longer needed
- I do not share your information with third parties unless required by law or with your explicit consent

6. How Long I Keep Your Information

I keep counselling records for 7 years after our last session, in line with professional guidelines and insurance requirements. After this period, they are securely destroyed.

7. Sharing Information

I will not share your personal information except:
- If I believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm
- If required by a court order or legal obligation
- With your explicit consent (e.g., referral to another professional)
- For professional supervision (discussed anonymously)

8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:
- Access the personal data I hold about you
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Request erasure of your data (where possible)
- Restrict or object to how your data is processed
- Data portability (to receive your data in a usable format)
- Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

If you wish to exercise these rights, please contact me at:
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Phone: 07919 562339
- Address: Mindset Therapeutic Services, Cheshire House, Lymm, WA13 9UY

9. Complaints

If you are concerned about how your data is handled, please contact me in the first instance.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
- Website: https://ico.org.uk
- Helpline: 0303 123 1113

10. Updates to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available at your request or on my website (if applicable).