Privacy Policy - Wisdom Therapy

Introduction
 

Your privacy is important. Wisdom Therapy is committed to protecting your personal information and handling it responsibly in line with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and in accordance with the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Wisdom Therapy is the data controller responsible for your personal data.
 

What Information Is Collected
 

I may collect and process the following:

• Name, date of birth, and contact details

• Emergency contact details (where appropriate)

• Information shared during enquiries and sessions

• Brief, factual session notes

• Limited information required for online sessions

This may include special category data (e.g. information about your health), which is treated with strict confidentiality.
 

How Your Information Is Used
 

Your information is used to:

• Provide therapeutic services

• Manage appointments and communication

• Maintain appropriate records

• Ensure your safety where necessary

• Meet legal and professional obligations
   

Legal Basis for Processing
 

Your data is processed under the following lawful bases:

• Contract – to provide therapy services

• Legitimate interests – to manage and deliver services safely

• Provision of health care – for processing sensitive data

• Vital interests – where there is risk of serious harm

• Consent, where required
   

Confidentiality and Data Sharing
 

All information shared in therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties except:

• Where required by law

• Where there is risk of serious harm to you or others

• For professional supervision (anonymised where possible)

Where appropriate, you will be informed before any disclosure.
 

Online Sessions
 

Online sessions are conducted using secure platforms (e.g. Zoom or similar).

• Sessions are not recorded without your explicit consent

• You are responsible for ensuring a private environment where possible

• While reasonable steps are taken, online communication cannot be guaranteed as fully secure
   

How Your Data Is Stored and Retained
 

• Paper records are stored securely in locked storage

• Electronic data is stored on password-protected devices

• Data is retained for up to 7 years after therapy ends, then securely destroyed
   

Website Use, Cookies and Analytics
 

When you visit this website, limited anonymous data may be collected to improve performance.

• Cookies may be used for essential functions and analytics

• Analytics tools (e.g. Wix or Google Analytics) may collect non-identifiable usage data

• You can control cookies through your browser settings

If you contact Wisdom Therapy via the website, your details will only be used to respond to your enquiry.
 

Third-Party Services
 

Wisdom Therapy may use trusted third-party services (e.g. website hosting, email providers, video platforms) to support service delivery. These providers process data in accordance with their own privacy policies.

Some services may store data outside the UK; appropriate safeguards are in place.
 

Your Rights
 

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data

• Request correction or deletion

• Restrict or object to processing

• Withdraw consent where applicable

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office.
 

Contact
 

For any questions about this policy or your data, feel free to contact me at: risto.counselling@gmail.com
 

Updates
 

This policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will be available on the website.