Anchor Point Devon

I respect your privacy and take great care with your personal information.

· I only collect information that is necessary to provide counselling safely and professionally

· Your information is kept confidential and stored securely

· I will never sell or use your data for marketing

· I only share information if there is a serious safety concern or if the law requires it

· You have the right to see, correct, or ask questions about the data I hold about you

If anything in this policy feels unclear or worrying, you are very welcome to ask.

The data controller is:

Anchor Point Devon
Counselling Service
Email: enquiries@anchorpointdevon.co.uk
Phone: 07786 819316
Location: Devon, UK

I only collect information that is necessary to provide safe and effective counselling services. This may include:

• Name, address, email address, and telephone number
• Date of birth
• GP details (if relevant and with consent)
• Emergency contact details
• Session notes and records
• Information shared during counselling sessions
• Payment records

I do not collect unnecessary personal data.

Personal data may be collected through:

• Initial enquiries (email, phone, or contact forms)
• Assessment forms and contracts 
• Counselling sessions
• Email or written correspondence 
• Payment processes

Under UK GDPR, I process personal data under the following lawful bases:

• Contract – to provide counselling services you have requested
• Legal obligation – for record keeping and professional accountability.
• Vital interests – where there is serious risk of harm to you or others
• Legitimate interests – for running a safe, ethical counselling practice
• Consent – where explicitly required

Your information is used to:

• Provide counselling services safely and professionally
• Maintain accurate client records
• Communicate with you regarding appointments or services
• Manage payments and accounts
• Meet legal, ethical, and insurance requirements

Your data will never be sold or shared for marketing purposes.

Confidentiality is a core part of counselling practice. Information shared in sessions is kept confidential except where:

• There is a serious risk of harm to you or others
• Safeguarding concerns arise involving children or vulnerable adults
• Disclosure is required by law or court order

Where possible, concerns will be discussed with you before any disclosure is made.

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal data:

• Electronic records are stored on password-protected, encrypted devices
• Paper records (if used) are stored in a locked, secure location
• Emails and digital communications are managed securely
• Only I have access to your personal information

In line with BACP and NCPS guidelines and insurance requirements:

• Client records are kept for 7 years after the end of therapy
• Records relating to children and young people are kept until 7 years after they reach adulthood
• After this period, records are securely destroyed.

Your data may be shared only when necessary with:

• Professional supervisors (using anonymised information where possible)
• Legal or safeguarding authorities if required
• If requested by law

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request erasure of data (where legally possible)
• Restrict processing
• Object to processing
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent (where consent is the lawful basis)

Requests should be made in writing and will be responded to within one month.

If you have concerns about how your data is handled, please raise them with me first.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
www.ico.org.uk

This privacy policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in law or practice. The most current version will always be available on request.

Last updated: [25 January 2026]