Privacy AND Data Protection Policy
1. As the owner of Intuitive Therapies, I Paula Caffrey (MBACP Accred) am the registered Data Controller responsible for notifying the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) of the data I hold, or I am likely to hold in the future, and the general purposes that this data will be used for. This applies whether collected on paper, stored in a computer database, or recorded on other material. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 there are safeguards to ensure all forms of personal data are collected, stored and disposed of appropriately.
2. Intuitive Therapies confidentiality: Privacy & Storage/Processing of Client Data: Our work together is confidential however in accordance with UK law and the ethical framework I adhere to there are certain circumstances where I am required to disclose information to the relevant authorities/professional bodies. These circumstances are:
If you disclose harm to self or others
Disclosure or suspicion of child protection issues
Disclosure of knowledge or involvement of serious crime, such as: terrorism, drug trafficking etc.
Where possible I will seek the client’s permission to disclose and inform of how I will handle the disclosure and keep the client informed of the process every step of the way. However, in certain circumstances this may not be possible. Intuitive Therapies may share data with statutory bodies (e.g.: Emergency services personnel) and /or individuals (e.g.: the person a client voluntarily designates as a contactee in the event of an emergency such as partner, parent, sibling).
3. Record keeping: I write brief notes at the end of every session that are saved to my ICloud account which is password protected. I delete all case notes 3 years upon completion of counselling. There are no personal details kept on the session notes. I do take personal details on the first session (name, address, next of kin etc) which are also kept on my iCloud account and password protected and are kept in a separate file from session notes. No personal details will be passed to other persons or agencies [Without having signed a Consent Form from you] except for the circumstances listed above in section (2). At the end of our work together my notes will continue to be stored securely for a period of 3 years. After that time, electronic personal data will be deleted. Right of access to your notes comes under the GDPR (General Data protection Regulation) 2018. To learn more visit: http://www.ico.org.uk/
4. As stated above, clients will be made aware in most circumstances how and with whom their information will be shared. There are circumstances where the law allows Intuitive Therapies to disclose data (including sensitive data) without the data subject’s consent. These are:
a) Carrying out a legal duty or as authorised by the Secretary of State
b) Protecting vital interests of an Individual/Service User or other person
c) The Individual has already made the information public
d) Conducting any legal proceedings, obtaining legal advice or defending any legal rights
e) Monitoring for equal opportunities purposes – i.e. race, disability or religion
f) Providing a confidential service where the Individual consent cannot be obtained or where it is reasonable to proceed without consent: e.g. where we would wish to avoid forcing stressed or ill Individuals to provide consent signature.
5. I take contact information for all the services I provide (counselling, psychedelic integration*, Cacao ceremonies and Reiki healing) This is for me to be able to contact you in regards to your appointments or treatments and for emergency purposes only.
*Use of drugs/entheogens will be kept confidential and not disclosed to any other person or authority unless for the circumstances stipulated in section (2)
6. You have the right to request your personal details are removed from both my mailing list or my database. Please do this via email.