Privacy Policy
Stepping Stones NE Counselling Services – Client Agreement & GDPR Consent Form GDPR Policy
The following client information is stored by Stepping Stones NE Counselling Services: client name and address; telephone number and email address; GP details; questionnaire with life history; process notes; factual emails and texts (mostly about cancellations and re-scheduling of appointments).
All customer data kept by Stepping Stones NE Counselling Services is kept in digital format. Client data is also gathered via emails (direct, through counselling directories or Stepping Stones NE website) and occasionally WhatsApp. Client mobile numbers and texts are also stored on mobile phone for the duration of our work together.
Client information is not shared with any third parties, except for the emergency professional continuity exceptions outlined below, and it is used internally for statistical purposes and for communication with the client. When clients have been referred through their medical insurance some factual information may be shared when communicating with the insurer.
Confidentiality
All confidential information is held by Stepping Stones NE Counselling Services in accordance with the GDPR, 2018. All my counselling work is confidential. The only time that I may break confidentiality is:
- If you are at serious risk of causing harm to yourself or others
- Child abuse is disclosed
- You share information about proposed act of terrorism
- When I am compelled to do so by law.
If any of the above situations occurred, I will discuss with you beforehand on how I will disclose this information. If at any point during our counselling arrangement I felt that you were in need of emergency support, I may ask for your consent to contact your GP.
Neither of us must communicate the content of emails or video calls to a third party, which includes not putting anything we do together on any social media or blog.
Counsellors are ethically required to have supervision and I may discuss your case but your identity will never be revealed.
Professional Continuity (Clinical Will)
In accordance with professional ethical frameworks, I have appointed a designated Professional Executor (a qualified fellow mental health professional bound by the same strict rules of confidentiality).
In the event of my sudden incapacity, serious illness, or death, this executor will be granted secure access to your minimum necessary contact details and basic records. Their access is strictly limited to the purpose of contacting you to notify you of the situation and, if you wish, helping you arrange alternative onward support. By signing this agreement, you give your explicit consent for my Professional Executor to access your data solely under these emergency circumstances.
Sessions
Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes. Sessions are normally weekly but may be fortnightly or at other intervals by agreement – often weekly is best at the beginning as we are getting to know each other and gaining some understanding of the issues.
Fees and payments
My fee for individual sessions is £70 and £85 for couple counselling. Fees are per session not per hour. Payment is normally made after each session and can be made either via card or via bank transfer. If you choose to pay via bank transfer please use your name as reference and let me know by email or text that you have made the payment.
Security
If we meet remotely, please ensure that you secure your computer and emails against unauthorised viewing by third parties. It is recommended that you only use a private computer and not a work or public computer.
Ensure you are in a quiet, comfortable space where no-one can disturb or hear you. Please ensure you keep your anti-viral protection up-to-date and I will undertake to do the same.
Technology breakdown arrangements
Should you experience a technical breakdown which prevents you from video talking as agreed, please contact me by mobile (07954 099 770) so that we can discuss how to re-arrange our counselling session. I also undertake to contact you by telephone should I experience a technical breakdown.
Personal crisis procedures
I cannot provide an emergency service for clients. If you find yourself in a major crisis and were considering serious self-harm it would be vital to get immediate help. This could include contacting your GP, or going to your nearest accident and emergency department (A&E). You could also call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit their website www.samaritans.org.
Cancellation Policy
Please give as much notice as possible for cancellations/postponement (email me or text 07954 099 770). A cancellation fee of your normal payment will be charged for sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice. Rearranged appointments with more than 48 hours' notice will not attract a cancellation fee.
Your rights
Any personal data retained by Stepping Stones NE Counselling Services is kept in accordance with the GDPR, 2018. Under these guidelines you have the following rights:
- The right to request access to your data: You can request to view the information that we hold about you (contact details, appointment logs etc.) at any time. If during therapy you would like to see your session notes, please make this request to me directly. Should you require a copy of your notes after your therapy has come to an end you can make this request by emailing me at annadallavalle@com or calling on 07954 099 770.
- The right of rectification: At any point during your time in therapy or during the seven years thereafter, while I retain your records, you have the right to request amendments to your contact details or session notes. This right can be exercised either by speaking directly to me.
- The right to be forgotten: You can request that I delete and confidentially destroy the information that I hold about you and your sessions at any time. This request can be made by contacting me directly. Instances where I would not be able to comply with your request are as follows:
- a) If it is necessary for me to retain these records in order to continue providing an effective service
- b) If I am compelled to retain these records by a Court of Law
- c) If I require these records in order to establish, exercise or defend legal claims
Breaches of data protection
In the event of any breach of my data protection policies, I will notify you and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours and will seek to rectify this immediately.
Registration
Stepping Stones NE Counselling Services is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reference ZA319147.
