Gillian Burke Counselling Privacy policy
Who I Am
I am Gillian Burke, a counsellor/psychotherapist providing private therapy sessions in person and online. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) (Registration No: ZB985322 and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) (Registered Member No: 415067).
I work in line with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, which includes maintaining confidentiality, keeping records safe, and practising with integrity and professionalism.
You can contact me at:
• Email: gillian@gillianburkecounselling.com
• Telephone: 0735 999 0572
What Information I Collect
To provide counselling safely and professionally, I collect the following information:
• Contact details: name, email, telephone number, postal address (if needed).
• Personal details: date of birth, GP/emergency contact (in case of risk or crisis).
• Therapy records: dates/times of sessions, brief factual notes (themes/issues discussed, not full transcripts).
• Correspondence: emails, texts or messages relating to appointments and therapy.
• Payment information: invoices and transaction records (no card/bank details are stored).
• Technical data (for online sessions): IP address, device/browser information (collected automatically by Zoom platform providers, not by me directly).
Why I Collect It (Lawful Bases)
Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, I collect and use your data on the following lawful bases: • Consent – when you first enquire about therapy.
• Contract – once we agree to begin sessions, in order to deliver the service.
• Legitimate interest – to keep minimal records after therapy ends for legal/professional reasons.
• Provision of health care – for sensitive (special category) data relating to your mental health.
How I Use Your Data
• To arrange and manage sessions (in-person or online).
• To provide safe, ethical and effective therapy.
• To contact you regarding appointments or therapy-related matters.
• For invoicing and accounting purposes.
• To meet legal or professional obligations.
How I Store Your Data
• Paper notes (if used) are kept in a locked cabinet.
• Digital records are stored securely on an encrypted device and encrypted cloud storage.
• Emails/texts are deleted within 1 month unless needed for ongoing work.
• Online sessions: I use Zoom, which provides end-to-end encryption. I do not record sessions.
How Long I Keep Your Data
• Session notes and contact details are retained for 7 years after therapy ends.
• Invoices/financial records are kept for at least 6 years as required by HMRC.
• After these periods, records are securely destroyed.
Confidentiality & When Information May Be Shared
What you share in sessions is confidential. In line with the BACP Ethical Framework, I will only share information if:
• You request me to do so in writing.
• I am legally required (e.g., terrorism, money laundering, court order).
• I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm.
• My clinical supervisor (for ethical practice) needs to review my work; this is always done without identifying details.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
• Access your personal data.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion of your data (where legally possible).
• Restrict or object to processing.
• Request transfer of your data to another professional.
• Withdraw consent at any time.
To exercise these rights, contact me at gillian@gillianburkecounselling.com
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how I handle your data, please contact me first. You also have the right to complain to the ICO: www.ico.org.uk Tel: 0303 123 1113
Updates
This privacy notice will be reviewed regularly. Any updates will be posted at www.gillianburkecounselling.com and provided on request.
