Confidentiality
Everything we discuss is confidential. Legally and professionally, there are limits to this confidentiality, which I’ll explain here:
All counsellors undergo ‘supervision’, a regular meeting with a more senior counsellor. At these meetings, we may anonymously discuss aspects of our work with a client, so that we may refine and improve how we are working with them.
Legally, if during the course of working with a client, it becomes apparent that they are involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorism or child abuse, a counsellor has an obligation to break confidentiality.
Finally and importantly, if there is risk of serious harm to my client or others, confidentiality may need to be broken for safeguarding reasons. If this is the case, I will always try to talk to you first.
Data & Privacy
BJG Counselling & Psychotherapy – Privacy Notice
Your privacy and confidentiality are very important to me. This notice explains what personal information I collect, why I collect it, how I store it, and your rights under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
What information I collect
I collect the following information so that I can provide counselling safely and professionally:
Your name and contact details
Your address and date of birth
Relevant health or wellbeing information
Emergency contact details
Session notes
Payment information (if applicable)
Why I collect your information
I use your information so that I can:
Offer you safe and effective counselling
Keep appropriate clinical records
Contact you about appointments
Respond to risk or safeguarding concerns if needed
My lawful bases for using your information
Depending on the situation, I rely on:
Consent – you agree to me holding and using your information
Contract – I need the information to provide counselling to you
Vital interests – used only if there is serious and immediate risk to your life or safety
How your information is stored
All records are stored securely in encrypted digital format and are accessible only to me.
How long your information is kept
I keep adult client records for 7 years after our final session, in line with professional guidance. After this period, all records are securely destroyed.
Who I share information with
I do not share your information with anyone unless:
You give clear, written consent
I am legally required to (for example, a court order)
There is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or another person
In an emergency, I may share necessary information with relevant services (e.g., GP, emergency services).
Your data protection rights
You have the right to:
Access your personal data
Ask for corrections
Request deletion (within certain limits)
Restrict how your information is used
Withdraw consent
Raise a complaint
If you want to use any of these rights, please contact me using the details below.
Contact details
Barry Gibb
Email: barryjgibb@icloud.com
Telephone: 07986 076301
If you have concerns
If you are unhappy with how I use your data, please let me know.
You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.org.uk
Last updated: 2025
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