Privacy Policy

Who this policy is for

This policy is here to explain how your personal information is looked after when you get in touch or work with Sarah Handley Psychotherapy. Whether we’re speaking by phone, email, or meeting in person, I want you to feel confident that your privacy is respected and protected.

What personal information is collected

To offer you the best possible support, I may need to collect some personal information, such as:

• Your name and contact details
• An emergency contact (next of kin)
• Notes from our sessions
• Information about your health and wellbeing
• Payments and invoices
• Any messages or forms you’ve sent through the website or email

If you give next of kin details, please make sure they’re aware and happy for you to share that with me.

Sensitive information

Some of what you share may be sensitive – such as your health history or personal background. This kind of information is handled with great care and only used in ways that support your therapy or as required by law.

How your information is used

The information you share helps me:

• Arrange and deliver your sessions
• Keep accurate and helpful records
• Respond to any questions or concerns you might have
• Manage appointments and payments
• Meet legal and professional requirements

Everything is handled with respect and kept confidential. You won’t receive marketing or newsletters unless you’ve asked to. And of course, you can change your mind at any time.

Sharing your information

Everything you share is confidential. I will only share your information when:

• It’s important for your care and you’ve given permission
• It’s required by law or to keep you (or someone else) safe
• It’s with trusted services that help run the practice securely, like IT providers

Anyone I work with is also required to respect your privacy and follow data protection laws.

Keeping your data safe

Your information is kept secure – whether it’s written down or stored electronically. Paper notes are locked away, and digital records are protected with passwords and encryption.

I keep information for as long as needed to meet professional or legal requirements, and after that it’s safely deleted or destroyed.

Your rights

You have the right to:

• See the information I hold about you
• Ask for anything to be corrected if it’s wrong
• Withdraw your consent (if that applies)
• Ask for your data to be deleted, in certain situations
• Restrict or object to how your data is used
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format

If you’d like to talk about any of these rights, please do get in touch.

The legal stuff – why your data is processed

Under data protection law, I need to have a good reason to use your data. These include:

• When you’ve given your consent
• When it’s part of our therapeutic agreement
• When I have a legal obligation
• When it helps run the practice safely and ethically

Cookies and website use

Like most websites, mine uses small files called cookies to help improve your experience. These help me understand what pages are helpful and how people use the site. Cookies don’t collect personal info, and you can turn them off in your browser settings. Learn more at https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/online/cookies.

How long your information is kept

Client records are usually kept for six years after therapy ends, based on guidance from professional organisations. This helps ensure proper care and insurance coverage.

Enquiry information is usually held for up to six months, just in case you decide to come back to it.

You won’t be sent updates or emails unless you’ve said it’s okay. And you can opt out at any time.

Get in touch

If you ever have a question about this policy, your data, or would like to make a request about your information, feel free to contact me at: sarah@sarahhandleytherapy.co.uk

If you have concerns that aren’t resolved, you can speak to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire, SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.org.uk

Keeping this policy up to date

This privacy policy may change from time to time as needed. You’re welcome to check in occasionally or ask for the most recent version.