Privacy Statement

As a professional counsellor, it is important to be clear about the data I collect, its purpose and how I store your information.  I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, (BACP).  I am also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and insured by Psychologists Protection Society (PPS).

The information I collect
To provide counselling, I need to keep some personal details such as, name, contact information, and session notes.  These notes are minimal, they help me keep track of our work together, allowing me to provide the best possible support.  I also ask clients to provide me with an emergency contact and/or GP details.  I will only use this contact if I am concerned for your safety.  All information is kept securely, either in password-protected digital files or in locked storage.  Your number is kept in my business mobile phone, next to an allocated ID number, without your name.  This device is also passcode protected. 

By law (Statute of Limitations), and in accordance with the ICO, I am required to keep counselling records for 7 years after our work together ends.  After this time, your records will be safely destroyed.  The contact details you provide such as email, address and phone number are deleted 1 month after our work has ended.  Please note, records for children/young people are kept for 7 years after they reach the age of 18 years.

Confidentiality and sharing information.

Everything you share in counselling is treated as confidential.  I would only break confidentiality if:

•          I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm

•          I am required to do so by law

Also in the event of a complaint being made by a client against Lara Cassani Counselling, relevant details may be shared with my professional body and/or my Insurer/legal representative.

In addition, I discuss my practice with a qualified supervisor, in line with BACP ethical requirements. 

This individual is also my appointed clinical executor.  In the unlikely event that I am unable to contact you (for example due to serious illness or death), my executor will have access to your contact number, only, so they can inform you, and support appropriately.   

You have the right to request to see any data I may keep about you.  I will respond to any such written request within 28 days. 

If you have concerns about how I manage your data you can discuss with me directly or contact the ICO at www.ico.org.uk  or phone them on 0303 123 1113.

Consent

If you do not consent to me managing your data in this way, as outlined above, it is unlikely I will be able to work with you.