Effective Date: 10th June 2026
Who I Am
My name is Mary Rees and I am the owner of Mary Rees Counselling. I am a private practice counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I am the Data Controller for the personal information collected through this website and during the provision of counselling services.
Contact Details
Email: maryreescounselling@gmail.com
Information I Collect
When you contact me through this website, by email, telephone, or during counselling, I may collect:
- Your name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Information you provide in enquiries
- Emergency contact details where appropriate
- Information relevant to your counselling needs
- Session notes and clinical records
- Information relating to appointments and payments
This website may also collect limited technical information such as:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Website usage data
- Cookies necessary for website operation
Website Enquiries
If you contact me through the website contact form, I will collect the information you choose to provide, such as your name, email address, telephone number, and the content of your message. This information will only be used to respond to your enquiry and determine whether counselling services may be appropriate for your needs.
Practice Management System
I use a secure practice management system to store client contact details, appointments, and counselling records. Appropriate security measures are in place to protect personal information, and access is restricted to authorised users only.
Special Category Data
As a counsellor, I may process information relating to your mental health, emotional wellbeing, personal circumstances, and other information discussed during counselling. This information is classified as Special Category Data under UK data protection law and receives additional protection.
Why I Collect Your Information
- Respond to enquiries
- Assess suitability for counselling
- Arrange and manage appointments
- Provide counselling services
- Maintain professional records
- Meet legal, ethical, insurance and professional requirements
- Manage the administration of my practice
Legal Basis for Processing
- To provide counselling services you have requested
- To meet legal and professional obligations
- For the legitimate operation of my counselling practice
- To provide health and counselling-related services
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling. Information shared during counselling sessions will remain confidential except where:
- There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person
- There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult
- Disclosure is required by law or court order
- Professional or ethical obligations require action
Where possible, I will discuss any necessary disclosure with you before information is shared.
Clinical Supervision
As required by the BACP Ethical Framework, I attend regular professional supervision. Client work may be discussed with my supervisor to ensure safe and ethical practice. Identifying details are removed wherever possible.
Online Counselling
Where counselling sessions take place via Zoom, reasonable measures are taken to protect privacy and confidentiality. Clients are encouraged to attend online sessions from a private and secure location. Please note that internet communications can never be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Data Storage and Security
I take appropriate measures to protect personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or loss. Information is stored securely, and access is restricted to authorised persons only.
How Long Information Is Kept
Counselling records are retained only for as long as necessary to meet professional, legal, and insurance requirements. Records are securely deleted or destroyed when no longer required.
Sharing Information
I do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. Information will only be shared where necessary with:
- Clinical supervisors
- Professional advisers
- Insurance providers
- Legal or regulatory authorities
- Safeguarding agencies where required by law
Any sharing will be limited to what is necessary and appropriate.
Your Rights
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of information where appropriate
- Restrict processing in certain circumstances
- Object to processing
- Withdraw consent where consent is relied upon
To exercise any of these rights please contact: maryreescounselling@gmail.com
Complaints
If you have concerns about how your information has been handled, please contact me in the first instance. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Changes to This Privacy Policy
I reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be published on this page and will take effect immediately upon publication. Please check this page periodically to ensure you are aware of any changes.