Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 2026

Harbour Counselling Practice is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with care, transparency, and respect. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights in relation to it.

1. Who We Are

Harbour Counselling Practice is a private counselling service. The data controller responsible for your personal information is Harbour Counselling Practice. You can contact us at contact@harbourcounsellingpractice.com.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal information:

• Your name, email address, and phone number (provided via our contact or booking forms)
• Information you share during counselling sessions
• Basic health and background information relevant to your counselling needs
• Records of appointments and session notes

3. How We Use Your Information

Your personal data is used to:

• Provide and manage your counselling sessions
• Respond to your enquiries and booking requests
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records
• Comply with our professional and legal obligations

4. Confidentiality

All information shared within counselling sessions is held in strict confidence in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. Confidentiality may only be broken in exceptional circumstances — specifically where there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or where we are required to do so by law. In such cases, we would, wherever possible, discuss this with you first.

5. Data Storage & Security

Your personal data is stored securely and protected against unauthorised access, loss, or disclosure. We do not share your information with third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by law or our professional obligations. Session notes and client records are kept for a minimum of 7 years in line with professional guidance, after which they are securely destroyed.

6. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the basis of your consent, the performance of a contract (providing counselling services), and our legitimate interests in maintaining professional records. Where we process special category data (such as health information), we do so under the basis of providing health care services.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request erasure of your data (subject to legal and professional obligations)
• Object to or restrict processing of your data
• Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at contact@harbourcounsellingpractice.com.

8. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience. You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings. We do not use cookies to collect personally identifiable information.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at contact@harbourcounsellingpractice.com.