GDPR & Data Protection
Aldridge Counselling Services is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information responsibly, securely and transparently.
As a private counselling practice, I recognise that clients may share highly personal and sensitive information. I therefore take my responsibilities under UK data protection legislation seriously.
Data Protection at Aldridge Counselling Services
Aldridge Counselling Services is the data controller for personal information processed through my private counselling practice.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
ICO Registration Number: ZA313991
Personal information is handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Information Used in Counselling
Counselling may involve information about your:
- physical or mental health;
- personal and family circumstances;
- relationships;
- addiction or recovery;
- trauma or previous experiences; and
- other sensitive aspects of your life.
Some of this information is classed as special category personal data and is subject to additional protection under data protection law.
I only collect and use information where there is an appropriate reason and lawful basis for doing so.
Protecting Your Information
I take reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality and security of client information.
Counselling notes are kept brief and factual and, wherever practicable, are stored separately from information that directly identifies you.
Electronic records and devices used within my practice are protected by appropriate security measures.
Information is not routinely shared with other people or organisations without your knowledge or agreement. There are limited exceptions, including circumstances involving serious safety or safeguarding concerns or where disclosure is required by law.
Clinical Supervision
As a registered counsellor, I undertake regular clinical supervision as part of safe and ethical practice.
Client work may be discussed during supervision, but identifying information is minimised and your identity is not routinely disclosed.
How Long Information Is Kept
Counselling records are normally retained for five years after counselling ends, reflecting my current professional and insurance record-retention arrangements.
Some administrative, financial or other information may need to be retained for different periods where required for legal, tax, insurance or professional purposes.
Information that is no longer required is securely deleted or destroyed.
Your Information Rights
UK data protection law provides individuals with a number of rights concerning their personal information.
Depending upon the circumstances, these can include the right to request access to information held about you, ask for inaccurate information to be corrected, request deletion or restriction of certain information, and object to certain types of processing.
These rights are not absolute, and there may be circumstances where information can or must lawfully be retained.
Privacy Notice
More detailed information about what personal information I collect, why I use it, how long it is retained and your rights can be found in my Privacy Notice.
If you have concerns about the way your information is handled, you can contact Aldridge Counselling Services. You also have the right to raise a concern with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Last reviewed: October 2026
Aldridge Counselling Services | ICO Registration: ZA313991