Privacy & Cookie Policy
Privacy & Cookie Policy
Last updated: December 2024
Wellhouse Counselling is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal data when you use my counselling services and visit my website. It is designed to comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
1. Who I Am
• Data Controller: Jessica Gath/ Wellhouse Counselling
• ICO Registration Number: ZB737059
• Contact: Jessica Gath, 07766114748, jessica@wellhousecounselling.com
2. What Information I Collect
I may collect and process the following types of personal data:
• Identity Information – name, date of birth, gender, contact details.
• Health Information – relevant medical or mental health details that you choose to share during counselling sessions.
• Session Records – brief notes kept securely for therapeutic purposes.
• Payment Information – billing details (processed securely through third-party providers where applicable).
• Website Data – IP address, cookies, and usage information (for analytics and site functionality).
3. How I Use Your Information
I use your personal data for the following purposes:
• To provide counselling services.
• To maintain secure and accurate records of your therapy.
• To process payments and manage appointments.
• To communicate with you regarding your sessions.
• To meet my legal, ethical, and professional obligations.
• To improve the website and services.
I will not use your information for marketing purposes unless you give explicit consent.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
I process personal data under the following legal bases:
• Contract: To provide counselling services you have requested.
• Legal Obligation: To comply with tax, accounting, and safeguarding laws.
• Vital Interests: If there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others.
• Consent: For storing sensitive health-related information and optional communications.
• Legitimate Interests: To ensure safe and effective service delivery.
5. Sharing Your Information
We treat your data as confidential. Information will only be shared when necessary, such as:
• With your explicit consent.
• With my professional supervisor (anonymised, for professional development).
• With relevant authorities if there is risk of harm to you or others, or if required by law.
• With payment providers or IT service providers who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.
I do not sell or trade your data.
6. Data Storage and Security
• Client notes are stored securely in encrypted digital files / locked cabinets.
• Electronic data is protected with passwords and encryption.
• Website data may be stored by third-party hosting providers who comply with UK GDPR.
• Only authorised persons have access to your records.
7. Data Retention
I keep your personal data only as long as necessary:
• Counselling records: usually retained for 7 years after the end of therapy (in line with professional guidelines).
• Financial records: retained for 6 years for tax purposes.
• Website data: retained for shorter periods, as set by our cookie and analytics providers.
After these periods, data is securely destroyed.
8. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
• Access your personal data.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”), subject to legal obligations.
• Restrict or object to processing.
• Request data portability.
• Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is the lawful basis).
• Complain to the ICO if you believe your data rights have been breached.
ICO contact details:
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
9. Cookies and Website Use
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help ensure the site works properly, improve performance, and provide insights into how people use the site.
Types of Cookies In Use
• Strictly Necessary Cookies – essential for the website to function (e.g., security, accessibility). These cannot be switched off.
• Analytics Cookies – help understand how visitors use our website (e.g., via Google Analytics). These are only set if you consent.
• Functionality / Third-Party Cookies – used by embedded services such as video players, online booking systems, or social media links. These are only set with your consent.
Cookie Consent
On your first visit, the site will present a cookie banner asking you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time via your browser settings or the cookie settings link on our website.
Managing Cookies
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can choose to block or delete cookies, but this may affect how the website functions.
10. Updates to This Policy
I may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.
