PRIVACY STATEMENT

 

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to me. I assure you that your personal information will be kept safe and secure, in compliance with data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU/2016/679) (the GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) 2003. Please feel free to get in touch about my data protection policy and you can contact me at the following address: elainehhames@gmail.com.

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'Data controller' is the term used to describe the person/organization that collects, stores and is responsible for people's private data. In this case, the data controller is me. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office C1354431.

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As a 'data controller', the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is concerned with the personal information about you that I collect, store and share, as follows:

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information about you
When starting the therapy process with me, I ask that you provide the following information: personal identification, contact information and characteristics (such as name and contact details), the pre-therapy questionnaire form as well as brief session notes. Information about you may be stored:

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smartphone
In my cell phone I keep your cell phone number. This allows me to contact you in an emergency. Your emails, phone contact history and texts may also be stored here if we exchange messages this way. My smartphone is password protected.

Computer
The employment contract and the document with the personal information provided (name, profession, etc.) are stored in a password-protected file.

Web site
None of your personal information is stored on my website, except momentarily if you use the 'Contact Us' form.

Paper
I keep paper copies of employment contracts and documents with the personal information you provide (name, occupation, etc.). In session notes, I use a code, not your name.

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All your personal information and everything you say is treated confidentially. I will not share your personal data or information with anyone or any other entity. As a UK registered psychotherapist and to support my clinical practice, I am required to attend regular Clinical Supervision, during which some client material is discussed, anonymously and confidentially.

by order of law
If I am ordered by a court of law to share any of the information I have about you, I will share only the minimum details necessary and only after speaking with you, where possible.

Suicidal intent, severe harm
If I believe there is a significant risk that you could cause serious harm to yourself, such as thinking about or attempting to take your own or another person's life, may I share your contact information and brief mental health details with your doctor or relevant emergency service. Wherever possible I will try to discuss this with you first.

Terrorism and money laundering
If I become aware of your intent to commit an act of terrorism or money laundering, the law may require me to report it to an authority without asking your permission or knowledge.

Erasing your information
I will securely retain your written information for up to seven years (for insurance purposes). After that time, I destroy all information. At any time before that, you have the right to be informed about the data I hold, to receive a response within one calendar month and to withdraw consent to its use and to change/delete information. To make a request for any personal information I may have about you, please do so in writing by addressing: elainehhames@gmail.com
You can read more about your rights at ico.org.uk