GDPR Privacy Policy for Counselling & Psychotherapy Services

Effective Date: 1st January 2020

At Alannah Dawson Sligo Counselling & Psychotherapy, we are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information.

What is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an EU law that came into effect on 25 May 2018. It applies to anyone within the EU and any organisation that handles data about EU residents. GDPR aims to give individuals more control over their personal data and introduces stricter rules for businesses.

Your Rights Under GDPR

As a client, you have several key rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right to Be Informed: You can ask us how we use your data at any time.
  • Right of Access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: If your data is incorrect, you can ask us to correct it.
  • Right to Erasure: You can request the deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances.
  • Right to Object: You can ask us to stop processing your data for certain purposes, such as marketing.

Who We Are

Alannah Dawson Sligo Counselling & Psychotherapy operated by Alannah Dawson provides professional counselling and psychotherapy services. We are the sole data controller for your information. We collect data to offer services, comply with legal obligations, and improve the quality of care we provide.

Data We Collect

We collect and process the following types of data:

  • Personal Identification: Name, contact details (email, phone number).
  • Health Information: Mental health history, medical conditions, treatment preferences, and other relevant details.
  • Communication Records: Any notes or records from sessions, emails, and consultations.

Most of this data is provided directly by you through consent forms or during our sessions.

How We Use Your Data

Your information is used to:

  • Provide counselling and psychotherapy services.
  • Communicate relevant information such as appointment reminders or new services.
  • Ensure compliance with professional and legal obligations.
  • Protect the safety and well-being of clients during therapy sessions.

We will never sell your data or share it with third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by law or to fulfil our contractual obligations.

Data Storage and Security

Your personal data is stored securely and accessed only by authorised personnel (e.g., Alannah Dawson).

  • Digital Data: Stored securely by MacBook, a third-party partner who complies with GDPR standards.
  • Physical Records: Health and session notes are stored securely at our premises and are accessible only by Alannah Dawson.

We use encrypted and secure methods for any electronic communications. Sensitive data is deleted when no longer needed.

Retention of Your Data

We will retain your personal data for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. This is typically up to seven years after your last session, in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. After this period, your data will be securely deleted unless an ongoing relationship exists.

Sharing Your Information

We do not share your personal information with third parties unless:

  • You provide explicit consent for us to do so (e.g., sharing with a GP or another health professional).
  • We are legally required to do so (e.g., a court order or regulatory requirement).
  • It is necessary to fulfil the services we provide to you (e.g., to third-party service providers who help facilitate our operations).

Your Rights and How to Exercise Them

You have the right to request:

  • Access to the data we hold about you.
  • Correction of any inaccuracies in your data.
  • Deletion of your personal data (subject to certain conditions).
  • To object to certain types of processing (e.g., for marketing).

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below. If you feel your data is not being handled in accordance with GDPR, you have the right to file a complaint with the Data Protection Commissioner’s Office.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding how we manage your data, or to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

  • Email: alannah@fitbod.ie
  • Phone: 087 3240595

Updates to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or our practices. We will notify you of any significant changes.