Privacy Notice

1. Introduction

As a registered Mental Health Therapist with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I am committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation.

2. Who I Am

Natasha Palmer – Mental Health Therapist, Bangor, Northern Ireland

n.palmer.therapy@gmail.com

3. Data Collection

I collect and process personal data about you when you engage my services. This includes:

  • Personal Identification Information: Name, address, phone number, email address.
  • Sensitive Personal Data: Health information, including mental health history, session notes, and other relevant health-related information.
  • Payment Information: Bank details, payment card details.

4. How I Use Your Data

Your data is used for the following purposes:

  • Providing Therapy Services: To deliver effective counselling and psychotherapy services.
  • Administrative Purposes: Managing your appointments, billing, and communication.
  • Legal Obligations: To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

The legal bases for processing your data are:

  • Consent: You have given clear consent for me to process your personal data for specific purposes.
  • Contract: The processing is necessary for a contract I have with you, or because you have asked me to take specific steps before entering into a contract.
  • Legal Obligation: The processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which I am subject.
  • Legitimate Interests: The processing is necessary for my legitimate interests, provided these interests are not overridden by your rights and interests.

6. Data Sharing

I do not share your personal data with third parties except:

  • With your explicit consent.
  • To comply with legal obligations or valid legal processes (e.g., court orders).
  • If there is a risk of serious harm to you or others.

7. Data Retention

Your personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Typically, this is up to 7 years after your last session unless otherwise required by law.

8. Data Security

I implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of your personal data. This includes secure storage solutions, encrypted communications, and regular security reviews.

9. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access: The right to request a copy of the personal data I hold about you.
  • Rectification: The right to request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: The right to request deletion of your personal data, subject to certain conditions.
  • Restriction: The right to request restriction of processing of your personal data.
  • Data Portability: The right to request the transfer of your data to another party.
  • Objection: The right to object to the processing of your data in certain circumstances.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or your data protection rights, please email:
n.palmer.therapy@gmail.com

11. Complaints

If you are not satisfied with my response to any data protection issue you raise with me, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
Website: https://ico.org.uk Phone: 0303 123 1113

Address: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

12. Changes to This Privacy Notice

I may update this Privacy Notice from time to time. Any changes will be notified to you by email or during a session.

Effective Date: 30-04-2024