Privacy Policy

Last updated: 3/11/25

Your privacy is very important to me. This policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By using this website or contacting me, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Who I Am

This website is operated by Emilie Watson, a qualified and registered counsellor providing therapeutic services in the United Kingdom.

Contact details:
Email: emilie@thecalmplace.co.uk
Business address: Your Healing Rooms, Nevill Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5AA
Data Controller: Emilie Watson

ICO Registration Number: ZB698760

2. What Information I Collect

Depending on how you use this website or engage with my services, I may collect:

Personal details such as your name, email address, and phone number (e.g. via contact or booking forms).

Sensitive information (special category data), including information about your mental health, only if you begin therapy.

Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and site usage (via cookies and analytics).

I only collect information that is relevant and necessary for providing counselling services or managing enquiries.

3. How I Use Your Information

Your information is used for the following purposes:

To respond to your enquiries or booking requests.

To provide counselling and maintain accurate client records.

To send you important updates related to your sessions or services.

To improve the website and user experience.

To comply with legal or professional obligations.

I will never sell, rent, or share your information for marketing purposes.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

I process your personal data under the following lawful bases:

Consent: When you voluntarily provide information (e.g. via a contact form).

Contract: To deliver counselling services or manage appointments.

Legal obligation: To comply with professional or legal requirements.

Legitimate interests: To ensure the smooth running and security of my website.

5. Confidentiality in Therapy

Anything discussed during therapy is confidential, with the following exceptions:

If I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm.

If required by law (e.g. safeguarding or court order).

For supervision purposes (where minimal, anonymised information is shared to support professional standards).

You will be informed wherever possible if confidentiality must be broken.

6. How Your Data Is Stored

Your personal data is securely stored in password-protected digital systems and/or locked physical files.
I retain client records in line with professional and insurance requirements (usually for up to 7 years after your final session), after which they are securely deleted or destroyed.

7. Cookies and Website Analytics

This website may use cookies or analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site.
You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer.

Cookies are small files stored on your device and do not contain personal information.

8. Sharing Your Data

Your data is not shared with anyone else unless:

It’s necessary to deliver my services (e.g. using secure practice management software or email providers).

It’s required by law or professional duty.

Any third-party services I use comply with UK GDPR and protect your data.

9. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access the personal data I hold about you.

Request corrections to inaccurate information.

Request deletion of your data (in certain cases).

Withdraw consent (where applicable).

Object to or restrict how your data is used.

Request data portability.

To exercise these rights, please contact me at emilie@thecalmplace.co.uk.

10. Data Breaches

In the unlikely event of a data breach, I will take immediate steps to minimise risk and notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and affected individuals as required by law.

11. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in law or practice. The latest version will always be available on this website.

12. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

Emilie Watson

📧 emilie@thecalmplace.co.uk
📍 Your Healing Rooms, Nevill Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5AA.

If you are not satisfied with how your data is handled, you can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk.