Privacy Policy

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Privacy Policy Notice

The policy: This privacy policy notice is served by Straightforward Therapy under the website straightforwardtherapy.co.uk. The purpose of this policy is to explain to you how I control, process, handle and protect your personal information through the business and while you browse or use this website. If you do not agree to the following policy you may wish to cease viewing/using this website, and or refrain from submitting your personal data to me.

Policy key definitions:

• "I", "our", "us", or "we" refer to the business, Straightforward Therapy
• "you", "the user" refer to the person(s) using this website.
• GDPR means General Data Protection Act.
• ICO means Information Commissioner's Office.
• Cookies mean small files stored on a user’s computer or device.

Key principles of GDPR:

Our privacy policy embodies the following key principles; (a) Lawfulness, fairness and transparency, (b) Purpose limitation, (c) Data minimisation, (d) Accuracy, (e) Storage limitation, (f) Integrity and confidence, (g) Accountability.

Processing of your personal data

Under the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) I control and / or process any personal information about you electronically using the following lawful base. I am exempt from registration in the ICO Data Protection Register due to the lawful basis of consent:

Lawful basis: Consent
Where my purpose for processing is: Recording the content and outcomes of counselling / coaching sessions.
Which is necessary because: These sessions are part of a planned process and are needed as referral materials.
I process your information in the following ways: Written, audio and video notes are stored on a secure server accessed only by myself.
Data retention period: I will continue to process your information under this basis until you withdraw consent, or it is determined your consent no longer exists. After this all information is archived for 5 years before being deleted.
Sharing your information: I do not share your information with third parties.

If, as determined by me, the lawful basis upon which I process your personal information changes I will notify you about the change and any new lawful basis to be used if required. I will stop processing your personal information if the lawful basis used is no longer relevant.

Your individual rights

Under the GDPR your rights are as follows: 

• the right to be informed;
• the right of access;
• the right to rectification;
• the right to erasure;
• the right to restrict processing;
• the right to data portability;
• the right to object; and
• the right not to be subject to automated      decision-making including profiling.

You also have the right to complain to the ICO [www.ico.org.uk] if you feel there is a problem with the way I am handling your data. I handle subject access requests in accordance with the GDPR.

Internet cookies

I use cookies on this website to provide you with a better user experience. I do this by placing a small text file on your device / computer hard drive to track how you use the website, to record or log whether you have seen particular messages that I display and to keep you logged into the website where applicable.

Some cookies are required to enjoy and use the full functionality of this website.

I use a cookie control system which allows you to accept the use of cookies, and control which cookies are saved to your device / computer. Some cookies will be saved for specific time periods, where others may last indefinitely. Your web browser should provide you with the controls to manage and delete cookies from your device, please see your web browser options.

Data security and protection

I ensure the security of any personal information I hold by using secure data storage technologies and precise procedures in how I store, access and manage that information. My methods meet the GDPR compliance requirement.