Your information, handled with care and respect
I understand that when you share personal information — whether through my website, by email, or in session — you’re placing trust in me. This policy explains how your data is collected, stored, and used in a way that is safe, respectful, and fully in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and committed to protecting your privacy.
- Who I am
Riverstone Counselling
Email: lorraine@riverstone-counselling.co.uk
- What information I collect and why
Depending on how you interact with me, I may collect the following:
| Type of Data | Why It’s Collected |
| Name, email, phone | So that I can respond to enquiries or arrange appointments |
| Brief client notes | To support your therapy process (held securely and confidentially) |
| Website usage data | To help improve the site and understand how it’s used (via Google Analytics) |
| Email communication | To provide you with relevant information or resources |
- How your information is stored
I take great care in keeping your data safe:
- Personal details and session notes are stored securely — either electronically (password-protected and encrypted) or in locked storage.
- Website and email data are stored via secure platforms.
- I do not share or sell your data to third parties for marketing.
- How long I keep your information
- Client records are usually kept for 7 years after our last session, as recommended by insurers and professional bodies (e.g., BACP).
- Email or website enquiries not leading to therapy are typically deleted within 6–12 months.
- Your rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data I hold about you
- Ask for it to be corrected or deleted
- Withdraw consent (where applicable)
- Lodge a complaint with the ICO if you believe your data has been mishandled
To exercise any of these rights, please just get in touch — I’ll be happy to help.
More information: www.ico.org.uk
- Cookies and website analytics
This website uses basic cookies and Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site (e.g., what pages are most popular). This data is anonymous and helps improve the site’s clarity and usefulness. You can choose whether to accept or reject cookies when you visit.
- Updates to this policy
This privacy notice may be updated occasionally to reflect changes in law or practice. The latest version will always be available here on the website.
Any questions?
If you have any concerns or would like to know more about how your information is handled, I welcome your questions.