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Privacy Policy

Last updated: [08.10.25]

At Vanessa’s Harbour Therapy, your privacy is of the utmost importance. This Privacy Policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected when you visit our website (www.vanessaharbourtherapy.com) or engage in therapy services with Vanessa Teixeira (“we,” “our,” or “us”).

By using our website or booking therapy services, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

Vanessa’s Harbour Therapy is an independent counselling practice operated by:

Vanessa Teixeira
BA (Hons) Person-Centred Counselling
MSc Psychodynamic Counselling
MNCPS (Acc.) – NCS22-02835

📧 vanessaharbourtherapy@gmail.com
📞 0756 1433 193
🌐 www.vanessaharbourtherapy.com

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

a) Information You Provide Directly

  • Name, contact details (email, phone number).

  • Personal details shared during consultations or sessions.

  • Emergency contact information.

  • Payment details (processed securely through third-party providers).

b) Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may collect non-identifiable data such as:

  • IP address, browser type, and general usage statistics (via analytics tools).

  • Cookies (used only for functionality and website performance).

3. How Your Information Is Used

Your personal data is used solely for professional, ethical, and administrative purposes, including:

  • Providing counselling and therapy services.

  • Booking and confirming appointments.

  • Managing payments and invoicing.

  • Communicating with you about your sessions or enquiries.

  • Maintaining professional records in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

  • Ensuring the safety, quality, and supervision of clinical practice.

We do not sell, share, or trade your personal data with any third party for marketing purposes.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following lawful bases, in line with UK GDPR:

  • Contract: To deliver the therapy service you request.

  • Consent: For communication and storing your data for ongoing sessions.

  • Legal obligation: When required by law (e.g., safeguarding or court orders).

  • Legitimate interest: To maintain secure and accurate records for professional practice.

5. Confidentiality and Data Sharing

All information shared during therapy sessions is strictly confidential, except in the following circumstances:

  1. There is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

  2. There are concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult.

  3. There is a legal requirement to disclose information (e.g., terrorism, money laundering, or court order).

  4. The therapist is required to discuss anonymised cases in supervision for professional development.

Any sharing of information will always be limited to what is absolutely necessary and, whenever possible, discussed with you beforehand.

6. Data Storage and Security

  • Client records are stored securely in password-protected, encrypted systems.

  • Session notes are kept minimal and anonymised.

  • Data is retained for seven (7) years after the end of therapy, in accordance with professional guidelines and insurance requirements, after which it will be safely destroyed.

7. Your Rights

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you.

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

  • Request deletion of your data (unless retention is required by law).

  • Withdraw consent for data processing at any time.

  • File a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data has been mishandled.

You can learn more or contact the ICO at www.ico.org.uk.

8. Use of Cookies

Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience and analyse site performance. You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.

9. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., booking systems, payment processors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect legal, professional, or operational changes. The “Last Updated” date will be amended accordingly.

11. Contact

For any questions, requests, or concerns about your data or this policy, please contact:

Vanessa’s Harbour Therapy
📧 vanessaharbourtherapy@gmail.com
📞 0756 1433 193
🌐 www.vanessaharbourtherapy.com

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