Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies between you, the User of this Website, and Vita Counselling & Psychotherapy, the owner and provider of this Website. We take the privacy and security of your information very seriously. This Privacy Policy applies to our use of any and all personal data collected by us or provided by you in relation to your use of our Website and our counselling and psychotherapy services.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully.
## 1. Definitions
In this Privacy Policy:
**Data** means all information that you submit to Vita Counselling & Psychotherapy through the Website, by email, telephone, in person, or during the provision of counselling and psychotherapy services.
**Data Protection Laws** means all applicable legislation relating to the processing of personal data including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and any associated legislation.
**Special Category Data** means personal data relating to health, mental health, emotional wellbeing, and other sensitive information protected under UK GDPR.
**Cookies** means small text files placed on your computer or device by this Website.
**Website** means [www.vitacounsellingpsychotherapy.co.uk](http://www.vitacounsellingpsychotherapy.co.uk) and any associated sub-domains.
**We, us, our** means Vita Counselling & Psychotherapy, operated by Nicola Paterson and Lisa Tidswell.
## 2. Data Controller
For the purposes of UK data protection legislation, the data controller is:
Vita Counselling & Psychotherapy
WE1, King Edward Street
North East Lincolnshire
DN31 3LB
Email: [vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com](vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com)
Nicola Paterson and Lisa Tidswell are responsible for determining how personal information is collected, stored, used and protected.
## 3. Scope of this Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to the Website and to the counselling and psychotherapy services provided by Vita Counselling & Psychotherapy.
It does not extend to third-party websites that may be linked from this Website. Users should review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.
## 4. Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following personal information:
* Name.
* Address.
* Telephone number.
* Email address.
* Date of birth.
* Emergency contact details where appropriate.
* Appointment and attendance records.
* Payment and billing information.
* Information submitted through contact forms.
* IP address and website usage information.
* Information provided during counselling sessions.
## 5. Special Category Data
As a counselling and psychotherapy practice, we may collect special category personal data relating to:
* Physical health.
* Mental health.
* Emotional wellbeing.
* Medical history.
* Family circumstances.
* Personal experiences and life events.
* Any other sensitive information disclosed during therapy.
This information is collected only where necessary to provide counselling and psychotherapy services and is processed in accordance with UK data protection legislation.
## 6. Lawful Basis for Processing
Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), we process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:
* Contract – where processing is necessary to provide counselling and psychotherapy services.
* Legitimate Interests – where processing is necessary for the operation and administration of our practice.
* Legal Obligation – where we are required to comply with legal, regulatory or safeguarding requirements.
* Consent – where you have provided consent for specific processing activities.
Where special category data is processed, we rely upon the additional conditions permitted under Article 9 UK GDPR, including the provision of health and social care services, explicit consent, and the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
## 7. How We Collect Data
We collect personal data in the following ways:
* Information provided directly by you.
* Information provided during enquiries and consultations.
* Information disclosed during counselling sessions.
* Information provided through our Website contact forms.
* Information provided by telephone, email or written correspondence.
* Information collected automatically through the use of cookies and website analytics.
## 8. How We Use Your Information
Your personal information may be used for the following purposes:
* Providing counselling and psychotherapy services.
* Arranging and managing appointments.
* Maintaining client records.
* Responding to enquiries.
* Managing payments and administration.
* Complying with legal, professional and safeguarding obligations.
* Improving our Website and services.
We will only use your information for the purposes for which it was collected.
## 9. Confidentiality
All information shared within counselling sessions is treated as confidential.
However, confidentiality may be broken where:
* There is a risk of serious harm to yourself or another person.
* There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult.
* Disclosure is required by law.
* Disclosure is ordered by a court.
Where possible, we will discuss any necessary disclosure with you before information is shared.
## 10. Keeping Your Data Secure
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard personal data.
These measures may include:
* Password-protected systems and devices.
* Secure storage of electronic records.
* Restricted access to client information.
* Secure email and communication systems.
* Regular review of data security procedures.
If you suspect any misuse, loss or unauthorised access to your personal information, please contact us immediately at:
[vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com](vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com)
## 11. Data Breaches
In the event of a personal data breach, we will investigate the incident promptly and take appropriate action to minimise any risk.
Where required by law, we will report relevant breaches to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and affected individuals.
## 12. Data Retention
We will retain personal information only for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including the provision of counselling and psychotherapy services, compliance with legal obligations and the protection of legal rights.
Records relating to adult clients will normally be retained for seven years following the end of therapy.
Records relating to clients under the age of 16 may be retained until the client reaches the age of 25, or for a longer period where required by safeguarding, legal or professional obligations.
At the end of the applicable retention period, records will be securely destroyed or permanently deleted.
Some information may remain within secure backup systems for a limited period where required for legal, regulatory or business continuity purposes.
## 13. Your Rights
Under UK data protection legislation, you have the right to:
* Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
* Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
* Request the deletion of your personal information where applicable.
* Request restriction of the processing of your personal information.
* Object to certain types of processing.
* Request the transfer of your information to another organisation where applicable.
* Withdraw consent where consent is the lawful basis for processing.
Requests relating to your personal information should be made by email to:
[vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com](vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com)
We will normally respond within one month.
## 14. Complaints
If you have any concerns regarding how your personal information has been collected, stored or processed, please contact us in the first instance:
Email: [vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com](vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com)
We will investigate your complaint and aim to respond within 30 days.
If you remain dissatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: https://ico.org.uk/
You also have the right to seek a judicial remedy if you believe your rights under UK data protection law have been infringed.
## 15. Cookies
This Website uses cookies to improve your experience and to help us understand how visitors use the Website.
Cookies may be used to:
* Ensure the Website functions correctly.
* Remember user preferences.
* Analyse website traffic and performance.
* Improve the functionality and usability of the Website.
You may choose to disable cookies through your internet browser settings, although some parts of the Website may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.
Where required, we will obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.
## 16. Links to Other Websites
This Website may contain links to external websites. We have no control over the content or privacy practices of those websites and accept no responsibility for them.
Users are encouraged to read the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.
## 17. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, professional guidance, or our services.
Any updated version will be published on our Website and will take effect immediately upon publication.
## 18. Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or the way in which your personal information is handled, please contact:
Vita Counselling & Psychotherapy
WE1
King Edward Street
North East Lincolnshire
DN31 3LB
Email: [vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com](vitacounsellingpsychotherapy@gmail.com)
## 19. Professional Membership
Nicola Paterson is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works in accordance with the relevant professional and ethical standards.
## 20. Effective Date
This Privacy Policy was last reviewed and updated on 19 June 2026.
Vita Counselling & Psychotherapy
WE1, King Edward Street, Grimsby, DN31 3LB