At Different Therapy NI, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you visit our website or engage with our counselling services, in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
1. Information We Collect We may collect and process various types of information, including:
- Personal Information: Your name, contact details (email, phone number), and any information you provide when contacting us or booking an appointment.
- Special Category (Sensitive) Data: Information shared during counselling sessions related to your mental health, physical health, well-being, and lifestyle.
- Website Usage Information: Anonymous data collected when you visit our website, such as your IP address, browser type, and referring pages.
2. Lawful Basis for Processing Data Under the UK GDPR, we process your data using the following legal bases:
- Contract: To provide the counselling services you have requested.
- Special Category Data Condition: We process your health-related data under Article 9(2)(h) of the UK GDPR (the provision of health or social care treatment) and in accordance with professional ethical frameworks.
- Legitimate Interests: For administrative purposes, such as sending appointment reminders.
3. How We Use Your Information We use the collected information to:
- Provide effective, tailored, and professional counselling support.
- Respond to inquiries and manage bookings.
- Send appointment reminders and essential service updates.
- Analyse website traffic trends to improve our online user experience.
4. Data Security and Retention
- Security: We implement strict technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal data and clinical notes.
- Retention: We store your personal data and session notes securely for a period of 7 years following the end of your therapy, in line with professional indemnity insurance and clinical guidelines. After this period, your data is securely destroyed.
5. Sharing Your Information We maintain strict confidentiality. We do not share your personal information with third parties without your explicit consent, except in the following necessary circumstances:
- Legal and Safety Requirements: If required by law, or if there is a severe risk of harm to yourself or others, we may be legally or ethically obligated to disclose information to relevant authorities.
- Professional Supervision: In line with professional requirements, clinical case material is discussed with a qualified supervisor. Your identity and personal details remain completely anonymous during these consultations.
6. Your Rights You hold the following rights regarding your data:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information and notes we hold about you.
- Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to our legal and insurance obligations to retain clinical records).
- Restriction/Objection: Restrict or object to certain types of data processing.
7. Data Protection Complaints Procedure. In accordance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (effective from 19 June 2026), we operate a formal internal data protection complaints procedure.If you have any concerns or complaints regarding how we collect, store, or handle your personal data, you must raise this with us directly in the first instance.
- How to lodge an internal complaint: Please email or write to us using the contact details provided in Section 9. We will formally acknowledge, investigate, and respond to your privacy complaint within 30 days.
- Escalation: If you remain unsatisfied with our internal response, you retain the right to escalate your complaint to the statutory authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) (www.ico.org.uk).
8. Cookies Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You can adjust your browser settings to manage, block, or disable cookies at any time.
9. Contact Us & Professional Registration If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, your data rights, or if you wish to exercise your rights or lodge an internal data complaint, please contact us via our website contact form or directly at:
By engaging with Different Therapy NI's services or using our website, you signify your agreement to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
Last updated: August 2026