Privacy Policy

Rachel Starling Counselling
Website: www.rachelstarlingcounselling.co.uk

Last Updated: 30/5/26

Introduction

Rachel Starling Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and respect.

This Privacy Policy explains how personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected when you visit this website or contact Rachel Starling Counselling.

Data Controller

The data controller is:

Rachel Starling
Rachel Starling Counselling
Website: www.rachelstarlingcounselling.co.uk
Email: rachelstarlingcounselling@gmail.com

Information Collected

Information may be collected when you:

• Complete a website contact form

• Email or telephone Rachel Starling Counselling

• Book an appointment

• Subscribe to updates (if applicable)

• Visit the website

This information may include:

• Name

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Information you choose to share in an enquiry

• Technical information such as IP address, browser type, and website usage data

How Information Is Used

Information is used to:

• Respond to enquiries

• Arrange consultations or appointments

• Provide counselling services

• Maintain business records

• Improve website performance and user experience

Information will not be sold or shared for marketing purposes.

Lawful Bases for Processing

Personal information is processed under the following lawful bases:

• Legitimate Interests (responding to enquiries and running the practice)

• Contract (where counselling services are requested or provided)

Where health-related information is shared, additional protections apply because this is considered special category data.

Contact Forms

Information submitted through website contact forms is used solely to respond to enquiries and discuss potential counselling services.

Please avoid sending highly sensitive information through contact forms.

Cookies and Website Analytics

This website may use cookies to improve functionality and understand how visitors use the site.

Cookies may collect anonymous information such as:

• Pages visited

• Time spent on the website

• Device and browser information

You can manage cookie settings through your browser.

Data Storage and Security

Reasonable technical and organisational measures are used to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure.

Electronic records are stored securely and access is restricted where appropriate.

Data Retention

Website enquiries that do not lead to counselling may be retained for a reasonable period before being securely deleted.

Where counselling services are provided, records may be retained for up to 7 years after the end of therapy in line with common counselling practice and insurance requirements.

Sharing Information

Information will generally not be shared with third parties unless:

• You have given consent

• There is a safeguarding concern

• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others

• Disclosure is required by law

Where professional supervision is used, client anonymity will be protected wherever possible.

Your Rights

You may have the right to:

• Request access to your information

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request deletion of information in certain circumstances

• Restrict or object to processing

• Request information about how your data is used

Requests can be made using the contact details above.

Complaints

If you have concerns about how your information is handled, please contact Rachel Starling Counselling first.

You also have the right to complain to:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The latest version will always be available on this website.