Privacy policy.

Start Therapy is committed to safeguarding the privacy, rights and personal information of all clients, prospective clients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy sets out how your information is collected, processed, stored and protected in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and relevant professional ethical frameworks.

By submitting an enquiry or engaging in therapy, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Data Controller

Start Therapy
Data Controller: Auberon Hedgecoe
Location: Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK
Email: auberon@start-therapy.co.uk

The Data Controller is responsible for ensuring your personal data is handled lawfully and securely. Start Therapy is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

2. Information Collected

Only information necessary for safe, effective and ethical counselling is collected.

2.1. When using the website or enquiry form

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Telephone number (optional)

  • Preferred contact method

  • Brief message or enquiry (optional)

2.2. When commencing therapy

  • Full name and address

  • Date of birth

  • Emergency contact

  • GP details

  • Relevant background information you choose to provide

  • Session notes (kept concise and professional)

2.3. Technical data

Basic website analytics (IP address, browser type, pages visited) may be collected automatically via Squarespace. This information is anonymised and cannot identify you personally.

No unnecessary, intrusive or excessive information is collected at any stage.

3. Lawful Basis for Processing

Your data is processed under the following lawful bases:

3.1. Contract

To arrange appointments, provide therapy, communicate with you and manage your account.

3.2. Legitimate Interests

To maintain appropriate client records, ensure safe practice, manage the business of the service and improve the website.

3.3. Consent

Used for initial enquiries via the website or newsletter sign-up. You may withdraw consent at any time.

3.4. Vital Interests

Applied only where there is a serious and immediate risk to life or safety.

3.5. Legal Obligation

Where disclosure is required by law (e.g., court order, safeguarding duties).

4. How Your Information Is Used

Your data is used to:

  • Respond to your enquiry

  • Arrange appointments

  • Deliver counselling sessions

  • Maintain appropriate and ethical client records

  • Contact you regarding scheduling, invoices or essential updates

  • Ensure safe, competent therapeutic practice

  • Comply with legal and regulatory duties

Your information is never used for unsolicited marketing and is never shared with third parties for commercial purposes.

5. How Your Information Is Stored

Data is stored securely using the following safeguards:

  • Encrypted, password-protected digital devices

  • Secure, reputable email servers

  • Locked physical storage for any paper records

  • Minimal session notes, anonymised where possible

  • Notes and contact details stored separately for safety

Access is strictly limited to the Data Controller unless disclosure is legally or ethically required.

6. Retention Periods

Retention follows professional guidance and legal requirements.

  • Session notes: retained for 7 years after therapy ends

  • Enquiry forms: deleted after 12 months if therapy does not commence

  • Administrative and financial records: kept according to HMRC requirements

After retention periods expire, data is securely destroyed or erased.

7. Confidentiality & Sharing of Information

Your information is strictly confidential. It will only be shared in the following circumstances:

7.1. Risk of serious harm

Where there is credible risk of significant harm to yourself or others.

7.2. Legal requirement

If a court or legal authority compels disclosure.

7.3. Professional supervision

Required by ethical frameworks. All material is anonymised; supervisors do not receive identifiable data.

7.4. Safeguarding obligations

If required to protect a vulnerable adult or young person.

Where possible and safe, you will be informed before any disclosure.

8. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request deletion of your data (where legally permissible)

  • Withdraw consent for contact

  • Restrict processing

  • Data portability (where applicable)

  • Object to certain uses of your data

  • Lodge a complaint with the ICO

To exercise your rights, email: auberon@start-therapy.co.uk

9. Cookies & Website Tracking

The website may use cookies to ensure functionality and understand general traffic patterns.
These cookies do not store therapeutic information.

You may disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.

10. Third-Party Services

Start Therapy may use trusted third-party platforms for:

  • Website hosting (Squarespace)

  • Email communication

  • Secure storage solutions

These providers comply with international data protection standards. Data is not transferred outside the UK without sufficient safeguards.

11. Updates to This Policy

This policy is reviewed regularly and may be updated to reflect changes in law, regulation or practice.
The latest version will always appear on this website.

12. Contact

For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal data:

Start Therapy
Email: auberon@start-therapy.co.uk
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK