Last Updated: July 2026

At Open Path Counselling Services, your privacy is important to me. I am committed to protecting your personal information and handling it responsibly, securely and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Privacy Policy explains what information I collect, why I collect it and how it is used.
 

Who I Am

Open Path Counselling Services

Louise Collinson

Email: Louise.openpathcounselling@gmail.com

Telephone: 07963 151908

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I am the Data Controller for the personal information you provide through this website and during the counselling process.

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Information I Collect

Depending on how you contact me or use my services, I may collect:

• Your name

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Postal address (where applicable)

• Information submitted through the contact form

• Appointment details

• Information you choose to share during counselling

• Payment information (where applicable)

My website may also collect anonymous technical information such as:

• IP address

• Browser type

• Device information

• Website usage statistics through cookies and analytics.

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How Your Information Is Used

Your information is collected so that I can:

• Respond to your enquiries

• Arrange appointments

• Provide counselling services

• Maintain accurate client records

• Meet professional and legal obligations

• Improve my website and services

I will only collect information that is necessary for these purposes.

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Confidentiality

Everything discussed during counselling is treated as confidential.

However, confidentiality may need to be broken if:

• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person.

• There is a legal obligation requiring disclosure.

• Information relates to terrorism, money laundering or serious criminal activity.

• Safeguarding concerns arise involving a child or vulnerable adult.

Where possible, I will always aim to discuss this with you before sharing information.

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Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, I process your information under the following lawful bases:

• Performance of a contract (providing counselling services)

• Legitimate interests

• Legal obligations

• Your consent where required

Where special category data (such as health information) is processed, it is handled under the relevant UK GDPR conditions for healthcare and counselling services.

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How Your Information Is Stored

Your information is stored securely using password-protected systems and secure devices.

Reasonable technical and organisational measures are in place to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, loss or misuse. Only I have access to your confidential client records unless disclosure is required by law or professional obligations.

 

How Long Information Is Kept

Client records are retained in accordance with professional guidance and legal requirements. Once records are no longer required, they will be securely destroyed.

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Sharing Your Information

Your information will never be sold or shared for marketing purposes.

Information will only be shared where:

• You have given your consent.

• It is legally required.

• It is necessary to protect someone's safety.

• Professional supervision requires anonymous discussion of client work.

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Website Cookies

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and to understand how visitors use the website.

Cookies may be used for:

• Website functionality

• Website analytics

• Security

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

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Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information.

• Request correction of inaccurate information.

• Request deletion of your information where appropriate.

• Restrict or object to processing.

• Request a copy of your information.

• Withdraw consent where processing relies on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details provided above.

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Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

Open Path Counselling Services

Louise Collinson

Email: Louise.openpathcounselling@gmail.com

Telephone: 07963 151908

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Complaints

If you are unhappy with how your personal information has been handled, please contact me first so I can try to resolve your concerns.

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You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Website: https://ico.org.uk

Telephone: 0303 123 1113