Privacy Policy

Last updated: 29/09/2025.

Alba Counselling and Psychotherapy ('I', we,' 'our,' or 'us) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you use our website https://www.albacounselling.org/ and our counselling services.

1. Who we are

We are Alba Counselling and Psychotherapy, a counselling service based in the UK. For the purposes of data protection law, we are the 'data controller' of your personal information.

Our contact details:

Email: info@albacounselling.org
Phone: 07901 593 897
Address: Suite 1, Regent House, 15 Hawthorn Road, Leeds, LS7 4PH

2. Information we collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

Identity data: name, date of birth, gender.
Contact details: phone number, email address, postal address.
Health information: details relevant to your mental health and wellbeing (special category data).
Session notes: records of counselling sessions where necessary.
Website usage data: IP address, browser type, and cookies (see our Cookie Policy).

3. How we collect your information

When you contact us via email, phone, or contact form.
When you register for counselling sessions.
When you visit our website.
From third parties if you are referred by a GP, health professional, or other service (with your consent).

4. Lawful basis for processing

We process your personal data under the following lawful bases:

Contract: to provide you with counselling services.

Consent: where you have given consent (e.g. to receive email updates).
Legal obligation: where we must comply with the law.
Vital interests: if we believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
Special category data (health information): processed under Article 9(2)(h) UK GDPR (healthcare purposes).

5. How we use your information

We use your information to:

Provide counselling and related services.

Communicate with you regarding appointments and enquiries.
Keep accurate records in line with professional and legal requirements.
Improve our website and services.

6. Sharing your information

We will not sell or rent your personal data. We may share your information with:

Other professionals (e.g. GP, emergency services) if required for your safety or the safety of others.
Regulators or authorities if required by law.
IT and website hosting providers (who must keep your data secure).

7. Data retention

We will keep your counselling records for 7 years after your last session, in line with professional guidelines and legal requirements. After this period, records will be securely destroyed.

8. Your rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

Access a copy of your personal data.
Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Request deletion of your data (subject to professional/legal obligations).
Restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances.
Data portability (in certain cases).
Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent).

To exercise your rights, please contact us at info@albacounselling.org.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you are unhappy with how we use your data: www.ico.org.uk.

9. Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated 'last updated' date.