Privacy Policy
Your privacy matters deeply to me. This notice explains how I handle your personal information in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
1. Who I Am
Catherine McGuinness, trading as Golden Hour Therapy, I provide private counselling services online and in person.
ICO Registration Number: [TBC]
2. What Information I Collect
I only collect information that is relevant and necessary for providing counselling safely and ethically.
Depending on how you interact with me, I may collect:
- Your name and contact details
- Emails or messages you send
- Information submitted through my contact form
- Assessment information and session notes
- Payment information
- Website analytics (if enabled)
3. Why I Collect Your Data (Legal Basis)
I process your data for:
- Responding to enquiries (legitimate interests)
- To provide counselling services (contract)
- Meeting legal and insurance obligations (legal obligation)
- To meet professional supervision requirements (legitimate interests)
- Consent‑based activities (e.g., mailing lists)
4. How Your Data Is Stored
Your data is stored securely in encrypted, password‑protected systems.
Session notes are kept separately from identifying information.
Only I have access to your identifiable information.
5. How Long I Keep Your Data
Clinical notes: up to 7 years after therapy ends
Enquiry emails: up to 6 months
Contact form submissions: up to 6 months
Financial records: 7 years (legal requirement)
6. Who I Share Data With
I do not share your information with third parties except:
- When required by law
- When there is a safeguarding concern
- In supervision (anonymised; no full names used)
- I use BookingPress to manage appointments and process payments. When you book a session or make a payment through my website, BookingPress collects and processes the information needed to complete your booking securely. BookingPress operates as a third‑party data processor and is responsible for keeping your information safe in line with GDPR requirements. I do not store your full payment details on my own systems.
I will always aim to discuss this with you first unless it is unsafe or unlawful to do so.
I never sell or trade your data.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your data
- Correct inaccuracies
- Request deletion (in some circumstances)
- Restrict or object to processing
- Withdraw consent
- Complain to the ICO (www.ico.org.uk)
8. Contact - Data Controller
I, Catherine McGuinness, trading as Golden Hour Therapy, am the Data Controller for the personal information you provide when engaging with my counselling services. This means I am responsible for deciding what information I collect, why I collect it, and how it is used and stored.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a Data Controller.
If you have any questions about how your data is handled, or if you wish to exercise any of your data rights (such as accessing, correcting, or requesting deletion of your information), you can contact me at:
Email: catherine-counselling@hotmail.com
Phone: 07531 285 391