Privacy Policy – CLG Counselling
At CLG Counselling
your privacy and confidentiality are treated with care and respect. This Privacy Policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Who We Are
CLG Counselling provides counselling and therapeutic support services.
Data Controller: CLG Counselling
Website: www.clgcounselling.co.uk
Email: enquiries@clgcounselling.co.uk
Location: Lowestoft, Suffolk, United Kingdom
CLG Counselling is the data controller responsible for your personal information.
Information We May Collect
We may collect and process the following personal information where relevant:
- Name and contact details
- Emergency contact information
- GP details (optional)
- Information relating to your wellbeing or mental health
- Counselling session notes and records
- Appointment and payment information
- Information submitted through website enquiry forms or email correspondence
We do not store card payment details.
How Your Information Is Used
- Your personal information is used to:
- Provide safe, ethical, and effective counselling services
- Respond to enquiries and arrange appointments
- Maintain accurate client records
- Meet legal, safeguarding, insurance, and professional obligations
- Improve the quality and administration of our services
Lawful Basis for Processing
Under UK GDPR, we process personal information under one or more of the following lawful bases:
- Consent – where you have given permission
- Legitimate Interests – to provide counselling services safely and appropriately
- Legal Obligations – where required by law or safeguarding responsibilities
Where consent is relied upon, you may withdraw it at any time.
Confidentiality
Everything discussed within counselling sessions is treated confidentially and respectfully.
Confidentiality may only be broken where there is a legal, ethical, or safeguarding duty to do so, including situations involving:
- Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
- Concerns relating to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults
- Legal requirements imposed by courts or legislation
As part of professional practice, client work may be discussed anonymously within professional supervision. Identifying information is not shared during this process.
How Your Data Is Stored
Your information is stored securely using password-protected and encrypted systems where appropriate.
Access to personal information is limited to authorised individuals only. Wherever possible, identifying details are stored separately from counselling notes.
Reasonable steps are taken to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, or alteration.
How Long We Keep Your Information
Client records are typically retained for:
- 7 years following the end of counselling services
- For children and young people, 7 years from their 18th birthday, where applicable
After the retention period, records are securely deleted or destroyed.
Your Rights
Under data protection law, you have the right to:
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request erasure of your data where applicable
- Restrict or object to certain processing
- Withdraw consent where consent is the lawful basis
- Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
For privacy enquiries or data requests, please contact:
enquiries@clgcounselling.co.uk
You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
If you have concerns about how your information is handled.
Data Breaches
Any suspected personal data breach will be investigated promptly. Where legally required, breaches will be reported to the ICO within 72 hours.
Cookies & Website Use
The CLG Counselling website
May use cookies and basic analytics tools to improve website functionality and understand visitor usage.
You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.
Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or business practices.
Last updated: May 2026