Privacy notice

This Privacy Notice explains how The RelationSHIFT Counsellor, a private counselling practice in the UK, collects, uses, and protects personal data when you visit this website or make contact about counselling services.

This notice complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Who this applies to

This notice applies to:

  • Visitors to this website

  • People who contact The RelationSHIFT Counsellor via forms, email, or phone

If you begin counselling, a separate Client Privacy Notice will be provided before therapy starts.

Who is responsible for your data

Keeley Matthews, trading as The RelationSHIFT Counsellor, is the data controller and is responsible for how your personal data is handled.

What personal data is collected

Personal data collected via this website may include:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • Information you choose to include in an enquiry

  • Basic technical data such as IP address and browser type (via cookies and analytics)

Why personal data is collected

Your personal data is used to:

  • Respond to enquiries about counselling

  • Arrange and manage appointments

  • Provide information about services

  • Meet professional, legal, and insurance requirements

Personal data is not used for marketing without consent and is never sold or shared for commercial purposes.

Lawful basis for processing

Personal data is processed under one or more of the following lawful bases:

  • Contract – responding to enquiries and providing counselling services

  • Legitimate interests – managing and administering the practice

  • Consent – where explicitly given

  • Legal obligation – where disclosure is required by law

  • Vital interests – where there is serious risk of harm

How data is stored and protected

Reasonable and appropriate security measures are in place, including secure email systems, password-protected and encrypted digital storage, and restricted access to personal information.

How long data is kept

  • Enquiry data that does not lead to therapy is usually deleted within 12 months

  • Client records are retained for 7 years after therapy ends, in line with professional and insurance guidance

Data is securely deleted or destroyed when no longer required.

Sharing personal data

Personal data is kept confidential and is shared only where:

  • There is a legal requirement

  • There is a serious risk of harm

  • Explicit consent has been given

Your data protection rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data held about you

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information

  • Request erasure of data (where applicable)

  • Object to or restrict processing

  • Raise concerns with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Cookies and analytics

This website may use cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site and to improve website performance.
Cookie preferences can be managed through your browser settings.

Updates to this notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time.
The most recent version will always be published on this website.

Last updated: December 2025

A separate Safeguarding Policy explains how concerns about safety are handled and is available here.