Privacy policy
Birkdale Hypnotherapy is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in a safe, secure and professional manner.
This privacy policy explains how your personal information is collected, stored and used when you contact Birkdale Hypnotherapy, attend sessions, use the website, or communicate by email, telephone or text message.
This policy has been written in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Who we are
Birkdale Hypnotherapy is a Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy practice based in Southport, Merseyside.
Data Controller: Catherine Eland Birkdale Hypnotherapy 5 Grosvenor Gardens Birkdale Southport PR8 2LH
Email: info@birkdalehypnotherapy.co.uk
ICO Registration Number: ZA341130
What information we collect
The information collected may include:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- GP details (with your consent)
- Relevant medical or health information
- Session notes
- Appointment history
- Information submitted through website contact forms
- Emails and text messages
- Website usage information through cookies and analytics
Only information relevant to your therapy and care is collected.
Why we collect your information
Your information is collected to:
- Provide hypnotherapy and psychotherapy services
- Arrange and manage appointments
- Maintain clinical records
- Monitor progress throughout therapy
- Respond to enquiries
- Comply with professional and legal obligations
- Ensure safe and ethical practice
The lawful basis for processing your information is:
- Consent
- Legitimate interests
- Provision of healthcare services
- Legal and professional obligations
How your information is stored
Birkdale Hypnotherapy takes appropriate steps to protect your personal information.
Information may be stored in the following ways:
Paper records
Paper records are stored securely in locked storage.
Electronic records
Electronic files and documents are password protected and stored on secure devices.
Emails and text messages
Communication by email and text message is stored securely on password protected devices.
Website data
Website information is protected through secure website hosting and password protected systems.
Reasonable steps are taken to protect all personal data from unauthorised access, loss, misuse or disclosure.
Confidentiality
Everything discussed during sessions remains confidential.
In some circumstances, aspects of sessions may be discussed confidentially with a professional supervisor to support safe and ethical practice. No identifying personal information will be shared during supervision.
Information will only be shared with other healthcare professionals with your written consent.
The only exceptions to confidentiality are where there is:
- A serious risk of harm to yourself or others
- A safeguarding concern
- A legal obligation such as a court order
- A professional duty of care requirement
Where possible, this would always be discussed with you first.
How long information is kept
As required by professional insurance and regulatory guidelines, records are retained for:
- 8 years after your final session for adults
- Until age 25 for children
- Until age 26 where treatment ends at age 17
After this retention period, records are securely deleted or destroyed.
Your rights under GDPR
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your information where appropriate
- Withdraw consent where consent is the lawful basis
- Restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances
- Make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Requests can be made in writing or by email.
Access to your records
You may request a copy of the personal information held about you.
Requests will normally be responded to within one month in accordance with GDPR guidelines.
Proof of identity may be required before information is released.
Deletion of records
You may request deletion of your personal information where legally appropriate.
Some information may need to be retained where there is a legal, insurance or professional requirement to do so.
Records that can be deleted will be securely destroyed.
Website cookies
The Birkdale Hypnotherapy website uses cookies and analytics tools to help improve website performance and user experience.
Cookies may collect anonymous information such as:
- Website traffic
- Visitor behaviour
- Pages viewed
- Time spent on pages
You may disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.
For further information about cookies, please visit: https://www.allaboutcookies.org
Marketing
Birkdale Hypnotherapy does not sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes.
Your details will not be added to mailing lists without your consent.
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
Birkdale Hypnotherapy works with children aged 8 and above, in accordance with appropriate safeguarding procedures.
Parents or guardians are required to attend the initial consultation for clients under 16 years old and remain on the premises during sessions.
An enhanced DBS certificate is held and kept up to date.
Complaints
If you have a complaint regarding services provided by Birkdale Hypnotherapy, every effort will be made to resolve concerns professionally and respectfully.
If required, you may also contact the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
Further information can be found at: https://www.cnhc.org.uk
Changes to this policy
This privacy policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or business practices.
Please check this page regularly for updates.
Contact details
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy or the information held about you, please contact:
Catherine Eland Birkdale Hypnotherapy 5 Grosvenor Gardens Birkdale Southport PR8 2LH
Email: info@birkdalehypnotherapy.co.uk
Website: www.birkdalehypnotherapy.co.uk