Data Storage - I gather and hold information about clients on an electronic database, which is encrypted securely and held offline. Electronic database information is deleted 7 years after counselling has finished. Paper copies of information are stored in a secure filing cabinet and are shredded 7 years after the counselling has finished. This information includes brief details about each session. You have the right to ask me to provide a copy of the information held by me in my records, or request for it to be amended (subject to approval). If you wish to do so, you should inform me in writing to stacyismaelcounselling@gmail.com and I will arrange for this within 14 working days. You may withdraw your consent for me to hold and process your data at any time. However, if you do this while actively receiving counselling, your sessions would end. You can withdraw your consent by writing to stacyismaelcounselling@gmail.com.
Confidentiality - Anything you share during your sessions will be held confidentially. I am required by my professional body (BACP) to have regular supervision. Supervision is bound by the same confidentiality as counselling. During supervision, I protect your identity and talk through the process of our work together.
There are certain times when I am required by law to break confidentiality, or if I am significantly concerned about yours or another person’s welfare. Where possible, I will endeavour to talk this through with you prior to breaking confidentiality.
I keep very brief notes for the duration of our sessions together and adhere to data protection regulations and best practice.
GDPR - In order to provide you with a service of counselling, I keep information (paper format) which can be useful for our work together. I store these securely in line with GDPR and BACP guidelines. At our first session, I will explain my privacy notice and ask for your permission to store your personal data for the purposes of our work together.
Log Data - I want to inform you that whenever you visit my website, I collect information that your browser sends to me which is called Log Data. This Log Data may include information such as your computer’s Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, browser version, pages of my website that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages and other statistics.
Cookies - Cookies are files with small amounts of data that is commonly used on anonymous unique identifiers. These are sent to your browser from the website that you visit and are stored on your computer’s hard drive. My website uses these “cookies” to collection information and to improve my service.
Security - I value your trust in providing me your Personal Information, thus I strive to use commercially acceptable means of protecting it. Please be mindful however that no method of transmission over the internet, or method of electronic storage, is 100% secure and reliable, and I cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Links to Other Sites - My website may contain links to other sites. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that site. Note that these external sites are not operated by me. Therefore, I strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of these websites. I have no control over, and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.
Changes to this Privacy Policy - I may update my Privacy Policy from time to time. Thus, I advise you to review this page periodically for any changes. I will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. These changes are effective immediately, after they are posted on this page.
How to complain - If you have any concerns about our use of your personal information, you can make a complaint to me in writing at stacyismaelcounselling@gmail.com.
You can also complain to the ICO if you are unhappy with how I have used your data.
The ICO’s address: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
Helpline number: 0303 123 1113
ICO website: click here
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or to arrange an appointment.
You can also call me on +44 7494 107849 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
Are you in crisis now?
If so, please click here to be directed to The Samaritans website or call the UK Helpline on 116 123
This is just an informal chat for me to introduce myself and for you to tell me what brings you to counselling. I will explain how I work and if I feel I am able to help you. Remember, it’s important to find the right counsellor for you.
No, if we agree that we can work together, I will email to you my contract for counselling which will need to be either signed online or handed to me at the beginning of our first session.
I will verbally go through the contract for counselling to ensure you understand the terms. We will then complete a short assessment to identify how you are feeling in the moment and any goals you wish to work towards, and collect some contact information.
I treat confidentiality very seriously and am a member of the ICO. I will explain more about it in our first session. If you want to know more now, click here to read my privacy policy.
I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have. Please click here to complete my contact form and write your query in the box provided
We can discuss this in our informal chat. You may prefer the intimacy of an in-person session or find it is easier for you to have your sessions online from the comfort of your home. There’s no right way, only the right way for you.
I will send a payment link to you 48 hours before your first session. Payment is kindly requested at least 24 hours before your session is due to commence. If you have any problems with this, please just let me know and we can make alternative arrangements.
This varies from client to client. Some may need four to six and others twelve, some clients prefer open ended sessions. Whatever you decide, this is completely flexible and I will review where you are regularly throughout the counselling process.
Bereavement counselling is helpful at any stage in your loss journey, sometimes years later. As I work in a person-centred way, it is your choice to bring to each session whatever you feel you need to.
I am based in Essex and offer both in-person and online sessions.
In-person sessions take place from two locations: Barkingside, IG6 and Buckhurst Hill, IG9. Both therapy centres are confidential, relaxing and immaculately presented.
I am available for in-person and online sessions:
To arrange a complimentary 15 minute, confidential consultation to discuss your needs by telephone, please click here to complete my contact form and lets have a chat about how I can best help you.
Online Counselling Sessions
In-Person Counselling Sessions