PRIVACY POLICY
Last updated: August 2025
Thank you for visiting my website. Protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy is very important to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use and protect your information when you use this website or receive my therapy services.
1. Data Controller
I am Sam Fairgrieve, a UKCP-accredited and BACP-registered psychotherapist. I am the data controller responsible for the personal information you provide via this website and during therapy.
You can contact me at:
Email: [email protected]
2. Information I Collect
I collect personal information when you:
Complete the contact form on my website
Email me directly
Provide details during therapy sessions (e.g. personal history, medical info, therapy notes)
Subscribe to newsletters or blogs (if applicable)
The types of information I may collect include your name, contact details, email address, date of birth, health information and any other details you choose to share.
3. How I Use Your Information
Your information is used solely for the following purposes:
To provide and manage therapy sessions
To respond to your inquiries or requests
To communicate important information regarding therapy and appointments
To improve the website and services, including through Google Analytics and Search Console
To comply with legal and professional obligations
Your data will never be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes
4. Legal Basis for Processing
I process your data on the following bases:
Your explicit consent (e.g. when you contact me or book a session)
To fulfil a contract (providing therapy services)
To comply with legal obligations (e.g. record keeping)
Legitimate interests, such as maintaining the website and improving services
5. Data Sharing and Third Parties
I do not share your personal data with external organisations except:
When required by law or regulatory bodies
With your explicit consent
When sharing with professional supervisors or in training for the purpose of improving clinical practice, under strict confidentiality and data protection conditions
The third-party services I use (e.g. Google Analytics, email providers) are also bound to protect your data in compliance with GDPR.
6. Data Retention
I retain your personal and clinical information only for as long as necessary to provide therapy and to meet legal, regulatory and professional requirements. Generally, this means retaining clinical records for at least 7 years after the end of therapy.
Non-clinical data, such as contact form submissions, will be retained only as long as needed to respond to your inquiry.
7. Data Security
I take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, loss or misuse. This includes secure storage of records, password protection, and encrypted communications where possible.
8. International Transfers
I do not transfer your personal data outside of the United Kingdom.
9. Children’s Privacy
My services are intended for adults aged 18 and over. I do not knowingly collect or store personal data from anyone under 18.
10. Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the right to:
Access the personal data I hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data where there is no legal reason to retain it
Restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances
Data portability — request a copy of your data in a portable format
Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data is mishandled
To exercise any of these rights, please contact me at:
11. Cookies and Tracking
My website uses cookies and Google Analytics to monitor website performance and visitor behaviour to improve your experience. These tools do not collect personal identifying information. You can disable cookies via your browser settings if you wish.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in legislation, best practices or services. Any significant changes will be notified on the website. The date at the top reflects the latest version.
If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy or how I handle your data, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]