Bernadette Kavanagh Counselling
Last Updated: June 2026
Introduction
I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in a safe, secure, and transparent manner.
This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit my website, make an enquiry, or engage in therapy services.
Who I Am
Bernadette Kavanagh
Bernadette Kavanagh Counselling
Email: kavanagh1@icloud.com
Website: www.bernadettekavanaghcounselling.org
I am the Data Controller responsible for your personal information.
Information I Collect
I may collect the following information:
Website Enquiries
When you contact me through my website, email, telephone, or social media, I may collect:
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Name
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Email address
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Telephone number
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Information you choose to share about your circumstances and reasons for seeking therapy
Therapy Services
If you become a client, I may collect:
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Contact details
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Emergency contact information
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GP details (where appropriate)
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Session notes
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Appointment records
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Payment records
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Information relevant to your therapy
Some information may include sensitive personal data relating to physical or mental health.
How I Use Your Information
I use your information to:
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Respond to enquiries
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Arrange consultations and appointments
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Provide counselling and psychotherapy services
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Maintain clinical records
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Manage payments and administration
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Meet legal, ethical, and professional obligations
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Protect clients where there is a safeguarding concern
Lawful Basis for Processing
Under UK data protection law, I process personal information under the following lawful bases:
Legitimate Interests
To respond to enquiries and manage my counselling practice.
Contract
To provide counselling and psychotherapy services where a therapeutic agreement exists.
Legal Obligations
Where I am required to comply with legal, regulatory, safeguarding, or insurance requirements.
Special Category Data
Where information relates to health or mental wellbeing, processing is necessary for the provision of health and therapeutic support and in accordance with professional obligations.
Confidentiality
Everything discussed within therapy is treated confidentially.
However, confidentiality may be broken in exceptional circumstances where:
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There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person.
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There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult.
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Disclosure is required by law or court order.
Where possible, any necessary disclosure will be discussed with you first.
How Your Information Is Stored
I take reasonable steps to keep your information secure.
Information may be stored using secure electronic systems, password-protected devices, encrypted storage, and secure email services.
Only information necessary for providing counselling services is retained.
Retention of Information
Enquiries
If you enquire but do not become a client, your information will normally be retained for up to 12 months before being securely deleted.
Client Records
Clinical records are typically retained for 7 years after the end of therapy, in line with professional and insurance requirements.
Information may be retained longer where legally required.
Sharing Information
Your information will not be sold or shared for marketing purposes.
Information may be shared only where necessary with:
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Clinical supervisors (anonymised where possible)
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Professional insurers
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Legal or regulatory authorities where required by law
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Emergency services or safeguarding agencies where there is a significant risk of harm
Website Cookies
This website may use cookies to improve functionality, monitor website performance, and enhance user experience.
You can manage your cookie preferences through the cookie settings available on this website.
For further information, please refer to the Cookie Policy.
Third-Party Services
This website may use third-party services including:
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Wix (website hosting and forms)
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Google Analytics (if enabled)
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Email providers
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Payment providers
These organisations process information in accordance with their own privacy policies and applicable data protection laws.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
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Request access to your personal information
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Request correction of inaccurate information
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Request deletion of information in certain circumstances
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Restrict processing in certain circumstances
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Object to processing
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Request data portability where applicable
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Withdraw consent where processing relies on consent
To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details provided above.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how your personal information has been handled, I would welcome the opportunity to address your concerns.
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, professional guidance, or practice procedures.
The latest version will always be available on this website.
I would also recommend adding this short statement directly beneath your website contact form:
By submitting this form, you consent to me contacting you regarding your enquiry. The information you provide will be handled securely and in accordance with my Privacy Policy. Please avoid including detailed sensitive information within the contact form.