Privacy Policy
Introduction
This is the privacy notice of Pamela Lalria, Psychotherapeutic Counselling. In this document, "I", "me", or "my" refer to Pamela Lalria Psychotherapeutic Counselling.
Your confidentiality and privacy are extremely important to me, and I take the protection of such most seriously.
This privacy policy outlines your rights and our obligations to you in regard to the storing, recording and processing of your personal information. The Data Protection Act 1988 (DPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are laws that protect your personal information. We will treat your personal information in a way that is legally compliant with these laws. The DPA defines "personal information" as any information that can be used to identify a living individual. Examples include names and email addresses. In the context of the law and this notice, “process” means collect, store, transfer, use or otherwise act on information. The law requires us to tell you about your rights and our obligations to you in regard to the processing and control of your personal data. We do this now, by requesting that you read the information provided at knowyourprivacyrights.org
The Personal Information I Record
Your personal information may be collected by me via the website that you found my profile on, over the telephone, email, other forms of writing, text, WhatsApp, and in person during our meetings. When you contact me, you will most likely provide me with personal details such as your name, email address, phone number and availability. During your initial introductory call I will ask you to read and sign a statement of understanding – working agreement. We will also complete forms to collect personal information including name, address, date of birth, telephone numbers, email address, GP details and information relevant to your referral. Furthermore, I may ask for information on: goals for therapy; previous therapy; current medication; network of support; financial and employment circumstances; health and physical issues; mental health history; alcohol and drug use; appetite and sleep; family structure and any information we deem beneficial to your therapy. Aside from the generic details, this information helps to establish your perception of the situation, how it is affecting you, and to discuss what you would like to achieve from therapy.
Storing and Processing Personal Information
The GDPR defines a "data controller" as the person who "determines the process and means of processing personal data". The data controller for Pamela Lalria Psychotherapeutic Counselling is Pamela Lalria. I store your personal information both electronically and physically. Personal information is stored electronically on devices that are password and/or fingerprint I.D. protected, and in files that are further password protected and only accessible by me. Names and contact details are stored separately to other personal information (anonymised format). Information is stored physically using paper records held securely in locked storage in an anonymised format. These records are also only accessible by me. Your telephone number may be stored in a mobile phone and deleted one month from your last session. Your phone number will not be linked to your name (anonymised format).
All text messages and WhatsApp messages are deleted within one month of the termination of your therapy if you are a client. All personal information and session notes are retained for the legal requirement of 7 years following the termination of your treatment, after which time they will be shredded and/or destroyed. However, I may need to store your information longer than this on rare occasions e.g. in a claim situation or to comply with my insurance terms and conditions.
Wherever possible, I aim to obtain your explicit consent to process this information, sometimes you might give your consent implicitly, such as when you send me a message by e-mail to which you would reasonably expect me to reply. Except where you have consented to my use of your information for a specific purpose, I do not use your information in any way that would identify you personally.
In the event of the any incapacity on my part my appointed professional executor will destroy all notes and personal information relating to my clients.
Confidentiality
All sessions will be conducted in confidence. Some brief session notes may be documented which include the date and session number. During consultations with professional supervisors, clients names are anonymised. Confidentiality, in accordance with the GDPR (2018), will be maintained and applied to all records with the exception of the following:
• When you have given your permission to share information for example, statistical data or you write a review.
• In cases where I consider there is a real possibility of harm to yourself or others.
• In cases in which information is of such gravity that confidentiality cannot be maintained e.g. safeguarding an adult (adult protection), safeguarding a child (child protection), offences involving children under the age of 18,
• In cases where I have a duty to share information regarding but not limited to, being compelled to give evidence by a court of law.
• If I am required to give information to legal authorities if they so request or if they have the proper authorisation such as a search warrant or court order.
• In cases of terrorism, fraud or money laundering.
Accessing my personal information
You have the right to find out what information I store about you. You can email
How you can complain
• I have endeavoured to create a policy that will be sufficient to assure you of the security of your personal information. However, if you are not happy with this privacy policy or if have any complaints, please feel free to communicate this to me by email and I will attempt to address your concerns. My email address is
• If a dispute is not settled, then I hope you will agree to attempt to resolve it by engaging in good faith with me in a process of mediation or arbitration.
• If you are in any way dissatisfied about how I process your personal information, you have a right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office. This can be done at https://ico.org.uk/concerns/
Review of this privacy policy
I may update this privacy notice from time to time as necessary. I advise you to print a copy for your records. If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, please contact me at
