Paul Taylor Counselling: Legal/Site Policies

Last updated: May 2026

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This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use and protect your personal information when you visit my website or contact me about counselling. I take your privacy seriously and follow UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). ICO Registration Number: ZC141509

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1. Who I am

Paul Taylor Counselling. Online counselling for adults in the UK Email: paul@ptcounselling.co.uk

I am the data controller for this website and for any personal information you choose to share with me.

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2. What information this website collects

a) Information you choose to give me

If you contact me through the website, I may collect:

• Your name

• Your email address

• Any information you include in your message

I use this information only to respond to your enquiry.

b) Cookies and website data

This website uses cookies to help it function properly. When you first visit, you will see a cookie banner powered by Usercentrics, which lets you accept or reject non‑essential cookies.

At present:

• I do not use Google Analytics

• I do not use advertising or tracking cookies

• Only essential and preference cookies are active unless you choose otherwise

More detail is available in my Cookie Policy.

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3. Why I collect your information

I collect and use your information for:

• Responding to your enquiry

• Providing counselling services (if you choose to work with me)

• Managing appointments and communication

• Meeting my legal and professional obligations

I do not use your information for marketing.

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4. Lawful basis for processing

Under the UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:

• Contract — to provide counselling services or respond to your enquiry

• Legal obligation — to meet my responsibilities as a counsellor (e.g., record‑keeping)

• Consent — for any optional information you choose to share

• Legitimate interests — for the basic functioning and security of the website

 

5. How your information is stored

If you contact me through the website, your message is sent to my email address: paul@ptcounselling.co.uk

I store information securely using password‑protected systems. I do not store client information on the Wix platform.

If you begin counselling with me, I will explain separately how your therapy records are stored and protected.

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6. Who I share information with

I do not sell or share your information with third parties for marketing.

I may share information only when required by law or professional duty, for example:

• If I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm

• If I am required to by a court order

• With my professional supervisor (in a way that protects your identity)

 

7. How long I keep your information

• Enquiry emails: usually deleted after 3 months if you do not begin counselling

• Client records: kept for 7 years after our work ends (as required by insurers and professional standards)

 

8. Your rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information

• Ask for corrections

• Ask for deletion (in some circumstances)

• Withdraw consent (where consent is the lawful basis)

• Complain to the ICO if you are unhappy with how your data is handled

ICO website: www.ico.org.uk

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9. Security

I take steps to keep your information safe, including:

• Secure email

• Password‑protected devices

• No storage of client notes on the Wix platform

• No unnecessary data collection

However, no online system can be guaranteed 100% secure.

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10. Changes to this notice

I may update this Privacy Notice from time to time. The “Last updated” date will always show the most recent version.

If you have any questions about this notice or how your information is used, you are welcome to contact me at paul@ptcounselling.co.uk.