Effective Date: 20/07/2026

Privacy Policy for Joanne Seddon Counselling

At Joanne Seddon Counselling, I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal data when you visit my website or contact me.

I comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who I Am

Data Controller:

Joanne Seddon
Joanne Seddon Counselling
Email: enquiries@joanneseddoncounselling.co.uk 
Telephone: 07515561068
Website: https://www.joanneseddoncounselling.co.uk/

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is used, please contact me using the details above.

2. Information I Collect

When you use my website's contact form, I may collect:

• Your name
• Email address
• Telephone number (if provided)
• The information you choose to include in your message

Please avoid including detailed or sensitive personal information in your initial enquiry unless it is necessary.

I may also automatically collect technical information including:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Pages visited
• Cookies (where applicable)

3. How I Use Your Information

I use your personal information to:

• Respond to your enquiry
• Arrange an initial consultation
• Communicate with you about my counselling services
• Maintain website security
• Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

I will not use your information for marketing unless you have specifically agreed to receive marketing communications.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, I process your personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Legitimate interests – to respond to enquiries and manage my counselling practice.
• Contract – where processing is necessary before entering into or during a counselling agreement.
• Legal obligation – where I am required to keep certain records.
• Consent – where you have given consent for specific purposes.

5. Sensitive Personal Information

If you choose to include information relating to your health or wellbeing in your enquiry, this may be considered "special category" personal data under UK GDPR.

Any such information will only be processed where permitted by law and handled with appropriate confidentiality and security.

6. How Long I Keep Your Information

If you contact me but do not become a client, I will normally retain your enquiry for up to 12 months before securely deleting it.

If you become a client, your records will be retained in accordance with my professional and legal obligations. You will receive further information about record retention as part of the counselling agreement.

7. Sharing Your Information

I do not sell or rent your personal information.

Your information may be shared with trusted service providers who help operate my website or email services, such as:

• Website hosting provider
• Email provider
• Website developer (if required for technical support)

These providers are required to keep your information secure and only process it on my instructions.

I may also disclose information if required by law or where necessary to protect someone's vital interests.

8. Keeping Your Information Secure

I take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse or disclosure.

While no method of internet transmission is completely secure, I take reasonable steps to safeguard the information you provide.

9. Cookies

My website may use cookies to improve functionality and understand how visitors use the site.

Where required, you will be asked for your consent before non-essential cookies are placed on your device.

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings.

10. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your personal information where appropriate.
• Request restriction of processing.
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Request transfer of your data in certain circumstances.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

More information is available from the ICO at www.ico.org.uk.

11. Third-Party Websites

My website may contain links to other websites. I am not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites and encourage you to read their privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

The latest version will always be available on this website and will include the effective date shown at the top of this page.

13. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact:

Joanne Seddon
Email: enquiries@joanneseddoncounselling.co.uk  
Website: https://www.joanneseddoncounselling.co.uk/

If you are unhappy with how your information has been handled, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).