Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you visit my website or contact me about psychotherapy. I handle your information with care, respect and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Who I am
Sheryl Root Psychotherapy
ICO Registration Number: ZC173740
I am the data controller for the personal information you provide through this website and during the provision of psychotherapy.
What information I collect
If you contact me through my website, email or telephone, I may collect:
- Your name
- Your email address
- Your telephone number
- Any information you choose to share in your enquiry
If you use the contact form on this website, please avoid including sensitive personal or medical information in your initial enquiry. We can discuss your circumstances in more detail during an initial consultation.
If we begin working together, I will keep brief records necessary for the safe and effective provision of psychotherapy. These records are kept confidential and contain only information relevant to your care.
Why I collect your information
I collect personal information in order to:
- Respond to your enquiry
- Arrange an initial consultation
- Provide psychotherapy services
- Maintain appropriate clinical records
- Meet my legal, ethical and professional obligations
Lawful basis for processing
Under UK GDPR, the lawful bases for processing your personal information are:
- Legitimate interests – when you make an enquiry and I respond to your request.
- Contract – when we enter into an agreement for therapy.
- Legal obligation – where I am required to retain certain records or disclose information by law.
- Special category data – information relating to health is processed in accordance with Article 9 of UK GDPR for the provision of health and counselling services.
How your information is stored
Your personal information is stored securely using password-protected electronic systems and, where applicable, locked physical storage.
Records are limited to the information necessary for the provision of therapy and are protected against unauthorised access.
Where therapy is provided online, sessions take place using Google Meet. Reasonable steps are taken to ensure online sessions are conducted securely and confidentially. As with all internet-based services, absolute security cannot be guaranteed, but every effort is made to protect your privacy.
Confidentiality
Everything discussed in therapy is treated as confidential.
There are, however, a small number of situations where confidentiality may need to be broken. These include:
- where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person;
- where disclosure is required by law or a court order; or
- where safeguarding responsibilities require appropriate action.
Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you first.
As part of good professional practice, I receive regular clinical supervision. Client work may be discussed anonymously with my supervisor. Your identity is never disclosed.
How long information is kept
If you make an enquiry but do not begin therapy, your contact details will normally be deleted within three months unless there is a legitimate reason to retain them.
Client records are retained for seven years after the end of therapy in accordance with professional, legal and insurance requirements, after which they are securely destroyed.
Sharing your information
Your personal information will not be shared with third parties unless:
you have given your consent;
- it is necessary for the provision of therapy;
- I am legally required to do so; or
- there is a serious safeguarding concern.
I do not sell your personal information or use it for marketing purposes.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- request access to the personal information I hold about you;
- request correction of inaccurate information;
- request restriction of processing in certain circumstances;
- request erasure where appropriate;
- object to certain types of processing; and
- lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Please note that some of these rights may be limited where I have a legal, ethical or professional obligation to retain records.
Further information about your rights is available from the Information Commissioner's Office at www.ico.org.uk.
Website cookies
This website may use cookies to help it function effectively and to understand how visitors use the site. Where required, you will be asked for your consent before non-essential cookies are used.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact:
Sheryl Root Psychotherapy
If you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Last updated: July 2026
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Last updated: July 2026