Space to Change Counselling
Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 15 January 2026
1. Introduction
Sarah Sivasundaram ("I", "me", "my") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what personal information I collect, how I use it, and how I keep it secure in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
2. Information I Collect
I collect personal data to provide safe and effective counselling, including:
- Personal Details: Name, address, phone number, email address.
- Sensitive Data: GP details, medical history, medications, relevant background information, notes from sessions, and risk assessments.
- Website Usage: IP address, location, and device data (via cookies/analytics).
3. Lawful Basis for Processing
I process your data based on legitimate interests to provide therapeutic services, as well as to comply with legal obligations (e.g., in safeguarding situations).
4. How I Store Your Information
- Electronic Data: Emails, client records, and intake forms are stored securely on [e.g., encrypted cloud storage/password-protected devices].
- Paper Records: Any physical notes are stored in a locked filing cabinet.
- Data Retention: Records are kept for [e.g., 5-7] years following the end of therapy, in line with BACP guidelines, and then securely destroyed.
5. Sharing Your Information
Your information is confidential and will not be shared without your consent, except in specific circumstances:
- Supervision: To ensure quality, anonymous details may be discussed with my supervisor.
- Safety/Legal: I may disclose information without consent if I believe there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by a court of law.
6. Your Rights
Under the GDPR, you have the right to access the data I hold about you, request corrections, request erasure (deletion), or object to processing.
7. Contact
If you have questions about this policy, please contact me at:
- Email: sarah@spacetochangecounselling.co.uk
- Website: spacetochangecounselling.co.uk
Space to Change Counselling
Conflict of Interest Policy
Last Updated: 15 January 20
1. Purpose and Scope
This policy applies to all counsellors, therapists, trainees, staff, and volunteers at Space to Change Counselling. The aim is to ensure that all therapeutic and business relationships are conducted with integrity, ensuring client safety and objectivity, and adhering to the BACP Ethical Framework.
2. Defining Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs when a counsellor's professional judgment is, or might be, influenced by their personal interests or relationships. Examples include:
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Dual Relationships: Providing therapy to friends, family members, business associates, or acquaintances.
- Financial Interests: Having a financial stake in a client’s business or accepting significant gifts.
- Competing Commitments: Seeing a client who is also a client of another service the therapist runs.
- Treating Multiple Family Members: Seeing two members of the same family for individual therapy.
3. Disclosure and Management
- Initial Assessment: Therapists must identify potential conflicts during the initial assessment.
- Disclosure: Potential conflicts must be disclosed immediately to a supervisor and, if appropriate, to the client.
- Management Plan: The conflict must be managed through supervision, and, if the conflict compromises objectivity, the therapy should not commence or should be terminated.
- Referral: If a conflict arises, the client will be offered a referral to another qualified professional.
5. Confidentiality
All disclosures of conflicts of interest will be treated confidentially but documented in accordance with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 requirements.
Space to Change Counselling
6. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually.
Space to Change Counselling
Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: 15 January 2026
1. About Space to Change Counselling
I am a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist, member of BACP, working in accordance with their ethical framework. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for data protection.
2. The Counselling Agreement
- Sessions: Sessions are 50 minutes long, held either weekly/fortnightly either in-person at EN5 5SU or online via Teams.
- Fees: Fees are £80.00 per session, payable in advance/within 72 hours] via bank transfer or cash payment one session in advance.
- Duration: Therapy is open-ended/short-term or intermittently . We will review progress regularly.
3. Cancellations and Missed Sessions
- Notice Period: A minimum of 72 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule.
- Late Cancellation/No-Show: If you cancel with less than 72 hours' notice, or fail to attend, the full fee is payable.
4. Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR 2026)
- Privacy: All sessions are confidential, and data is managed in line with GDPR.
- Limits to Confidentiality: Confidentiality will be broken if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if required by law (e.g., terrorism, serious crime).
- Supervision: To ensure safe practice, I discuss my work with a qualified supervisor, using only your first name.
- Emergencies: I do not provide an emergency service. In a crisis, you must contact your GP, 111, or emergency services.
5. Online/Remote Therapy
You are responsible for ensuring a private, quiet space with a secure internet connection for sessions.
6. Termination
Either party may end the agreement. I require 1 session(s) notice to allow for a proper ending.
7. Liability
My liability is limited to the fees paid for services. I am not liable for any indirect loss or damage resulting from the counseling process.
8. Acceptance of Terms
By booking and attending sessions, you agree to these terms.