Privacy Notice
Last Updated: June 2026
Privacy Notice for Clients and Website Visitors

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly, securely and in accordance with UK data protection law.

This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you contact me, visit my website or engage in counselling services.

Who I Am

I am Abbie Wedderburn, a qualified counsellor providing counselling services through my business, Willow Rise Counselling. As the Data Controller, I am responsible for deciding how your personal information is collected, used and protected.

Contact Details

Name: Abbie Wedderburn
Practice Name: Willow Rise Counselling
Email: abbie@willowrisecounselling.co.uk
Telephone: 07455711175

What Information I Collect

I may collect and process the following information:

• Name, address, telephone number and email address.

• Emergency contact details.

• Information provided when making an enquiry.

• Information shared during counselling sessions.

• Session notes and counselling records.

• Appointment and attendance records.

• Payment and invoicing information.

• Correspondence between us.

• Information submitted through my website contact form.

Why I Collect Your Information

I collect and use your information in order to:

• Respond to enquiries.

• Assess whether counselling is appropriate.

• Provide counselling services.

• Maintain professional counselling records.

• Manage appointments and payments.

• Meet professional, ethical and legal obligations.

• Protect clients or others from serious harm where disclosure may be necessary.

Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK data protection law, personal information is processed on one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Performance of a contract (to provide counselling services).

• Legitimate interests (to manage and operate my practice effectively).

• Compliance with legal obligations.

• Provision of health-related support and maintenance of counselling records where applicable

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling practice. Your personal information will not normally be shared with third parties without your knowledge or consent.

However, information may be disclosed where:

• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person.

• Disclosure is required by law or court order.

• There are safeguarding or other legal obligations requiring disclosure.

As part of my professional practice, I undertake regular clinical supervision. Any client information discussed in supervision is fully anonymised and shared solely for the purpose of ensuring safe, ethical and effective practice.

Online Counselling

Where counselling sessions are conducted online, Microsoft Teams is used as the video conferencing platform. Clients are responsible for ensuring they access online sessions from a private and secure location wherever possible.

How Long Information Is Retained

Client records are retained for seven years following the final counselling session. After this period, records are securely destroyed or permanently deleted.

Enquiry information relating to individuals who do not proceed with counselling will be retained only for as long as reasonably necessary and then securely deleted.

How Your Information Is Stored

I take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse or disclosure. Information may be stored electronically and/or in paper format and is protected through appropriate security measures.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information.

• Request correction of inaccurate information.

• Request erasure of information in certain circumstances.

• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.

• Object to processing in certain circumstances.

• Request transfer of your information where applicable.

Requests should be made using the contact details provided above.

Data Protection Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been collected, used, stored, shared, or otherwise processed by this practice, you may make a data protection complaint directly to me using the contact details provided on this website. I will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days, investigate the matter, and provide a response without undue delay.

If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Further information about the data protection complaints process is available upon request. My ICO Registration Number: ZB649768

You can find out more about your data protection rights or make a complaint to the ICO if you believe your information has not been handled appropriately.

Website Enquiries

If you contact me through this website, the information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of responding to your enquiry and assessing whether counselling services may be appropriate.

Please avoid including highly sensitive personal information in your initial enquiry wherever possible.

Changes to This Privacy Notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal, regulatory or professional requirements.

The most current version will always be available on this website