Marina Polin Counselling 

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This privacy notice explains how Marina Polin, trading as Marina Polin Counselling, collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use counselling services. 
 

This notice is provided in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. 

 

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Who I Am 

 

Data Controller:

Marina Polin

Marina Polin Counselling 

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I am responsible for keeping your personal information safe and confidential. 

I am registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK’s independent authority for data protection. 

 

What Information I Collect 

To provide counselling services, I may collect and store the following information: 

• Your name and contact details (such as phone number and email address) 

• Emergency contact details 

• GP details (if provided) 

• Information you choose to share about your wellbeing or personal history 

• Brief session notes 

• Appointment records 

• Payment information 

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Some of this information may be considered sensitive health information under the UK General Data Protection Regulation. 

 

Why I Collect This Information 

Your information is used to: 

• Provide counselling services 

• Contact you about appointments 

• Maintain safe and ethical counselling practice 

• Keep accurate records 

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The lawful bases for processing your information include contract, legitimate interests, and explicit consent where required under the UK General Data Protection Regulation. 

 

How Your Information Is Stored 

Your information is stored securely. This may include: 

• Password-protected electronic devices 

• Secure email systems 

• Locked storage for any paper records 

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Only Marina Polin has access to your records. 

 

Confidentiality and Supervision 

Everything you share in counselling is treated as confidential. 

As part of professional practice, counsellors regularly discuss their work with a qualified supervisor to ensure safe and ethical practice. Identifying information is kept to a minimum wherever possible. 

Marina Polin is committed to working in accordance with the ethical principles and professional standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which include maintaining client confidentiality and protecting personal information. 

 

When Information May Be Shared 

Your information will only be shared if: 

• You give permission 

• There is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else 

• There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult 

• Disclosure is required by law 

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Where possible, this would be discussed with you first. 

 

How Long Information Is Kept 

Client records are usually kept for 7 years after counselling ends, in line with professional guidance from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and insurance requirements. 
After this time, records are securely destroyed. 

 

Your Rights 

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation, you have the right to: 

• Request access to your personal data 

• Ask for incorrect information to be corrected 

• Request deletion of your data in some circumstances 

• Restrict how your data is used 

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You can also raise concerns with the Information Commissioner's Office if you believe your information has not been handled properly. 

 

Contact 

If you have any questions about this privacy notice or how your data is handled, you can contact: 

Marina Polin

Marina Polin Counselling 

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