Privacy Policy

Last updated: 03/08/25

Kent Counselling and Psychotherapy Services ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you visit our website or engage with our services.

1. Who We Are

Kent Counselling and Psychotherapy Services provides therapeutic services to individuals. We are the data controller for the personal information we collect and process.

Contact Details:
Kent Counselling and Psychotherapy Services
Maidstone Community Support Centre

39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1HH
Email: contactkcps@gmail.com
Phone: 01622 754853
ICO Registration Number: ZB951215

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal data:

Personal Identification Details (e.g., name, contact information)
Health and Wellbeing Information (e.g., any information you voluntarily share about your mental health)
Website Usage Data (e.g., IP address, browser type, referral source, pages viewed—via cookies)
Correspondence (e.g., emails or contact form submissions)

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information in the following ways:

Directly from you via the contact form, email, phone, or in-session discussions
When you browse our website (using cookies)
When you book appointments or make enquiries

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under the UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases for processing your data:

Consent: When you agree to be contacted or to receive services
Contract: To provide you with counselling or psychotherapy services
Legal obligation: For regulatory requirements (e.g., safeguarding)
Vital interests: In cases where safety is at risk
Legitimate interests: For the improvement of services and website security

5. How We Use Your Information

Your data may be used for:

Providing and managing therapeutic services
Communicating with you about appointments or changes
Responding to enquiries
Maintaining accurate records for clinical and legal purposes
Improving website functionality and security

6. Confidentiality & Data Security

We store your data securely and take all reasonable steps to protect it against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

All sensitive information (e.g., session notes) is stored securely in line with ethical and legal standards. Emails and contact form submissions are protected by appropriate technical safeguards.

7. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing. We may share your data:

With legal authorities, if required by law or for safeguarding purposes
With professional advisors or supervisors, under strict confidentiality
With third-party services (e.g., website hosts or email providers) that meet GDPR compliance standards

8. How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep your personal data only as long as necessary:

Client records: Usually kept for 7 years after your last session, in line with professional guidelines
Enquiries: Deleted after 6–12 months if no service is taken up
Website data: Typically kept for up to 26 months for analytics purposes

9. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request erasure of your data ("right to be forgotten")
Object to or restrict processing
Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)
Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk

To exercise these rights, please get in touch with us at the details above.

10. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and to monitor website performance. You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings.

We may use anonymised website traffic data via Google Analytics or similar tools.

11. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Please read their policies before submitting personal data.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with the updated date.