Privacy policy

Introduction

Your privacy is very important to me. This policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit my website or contact me about counselling. I comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 and I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

I am a sole practitioner providing counselling services under the name Elise Dewes Counselling. As the data controller, I am responsible for deciding how and why your personal data is used and ensuring it is handled securely.

Information Collected

When you visit this website:

  • Squarespace automatically collects basic analytics data such as:

    Pages visited and time spent on the site

    General location (region-level, not precise)

    Browser type and device information

    Date and time of visit

This information is anonymous and helps me understand how people use my website so I can improve it.

When you contact me by email I will receive and retain:

  • Your name and email address

  • Any other personal information you choose to share in your message

This information is used only to respond to your enquiry and arrange counselling sessions if appropriate. I will only retain this information should we choose to engage in work together, in which instance you will receive a privacy policy detailing how your information will be handled and kept secure going forward.

Please note that this privacy policy is relevant only to use of this website. if we engage in therapeutic work together, I will provide you with a copy of a separate privacy policy related specifically to this work.

Use of Information

I use your information only to:

  • Respond to your enquiries about counselling

  • Maintain the security and functionality of my website

  • Keep limited, lawful records if you become a client

I do not use your information for marketing or share it with third parties for advertising purposes

Under UK GDPR, I process personal data on the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – when you choose to contact me by email.

  • Legitimate interest – for the smooth running of my website and business.

If you begin therapy with me, I will provide you with a separate privacy notice covering how client data is handled in counselling sessions.

Data Sharing

I do not sell, rent, or trade email lists or any personal data.
Your personal information is only shared if required by law (for example, to comply with legal obligations or protect someone from harm).

Squarespace may process website data on my behalf in accordance with their privacy and data protection policies.

Data Retention

  • Email enquiries are normally deleted after 6 months unless you begin therapy

  • Analytics data is retained according to Squarespace’s standard policy

  • Client records (for those who begin therapy) are kept securely and separately from this website, under a different privacy policy

Your Data Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal data I hold about you

  • Request correction or deletion of your data

  • Withdraw your consent at any time

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data has been mishandled: www.ico.org.uk

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me at elisedewescounselling@gmail.com

Security

I take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data
Emails are protected by password security, and my website is hosted securely through Squarespace

Changes to This Policy

This policy was last updated in October 2025 and may be revised from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this website.