Privacy Policy

Last updated: 6th April 2026
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1. Introduction
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Welcome to Bhavesh Kotecha Counselling Ltd ("we", "our", or "us").
We are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
As a provider of therapy and counselling services, we handle sensitive personal data and uphold strict confidentiality standards.
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2. Data Controller
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Bhavesh Kotecha Counselling Ltd is the data controller.
Email: contact@bhavesh-kotecha.com
Address: 4 Charwood Close, Herts, WD7 9LH
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We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Our ICO registration number is: ZB902806.
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3. Information We Collect
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Personal Information

• Name

• Email address

• Home address

• Phone number

• Emergency contact details​

Special Category Data

• Mental health information

• Medical or personal history relevant to therapy

• Session notes​

Technical Data

• IP address

• Browser type

• Website usage data

 
4. How We Collect Data

• Contact forms

• Contract

• Email or phone communication

• During therapy sessions

• Website cookies

 
5. Legal Basis for Processing
 
We rely on:

• Consent

• Contract (provision of therapy)

• Legal obligations

• Vital interests (risk of harm situations)

 
For sensitive data:

• Explicit consent

 
6. How We Use Your Data
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• To provide therapy services

• Manage appointments

• Maintain clinical records

• Ensure safety and wellbeing

• Meet legal and professional requirements

 
7. Online Sessions (Zoom)
 
We use Zoom to deliver online therapy sessions.

• Sessions are not recorded unless explicitly agreed

• Zoom provides its own privacy and security measures

• You are responsible for ensuring you access sessions in a private space

 
8. Confidentiality
 
All information is confidential unless:

• There is risk of serious harm

• Safeguarding concerns arise

• Disclosure is required by law

 
Where possible, this will be discussed with you first.
 
9. Data Sharing
 
We may share data with:

• Clinical supervisors (anonymised where possible)

• Other professionals (with consent)

• Legal authorities (if required)

 
We do not sell your data.
 
10. Data Retention
Records are retained for 7 years after the end of therapy, in line with professional guidelines.
 
11. Data Security
 
We use appropriate security measures including:

• Password-protected systems

• Encrypted storage where possible

• Secure handling of paper records

 
12. Your Rights
 
You have the right to:

• Access your data

• Request correction

• Request erasure (where applicable)

• Restrict processing

• Lodge a complaint with the ICO

 
13. Cookies
 
This website uses cookies to improve user experience and analyse website traffic.
 
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website.
 
Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies
  Required for the website to function properly

• Analytics cookies (Google Analytics)
  We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. This helps us improve content and usability.

 
Google Analytics may collect information such as:

• Pages visited

• Time spent on pages

• Device and browser type

• Approximate location

 
Data collected is anonymised where possible.
 
Legal Basis
We rely on consent to use non-essential cookies, in line with UK GDPR and PECR regulations.

Managing Cookies
You can:

• Accept or reject cookies via our banner

• Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies

 
Please note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
 
14. Contact
 
Bhavesh Kotecha
Email: bhav@bhavesh-kotecha.com
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