essio 6

1. Privacy Policy (UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018)

Last updated: 01/01/2026

Who I Am

This website is operated by Andrew Laidlaw, a private counsellor trading as Andrew Laidlaw Counselling.

Email: andrew@andrewlaidlawcounselling.com
Phone: 07955727948

I am the Data Controller for the purposes of UK data protection law.

What Information I Collect

I may collect and process the following information:

  • Name, email address, and telephone number
  • Information you provide via contact forms or email
  • Session notes and assessment information
  • Health and mental health information (special category data)
  • Payment and appointment records
  • Website usage data via cookies

Lawful Basis for Processing

I process personal data under the following lawful bases:

  • Legitimate Interest – responding to enquiries and managing appointments
  • Contract – providing counselling services
  • Legal Obligation – record keeping and safeguarding
  • Explicit Consent – processing special category (health) data

How Your Information Is Used

Your information is used to:

  • Respond to enquiries
  • Arrange and provide counselling sessions
  • Maintain confidential records
  • Comply with legal and professional requirements

Confidentiality and Data Sharing

Your information is kept confidential. Information may only be shared when:

  • Required by law
  • There is a risk of serious harm to you or others
  • Discussed anonymously within professional supervision

I do not sell or share your data for marketing purposes.

Data Storage and Security

Records are stored securely using password-protected and encrypted systems. Paper records, if used, are kept in locked storage.

Data Retention

Counselling records are kept for 7 years after the end of our work together (or until age 25 for children), in line with professional guidance.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your data
  • Request correction
  • Request deletion (where legally possible)
  • Restrict processing
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Contact

If you have questions about this policy, contact: andrew@andrewlaidlawcounselling.com

2. Cookies Policy

Last updated: 01/01/2026

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and monitor website performance.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small files stored on your device that help the website function and gather analytics data.

Cookies Used

This site may use:

  • Essential website cookies
  • Analytics cookies (e.g., Google Analytics)
  • Embedded content cookies (maps, videos, forms)

You can accept or reject cookies using the banner when visiting the site.

3. Website Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 01/01/2026

Use of This Website

The content on this website is for information only and does not constitute counselling or a therapeutic relationship.

No Therapeutic Relationship

Contacting me through this website does not establish a counselling agreement.

Intellectual Property

All content is the property of Andrew Laidlaw Counselling and may not be copied or reused without permission.

Liability

I am not liable for how information on this site is interpreted or used.

4. Confidentiality Statement

Confidentiality is central to counselling. Everything discussed in sessions is kept private with the following exceptions:

  • Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Legal requirement by court order

I discuss client work anonymously within professional supervision as required by my professional body.

5. Safeguarding Policy

I am committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

If safeguarding concerns arise, I may need to share information with appropriate services to ensure safety.

6. Cancellation & Payment Policy

  • Sessions must be cancelled with at least 24 hours’ notice
  • Late cancellations or non-attendance may be charged in full
  • Payment is due [before/on the day of] the session
  • Fees are reviewed periodically with notice given

7. Complaints Procedure

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service:

  1. Raise the issue with me directly
  2. I will respond within 7 days
  3. If unresolved, you may contact my professional body: NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) – www.ncps.com

8. Disclaimer

This website is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or Samaritans (116 123).

9. Accessibility Statement

I aim to make this website accessible to all users. If you need information in a different format, please contact me and I will be happy to help.

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