Privacy Policy:  Sarah Chevalier, Integrative Arts Psychotherapist

I collect and hold information about you as a legitimate interest as defined under the General Data Protection Regulations.  This privacy policy explains how I use any personal information I collect about you when you use my services.  It also informs you of your rights and my responsibilities in the processing of your personal information under the General Data Protection Regulations.

What information do I collect about you?

I collect information about your current and previous psychological and physical health and your current and previous social and family circumstances during your appointments.  This may also include sensitive personal information such as your sexual behaviour or orientation because I am providing psychological assessment or treatment to you.

How will I use the information about you?

I collect information about you to provide you with psychological recommendations or treatment.  This information is confidential. In line with my professional guidelines and to ensure the work we do together is optimal I am in regular supervision with a senior practitioner and share clinical material with this person.  They are subject to the same code of ethics and conduct as I am.  I do not reveal your name when I share your information in supervision.  If applicable I will from time to time write to your referrer with a summary of your treatment and progress and will always obtain your consent and show you the content of such letters before sending them.

Sharing your personal information with third parties.

I do not discuss your personal information with third parties.  However, if my professional opinion was that there was an immediate and serious risk that you might harm yourself or someone else, then I may have to share your personal information with a third party such as your GP or the emergency services without first obtaining your consent.  This might be because it is not practically possible to obtain your consent or because attempting to do so might lead to a delay in accessing help and therefore endanger your life or that of another.

In situations where I did have to share your personal information with third parties to protect you or another, I will only share your personal information in so far as it is relevant and necessary to protect you or someone else.  I will inform you what personal information I have shared and to whom.

It is possible that your personal information may be requested by a Court of Law, Coroners Office or Professional Body in which circumstances you may have limited or no rights of refusal.

In the event of my death or incapacitation, I have instructions for a trusted colleague who is also accredited with the UKCP to contact you.  Any records, paper or electronic will be destroyed within 96 hours.

How do I store your information and length of storage

I keep your personal information in electronic records using your initials as identifiers.  This information is stored on computer devices using encryption and password protected systems.  Your identifying personal information i.e. name and address are kept separately from your records.  

I keep your personal information and the record of our work together for a minimum of seven years following the last session.  In the case of treatment to minors, records will be kept seven years after they have reached maturity (18).

Right to complain.

In the event that you would like to complain please go to the UKCP website for information.