Privacy Policy

Should you choose to work with me:

Data Protection/Confidentiality

I will take some personal details from you and you will sign a consent form for me to hold this information. I have laid out below the details regarding how the data is stored and for how long.

Data collected:

Full name; age/date of birth/address/who you were referred by/home number and or mobile number/email address/GP/any previous experience of counselling/why you have come for counselling /existing living situation/any medication or illness/coping strategies/self-harm or suicidal thoughts/any pending court cases.

Storage of your information

I use an online counselling data storage system called Bacpac so that I need hold none of your information in paper format. The system is secure, requiring a user name, password and onetime security code for each time it is accessed. Your information is used safely and ethically as per EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) May 2018. I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). My organisation name is Kate Howells and my number: ZA470564

I take notes after every session and these are stored on my secure online system. After 3 years, your record and notes will be deleted. If you are under 18 years of age, your notes will be kept for 3 year after you have reached the age of 18, ie when you are aged 21.

Your contact details such as telephone numbers and email addresses are also stored electronically. Any emails will be destroyed one month after our last session. All text messages will be deleted one month after sending.

When might I need to share your data?

I am obliged by law to disclose what you have told me regarding:

  1. Information relating to a terrorist act. (The Terrorism Act 2000, s.38B)
  2. Information about drug trafficking and/or money laundering (Drug Trafficking Act 1994, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 or the Money Laundering Regulations 2007)
  3. Information requested by a court of law. In light of this, please let me know of any court cases you may be involved in.

There are also situations where, although I may not have a legal obligation to disclose, professional good practice means I have a duty to consider doing so.

  1. Serious child protection issues
  2. If you or someone else is at serious risk of harm

Right to access

You have the right to ask me to provide a copy of your counselling notes and to correct any inaccuracies in your information.

Right to erasure

You have the right to ask me to erase any information that I hold about you. This includes all information that is no longer necessary to hold, unless there is a legal obligation to do so.

Data portability

You have the right to receive the personal information provided to me as well as the right to transfer that information to another party.

Should I be unable to contact you due to my ill health or another emergency situation:

Your contact details are available to a trusted colleague so that they can contact you if I am not able to contact you myself.

Testimonials

Kate has transformed my entire life. I was unsure what I needed and wanted from therapy. Kate is easy to talk to, not once did I feel I had to hold back how I was feeling or the subject of what I’d like to talk about. Her advice and coping mechanisms helped me become a less angry Mother and partner. I looked forward to speaking to her, and I already miss our sessions. Thank you xxx

Client

"Kate helped me understand how to cope with my anxiety On a day to day basis, she explained things in a simple understandable way and helped me learn simple ways I can control my anxiety from overcoming me. She helped me work through family trauma and realise my feelings and thoughts were completely valid while also explaining to me why my mind has reacted to certain events the way it did. Kate taught me to be kinder to myself through her therapy and it has been a major factor in helping me overcome anxiety and past trauma"

Client

"I thank you very much for your expert guidance and support and for helping me see things differently than i used to and of how my past has had such a profound effect on my here and now. The work you have put in to help me has been invaluable"

Client

"Kate offered me a safe place for me to explore some past family issues that where affecting my current wellbeing. Her empathy and skill helped me to move onto acceptance and healing. This in turn enabled me to make postive change and growth to my liife"

Client

"Working with Kate has benefited me in many ways, including understanding myself and autism more, learning how to work with my brain and not against it, and helping manage anxiety levels. In addition, I have processed and discussed and explored traumatic experiences, which in turn has given me insight and ways to move forward. Kate always makes me feel heard and understood and is the best therapist I have ever encountered, I have seen many over the years but one consistent and credible therapist is Kate, whom I wish to continue working with for a long time. I think I would be lost without Kate, sincerely"

Client

07866 276764

kate@katehowells.co.uk

Lifton Community Centre, Park Wood Rise, Lifton, Devon, PL16 0LA

2026 Kate Howells

Websites for Counsellors by: YouCan Consulting