Privacy & Cookies Policy
1. About this policy
This Privacy & Cookies Policy explains how I, Laurie Hole of The Curiously Kind Counsellor, collect, use and protect personal information when you use my website: thecuriouslykindcounsellor.co.uk.
By using this website, you are agreeing to the terms of this policy.
2. Data controller
For the purposes of UK data protection law, the data controller is:
Laurie Hole
The Curiously Kind Counsellor
ICO Registration No: ZA833534
3. Information I collect
When you use this website or contact me, I may collect the following information:
Name
Email address
Telephone number (if provided)
Information you include in your enquiry
I may also collect limited technical information automatically when you visit the site, such as:
IP address
Browser type and version
Pages visited and time spent on the site
General website usage data
4. How your information is used
I use your information to:
Respond to enquiries you send via the website, email or phone
Assess whether my services may be appropriate for you
Manage and maintain the operation and security of the website
Improve website performance and user experience
5. Lawful basis for processing
Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:
Legitimate interests: to respond to enquiries and operate my business
Contract: where information is needed in preparation for providing services
Legal obligation: where required to comply with law or regulatory duties
Where special category data is provided in an enquiry, this is only processed where necessary for the provision of counselling services and appropriate safeguards are in place.
6. How your information is stored
Your personal information is stored securely and only accessed when necessary.
If you contact me but do not go on to become a client, your enquiry information will usually be deleted within 28 days unless there is a legitimate reason to retain it (for example, safeguarding concerns or ongoing correspondence).
7. Website hosting and third parties
This website is hosted by Squarespace. Squarespace may process limited technical data required for website operation, security, and performance.
You can view Squarespace’s privacy policy here: https://www.squarespace.com/privacy
I may also use third-party services such as email providers or analytics tools. These providers only process data necessary for their function.
I do not sell or share your personal data for marketing purposes.
8. Cookies
This website uses cookies to:
Ensure the website functions properly
Analyse website traffic and usage
Improve performance and user experience
Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings or the cookie banner displayed on the site.
Some cookies are essential for the website to function correctly.
9. Email and communication
If you contact me by email or via the website, your message will be stored securely in my email system and used only for responding to your enquiry.
Please avoid sending sensitive clinical information through the website contact form.
10. Your data protection rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
Request access to the personal data I hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data (in certain circumstances)
Object to or restrict processing
Request data portability (where applicable)
To exercise your rights, please contact me using the details below.
11. Complaints
If you are unhappy with how your personal data has been handled, please contact me in the first instance so I can try to resolve the issue. You can do this by emailing hello@thecuriouslykindcounsellor.com
You also have the right to complain to the UK data protection regulator:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
https://ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
12. Security
I take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data. However, please note that no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.
13. Links to other websites
This website may contain links to external websites. I am not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these websites.
14. Changes to this policy
I may update this Privacy & Cookies Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page.
Contact
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact:
hello@thecuriouslykindcounsellor.com
Social Media Policy
This policy states how I operate professionally and ethically on social media sites.
I use my business accounts on social media for professional purposes only. I currently have business pages on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
You are most welcome to follow me and engage with my posts, but I will not engage in any kind of therapeutic counselling via social media accounts. I may respond to comments from time to time, but these responses will not be counselling.
The information on my social media is for general purposes and not tailored to meet any individual needs and is not a replacement for therapy.
Please be aware that if you engage with my posts in any way, this will be in the public domain and your profile name and photo will be visible.
If you are engaged in counselling with me, this may compromise your confidentiality and potentially impact our therapeutic relationship.
I do not accept friend requests on any personal pages on social media.
I reserve the right to report any interactions which are of an inappropriate nature or disclose criminal activity.
I do not offer a crisis service and I encourage you to contact your GP or healthcare provider if you are in crisis. You can also contact The Samaritans, Tel: 116 123, telephone 111 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department (A&E)
I am not a medical professional and I am not qualified to diagnose, so please consult with your GP or healthcare provider for any diagnosis or medication treatment. If you are ever concerned about your physical or mental health, I encourage you to seek an appointment with your GP or healthcare provider.