Privacy Policy

Last updated: [27.03.26]

1. Introduction

Maria Howell Therapy respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This policy explains how your data is collected and used when you visit www.mariahowelltherapy.com or engage in services.

This policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable French law.

2. Data Collected

I may collect:

Contact data (name, email, phone number)
Technical and usage data (e.g. IP address, browser, site use)

If you become a client, additional personal and sensitive information will be collected as part of therapy and the intake process.

3. Client Intake & Safeguarding

If you begin therapy, you may be asked to provide:

Emergency contact details
GP or primary care provider details
Relevant personal or health information

This supports safe and ethical care and may be used where there are serious concerns about your safety or the safety of others.

4. How Your Data Is Used

Your data is used to:

Provide therapy and manage appointments
Communicate with you
Maintain safe and ethical practice
Meet legal obligations

5. Legal Basis

Your data is processed under:

Consent (e.g. enquiries)
Contract (therapy services)
Legitimate interests (running the practice)
Legal obligations

6. Confidentiality

Your information is treated as confidential and handled in line with professional ethical standards.

Confidentiality is not absolute and may be limited where:

There is a serious risk of harm to you or others
There are safeguarding concerns
Disclosure is required by law or court order

Where possible, this will be discussed with you first.

7. Legal Framework (France-Based Practice)

As counselling is not a regulated profession in France, this practice operates under general legal duties rather than UK-specific regulation.

This includes acting where there are concerns about safety, harm, or legal obligations. Information may be disclosed where required by legal processes or authorities.

Different legal jurisdictions may apply depending on your location.

8. Data Sharing

Your data is not sold or shared for marketing.

It may be shared:

With trusted service providers (e.g. booking or admin systems)
Where there is serious risk of harm
Where required by law or legal process

Administrative support may access limited contact information only and does not have access to session notes.

9. Data Retention

Data is kept only as long as necessary for professional, legal, and ethical purposes.

Client notes are retained at the counsellor’s discretion and may be securely destroyed when no longer required.

10. Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

Access your data
Request correction
Request deletion where appropriate
Restrict or object to processing
Withdraw consent

Please note: requests for deletion do not apply to therapeutic session notes, which are retained for professional, legal, and ethical reasons and cannot be deleted on request.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with CNIL.

11. Cookies

Cookies are used to improve website experience and understand usage. You can manage these in your browser settings.

12. Data Security

Reasonable steps are taken to protect your data from unauthorised access or misuse.

13. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated. The latest version will always be available on this page.