Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how I, Ronja Damian, collect, use, and protect any personal information that you provide when using my services, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

1. Information Collection

When you engage in therapy sessions with me, I collect information about your current and previous psychological and physical health, along with your current and previous social and family circumstances. This may also include sensitive personal information classified as “Special Category Data” such as your sexual behaviour or orientation, as part of providing psychological assessment or treatment. Additionally, I may collect information when you voluntarily complete questionnaires.

2. Use of Information

The information collected is used for the sole purpose of providing you with effective psychological treatment. This information is confidential. To ensure my practice is safe and effective, I discuss your information in supervision with my supervisor, another psychologist or psychotherapist, without revealing your name. My supervisor is also bound by confidentiality and does not share your personal information. If needed, I will write a summary of your treatment and progress to your referrer, but I will always seek your consent and show you the content before sending it.

3. Sharing Information with Third Parties

I do not share your personal information with third parties unless there is an immediate and serious risk that you might harm yourself or someone else. In such cases, your information may be shared with your GP or emergency services. This would be done as relevant and necessary to protect you or someone else. If this happens, I will inform you about what information was shared and with whom. In certain circumstances, a Court of Law, Coroner’s Office, or Professional Body may request your information, and you may have limited or no rights to refuse.

4. Adolescents

If you are under 18, I will not share information with your parents or carers without your permission unless I believe you are at serious risk. This will, where possible, be discussed with you in advance.

5. Access to Your Information and Correction

You have the right to request a copy of your personal information that I hold. If you believe that the information is inaccurate, you may request corrections or removals. You also have the right to request the erasure of your personal information, which I can refuse if the information is needed for legal claims or if there is an overriding legitimate interest to retain your information.

6. Storage of Information

Your personal information is kept in electronic records, identified by your initials and stored on a GDPR compliant cloud storage system (Tresorit) with end-to-end encryption. Paper session notes are stored in a locked filing cabinet.

7. Duration of Storage

Your personal information and our work records are retained for six years, after which they are erased.

8. Changes to the Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy is subject to regular review and updates. The latest update was on 2nd September 2021.

9. Contact

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or the information I hold about you, please email me at [Insert your email] or call me at [Insert your phone number].

10. Right to Complain

If you have any complaints about the processing of your personal data, you can lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioners Office at www.ico.org.uk.

11. Governing Law

Regardless of your location, all of my work is governed by English law, and any disputes will be resolved in the English courts.