Privacy Notice


Essex Autism Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with transparency, care, and respect. This notice explains how your data is collected, used, stored, and protected when you visit this website or engage in therapeutic services with Nicola Butcher.

1. Who We Are

Data Controller: Nicola Butcher MBACP, MNCS (Senior Accredited) Essex Autism Counselling Email: nicola@counselling-in-essex.co.uk Tel: 07742 901141

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following information:

  • Your name and contact details when you make an enquiry
  • Any information you choose to share when contacting us
  • Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and basic analytics (used only to improve website performance)

We do not use cookies for marketing, profiling, or advertising.

3. How Your Data Is Used

Your personal data is used to:

  • Respond to enquiries
  • Arrange appointments
  • Provide therapeutic services
  • Maintain accurate clinical records
  • Meet legal and ethical safeguarding obligations
  • Improve website functionality and security

We do not sell, share, or transfer your data for marketing purposes.

4. How Therapy Records Are Stored

Therapy notes and records are stored securely using WriteUpp, a GDPR‑compliant clinical platform with encrypted servers and restricted access controls.

If you prefer handwritten notes, you may request this, and your records will be stored in locked cabinets accessible only to Nicola Butcher.

Electronic reports are password‑protected.

5. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Contract – to provide counselling services
  • Legitimate Interests – to maintain safe and effective practice
  • Legal Obligation – safeguarding, risk of harm, or statutory duties
  • Consent – for any optional or non‑essential processing

6. Data Retention

  • Adult client records are kept for 7 years.
  • Records relating to children and adolescents are kept for 30 years.

After this period, all data is securely destroyed.

7. Sharing Your Data

Your information is confidential and will not be shared unless:

  • You give explicit consent
  • There is a safeguarding concern
  • There is risk of harm to yourself or others
  • We are legally required to disclose information (e.g., court order, national security)

Where possible, you will be informed before any disclosure is made.

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Be informed
  • Access your data
  • Request corrections
  • Request deletion (where legally possible)
  • Restrict processing
  • Object to processing
  • Request data portability
  • Be protected from automated decision‑making (not used in counselling)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us in writing via email or post.

9. Website Security

This website uses standard security measures to protect visitor information. No therapeutic records are stored on the website.

10. Updates to This Notice

This privacy notice may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legislation or practice. The most recent version will always be available on this page.

11. Contact

If you have any questions about how your data is used or stored, please contact:

E:  nicola@counselling-in-essex.co.uk  07742 901141