PRIVACY POLICY

At DLD Support Services, your privacy is a priority. This policy outlines how I, Darrel, manage, collect, use, and protect your personal information in line with current data protection laws (including GDPR).

Who I Am

DLD Support Services is a counselling and coaching practice based in Sevenoaks, Kent. I, Darrel, am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled safely and securely.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how your data is handled, please contact me at:

• Email: darrellinehandumont@gmail.com

What Information I Collect

To provide my services, I collect personal information that may include:

• Your name, email address, telephone number, and address.
• Date of birth, gender, and any other information you choose to share relevant to your therapy or coaching sessions.
• Details about your GP or emergency contact (only if necessary).
• Any information discussed during our sessions.

How I Collect Your Information

I collect personal information in the following ways:

• Directly from you when you fill out forms on my website (e.g., self-referral forms) or provide information during our sessions.
• When you book appointments through my scheduling platform, Calendly (https://calendly.com/).
• When we conduct online sessions via Google Meet, where the link will be sent to you as part of your appointment confirmation.

How I Use Your Information

Your personal information is used to:

• Provide counselling and coaching services.
• Communicate with you regarding appointments, sessions, or changes to your booking.
• Keep records in line with professional standards for counsellors and coaches.

Booking and Online Meetings

For booking appointments, I use Calendly, which will ask for basic information like your name, email address, and telephone number to schedule your session. Once your session is booked, I send a Google Meet link for our online meetings. Google Meets operates under Google’s own privacy policies, which you can review here: Google Privacy Policy.

Data Storage and Retention

• Your personal information is stored securely in encrypted systems.
• Session notes and other records are stored confidentially and will be kept for a period in line with legal and ethical requirements. After this time, they will be securely destroyed.
• Your contact details are stored for the duration of our work together and up to 6 months after your last session, unless otherwise requested by you.

Sharing Your Information

Your personal data will never be shared with third parties unless:

• You give explicit consent.
• It is required by law.
• There is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.

In cases where sharing is necessary (for example, in collaboration with your GP or another healthcare professional), I will always seek your permission first.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information I hold about you.
• Ask for corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.
• Withdraw your consent to the use of your data at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact me at darrellinehandumont@gmail.com.

Updates to This Policy

I may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in legal or regulatory requirements. Any changes will be posted on my website, and you will be informed of any significant updates.

Last updated: [11th October 2024]