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Privacy Policy


1. Who I Am
I am Joe Wood, a sole trader providing psychotherapy services in the United Kingdom as a UKCP registered trainee therapist. I am the data controller for the personal information I collect. You can contact me at:

  • Email: joewoodgestalt [at] gmail [dot] com


2. What Information I Collect
I may collect and process the following personal information:

  • Contact details (name, email, phone number, address).

  • Background and personal history relevant to therapy.

  • Session notes and correspondence.

  • Payment information.

  • Information provided via my website (e.g. contact form).

  • Technical data if you visit my website (e.g. cookies, IP address, browser type).


3. Why I Collect This Information
I process personal information in order to:

  • Provide psychotherapy services.

  • Manage appointments and communication.

  • Comply with legal and professional obligations.

  • Maintain records for insurance and supervision.

  • Improve my website and services.


4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Contract: To provide the service you have requested.

  • Legal obligation: To comply with HMRC, insurance, or safeguarding requirements.

  • Consent: Where you explicitly agree to specific processing (e.g. email communications).

  • Legitimate interests: To operate my business effectively (e.g. maintaining records).

  • Special category data: Health information is processed under the basis of providing health care (Article 9(2)(h)).


5. How I Store and Protect Your Data

  • I do not maintain paper based notes. Any notes generated during sessions are stored securely and locked.

  • Electronic records are stored on password-protected devices.

  • Data is kept only for as long as necessary - usually up to 7 after therapy ends.


6. Sharing of Information
I will not share your information with third parties unless:

  • You give explicit consent.

  • It is necessary for insurance, legal, or supervision purposes. For these purposes your consent will be sought wherever possible.

  • I am legally required to (e.g. risk of harm, safeguarding concerns).


7. Your Rights
You have the right to:

  • Access the information I hold about you.

  • Request corrections.

  • Request erasure (where legally possible).

  • Restrict or object to processing.

  • Request data portability.

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk


8. Website and Cookies
If my website uses cookies or analytics tools, these may collect technical data such as IP address and browsing behaviour. You can manage cookies through your browser settings.


9. Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on my website.


10. Contact
If you have any questions or requests about this privacy policy, please contact me.