PRIVACY NOTICE FOR CLIENTS

Linda Witchell trading as Awaken the Change

Version 1.0
Last Reviewed: June 2026
Next Review: June 2027

Introduction

This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you enquire about or use counselling, hypnotherapy, coaching, supervision or training services provided by Linda Witchell trading as Awaken the Change.

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information fairly, lawfully and transparently.

Who is responsible for your information?

The Data Controller is:

Linda Witchell trading as Awaken the Change

Address:
1072 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH7 6DS.

Email:
linda@awakenthechange.com

Website:
www.awakenthechange.com

What information do I collect?

Depending on the service provided, I may collect:

Personal Information

• Name
• Address
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Date of birth

Professional Information

Where relevant:

• Occupation
• Employer details

Health and Wellbeing Information

Where relevant to the service provided:

• Medical information
• Medication details
• Emotional wellbeing
• Mental health information
• Bereavement experiences
• Personal goals and session notes

Emergency Information

• Emergency contact details
• GP details

Financial Information

• Payment records
• Invoices
• Transaction information

Marketing Information

• Newsletter subscriptions
• Communication preferences

Why do I collect your information?

I collect information so that I can:

• Respond to enquiries
• Arrange and manage appointments
• Provide professional services
• Maintain accurate records
• Communicate with you
• Process payments
• Meet legal, insurance and professional requirements
• Send newsletters where you have chosen to receive them

How is your information used?

Your information is used only for purposes related to the services I provide and the operation of my practice.

I do not sell personal information to third parties.

I do not use your information for automated decision-making or profiling.

Confidentiality

Information shared during sessions is treated as confidential.

Confidentiality may be broken where:

• There is a serious risk of harm to yourself
• There is a serious risk of harm to another person
• Safeguarding concerns arise
• Disclosure is required by law
• A court order requires disclosure

Where possible, concerns will be discussed with you first.

For clients under 18, confidentiality may also need to be reviewed where safeguarding concerns arise, including concerns relating to abuse, exploitation, significant self-harm or serious risk to wellbeing.

Where a parent or guardian arranges or pays for sessions for a client aged 16 or 17, the young person remains the primary client. Confidential session content will not normally be shared without the young person’s knowledge or consent unless safeguarding concerns arise.

How is your information stored?

Client records are stored securely using Cliniko and other professional systems that support the running of my practice.

These may include:

• Cliniko
• Zoom
• Stripe
• Mailchimp
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft
• Calendly
• Payhip

Appropriate security measures are in place to help protect your information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

My webmaster and virtual assistant may have access to limited business information necessary to support my practice’s operations. They do not have access to confidential client records or session notes.

International Transfers

Some of the systems I use may process information outside the United Kingdom.

Where this occurs, reasonable steps are taken to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect personal information.

International Clients

Counselling services are available only to clients located within the United Kingdom.

Hypnotherapy and coaching services may be offered internationally.

All services are provided from England and governed by English law.

How long do I keep information?

Client Records

8 years after the final appointment.

Supervision Records

8 years after the final supervision session.

Financial Records

8 years.

Enquiry Emails

Up to 12 months where no professional relationship develops.

Newsletter Records

While you remain subscribed.

Unsubscribe Records

Up to 6 years.

Records may be retained longer where required by law, insurance providers, professional bodies or regulatory authorities.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Request access to your information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Object to processing in certain circumstances
• Withdraw consent where consent is relied upon
• Request erasure where legally appropriate

Some rights may be limited where records must be retained to meet legal, insurance or professional obligations.

Subject Access Requests

You may request a copy of the information I hold about you.

Requests should be made in writing using the contact details provided above.

Proof of identity may be requested before information is released.

Data Breaches

If a personal data breach occurs that is likely to pose a risk to your rights and freedoms, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with applicable data protection law.

Data Protection Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact me using the details above.

I will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days and investigate the matter promptly.

If you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Information Commissioner’s Office

Website: www.ico.org.uk

Telephone: 0303 123 1113

Changes to this Notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time.

The most recent version will be available on request and through my practice documentation.