Privacy Policy
The Neurodivergent Counsellor
Michelle Blake | www.theneurodivergentcounsellor.co.uk
Overview
This privacy policy explains how The Neurodivergent Counsellor collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use this website, contact services, or book sessions.
Your privacy, autonomy, and confidentiality are central to how this practice operates. Any information you provide will be handled with care, respect, and in line with UK data protection law.
This policy may be updated from time to time. Please check this page periodically to ensure you are happy with any changes.
Effective from: Updated for current website (April 2026)
Data Protection & Registration
In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK data protection law, Michelle Blake (The Neurodivergent Counsellor) is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Legal Basis for Processing Data
Your information is processed under the following lawful bases:
• Contract – to provide counselling, coaching, or related services
• Legal Obligation – for financial record keeping (e.g. tax purposes)
What Information May Be Collected
We may collect:
• Name
• Contact details (e.g. email address)
• Information relevant to your support needs (shared voluntarily)
• Brief session notes (handwritten)
• Appointment and communication records (e.g. emails or booking system data)
You are only ever asked to share what feels appropriate and relevant to your support.
How Your Information Is Used
Your information is used to:
• Provide counselling, coaching, or consultation services
• Understand your needs and tailor support appropriately
• Maintain internal records
• Communicate about appointments or services
• Signpost to relevant support where appropriate
Confidentiality
Your information is treated as confidential.
However, there are rare exceptions where confidentiality may need to be broken, including:
• If there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others
• If required by law
Where possible, this would be discussed with you first, and only the necessary information would be shared.
Clinical Supervision
As part of ethical practice, Michelle Blake works with a clinical supervisor.
Any information shared in supervision is:
• Fully anonymised
• Treated as confidential by the supervisor
In Exceptional Circumstances
In the unlikely event of death or incapacitation, provisions are in place within legal documentation (Will and Testament) for the safe and ethical management of client records.
Storage & Security
Your data is stored securely:
• Electronic data (e.g. emails) is password-protected
• Paper records are stored in locked filing systems
• Identifiable information and session notes are stored separately
Only Michelle Blake has access to identifiable client records.
Data Retention
Your data will be stored for:
• 7 years after work has ended (in line with professional and insurance requirements)
After this time:
• Paper records are securely destroyed (e.g. shredding)
• Electronic data is permanently deleted
Administrative emails (e.g. appointment scheduling) may be deleted sooner where appropriate.
Your Data Rights
You have the right to:
• Request access to your data
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your data (with some limitations)
Important Note
While you are actively working with The Neurodivergent Counsellor, it may not be possible to delete records, as they are necessary for providing safe and ethical support.
To make a request, please contact: theneurodivergentcounsellor@gmail.com
Requests will typically be responded to within one month.
Controlling Your Information
If you believe any information held about you is incorrect or incomplete, please get in touch as soon as possible. This will be corrected promptly.
Contact
www.theneurodivergentcounsellor.co.uk
theneurodivergentcounsellor@gmail.com
This practice is neurodivergent-affirming and trauma-informed. You are never required to disclose more information than feels safe or relevant to you.
