Cabin Counselling Athlone is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.

To reflect the newest changes in data protection law (GDPR 2018), and our commitment to transparency, we have updated our Privacy Policy

Cabin Counselling Athlone (CCA) may change this policy from time to time so please check this page to ensure you are happy with any changes. By using Cabin Counselling's services you’re agreeing to be bound by this policy.

This policy explains why,when and how CCA uses and stores your data, and in addition, the conditions under which your data may be disclosed to another third party and what choices you have. The policy relates to all of CCA's business activities and not just this website.

If you have any queries please email me at cabincounselingathlone@gmail.com

Date: 24th May 2018

Author & Data Controller: Pauline Walsh

How and when does Cabin Counselling collect information from you?

By email, blog comments, analytics, server logs: obtain information about you when you contact me to enquire about my services. However, data transmission over the Internet is inherently insecure, and we cannot guarantee the security of data sent over the Internet.

CCA also collects information about you when you leave a comment on all blog and Facebook posts. Details of your personal data is also taken at intake.

What information do we collect and how is it used?

At the first session a client intake form will be completed giving relevant background information about the client; any medical conditions; any substance dependencies; any previous experience of counselling; G.P. details, client contact details and other data required to provide quality counselling care.

Brief notes sometimes may be made after a session. In these notes, no personal information identifying your details are recorded. Each client is given a separate unique code and your personal details taken on intake are kept separately from any session notes, in a securely locked cabinet. All records relating to a client are erased/shredded after a period of 6 years from the date of the last meeting.

Security

CCA retains your information securely and will only ask for and keep information that is necessary. CCA is responsible for keeping your information as accurate and up to-date as possible. CCA will explain the need for any information asked for if you are not sure why it is needed.

Security and password best practice is implemented regarding physical access and storage. Training and accountability has been received by all CCA personnel on data protection.

The CCA Data Security Protocol includes the transparent process on handling personal data should a breach occur. Where appropriate CCA will promptly notify you of any unauthorised access to your personal information.

Controlling your information

You have the right to request a copy of any data held by us on you. Clients can make a formal written access request to the practice and these will be provided to you within thirty days, for a minimum fee.

You have the right to request the rectification of any inaccurate data held by us rectified free of charge.

Users have the ability to leave comments on the CCA Facebook posts and blogs. These comments will not normally be deleted, unless there is a compelling reason to do so.

Children’s information

CCA do not offer any services to children under the age of thirteen.

Disclosures Required or Permitted Under Law

CCA has a legal obligation to report disclosures of child sexual abuse in the present or past, and potential risk of child abuse – sexual abuse, physical abuse or child neglect.

Where possible CCA will try to support the client in reporting such matters to the relevant authorities. CCA will consult our supervisor, an experienced colleague, or a local duty social worker, in advance of any such report. However, in emergencies, CCA shall make its own judgment as to what action is required.

The law provides that in certain instances personal information (including health information) can be disclosed, for example, in the case where there is a risk to you the client, or others. Where feasible CCA shall endeavor to obtain the client’s consent, where the client is able to give that consent. CCA engage in a process of consultation (with supervisor, local duty social worker, experienced colleague) in advance of any such disclosure.

At all times CCA takes responsibility to a process of action that ensures the safety of those at risk. Within this process, we minimise any breach of confidentiality by conveying only that information which is necessary and only to relevant persons.

CCA may need to pass some of this information to other health and social care professionals in order to provide you with the treatment and services you need. Only the relevant part of your record will be released. These other professionals are also legally bound to treat your information with the same duty of care and confidence that CCA do. In such an event where CCA is considering disclosure, you will normally be consulted first.

In the case of clients referred directly by a doctor or another agency, CCA will, as a matter of professional courtesy, and unless otherwise requested by you, acknowledge such referrals by confirming that an initial appointment has been made.

As professional counsellors and members of Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (IACP), CCA adheres to the IACP’s Code of Ethics which can be viewed at http://www.iacp.ie/iacp-code-of-ethics. Supervision of CCA's work with the client is conducted in accordance with the IACP guidelines.

Use of Cookies

Like many websites, the Cabin Counselling Athlone website uses Cookies. Cookies are small pieces of information that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. The Cookies CCA use are considered 1st party cookies. By using and browsing the CCA website you consent to cookies being used in accordance with this Policy. If you do not consent you must turn off cookies or refrain from using this site.