PRIVACY POLICY
Last updated: 27 October 2025
Quick summary:
We collect only the information needed to provide counselling and related services, keep it secure, and do not sell your data. You control your information and can exercise your rights at any time.
- Who we are
MZRCounsellor (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides counselling and wellbeing services. We are the data controller for the personal information we process in connection with our website and services.
Registered business name: MZRCounsellor Ltd
Email: privacy@mzrcounsellor.org
- Scope
This notice applies to information collected through our website (https://mzrcounsellor.com), forms, emails, phone, video platforms, and when you engage our counselling and related services. If we link to another organisation’s site, their privacy terms apply.
- The information we collect
- Identity and contact data such as name, email, phone, address
- Client records including referral details, session notes, preferences, goals, availability
- Special category data relevant to counselling (mental or physical health information)
- Technical data such as IP address, device, browser, usage information
- Transaction data such as appointments and payments (we do not store full card numbers)
- Communications such as emails, messages, feedback, and complaints
- How we collect information
- Directly from you via forms, email, phone, or during sessions
- From referrers (e.g., GP, insurer, employer, school) with your consent
- Automatically via our website (cookies – see Cookie Policy)
- From service providers we use to operate our services
- Why we use your information
We only use your information where we have a lawful basis under UK GDPR:
Contract – to register you as a client and provide counselling
Legal obligation – to meet legal, regulatory, and tax requirements
Vital interests – to protect you or others from serious harm
Legitimate interests – to operate and improve our services
Consent – for optional activities such as marketing or testimonials
Special category data (health information) is processed under Article 9(2)(h) of UK GDPR (health and social care) or Article 9(2)(a) (explicit consent).
- How we use your information
- To provide counselling and related services
- To book and manage appointments
- To maintain secure client records and quality assurance
- To process payments
- To monitor and improve our website and services
- To send service updates (marketing only with your consent)
- Cookies
We use essential cookies for site function and security, and optional analytics cookies if you consent. See our Cookie Policy for details.
- Retention
We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes above and to meet legal or professional requirements. Clinical records are typically retained for seven years after last contact unless law or insurance requires longer.
- Security
We use technical and organisational measures such as encryption, access controls, and staff confidentiality agreements. No system is completely secure, but we maintain response procedures and notify affected individuals when legally required.
- Sharing your information
We may share data with:
- Team members within MZRCounsellor on a need-to-know basis
- Service providers such as hosting, email, booking, payment, and analytics systems under contract
- Referrers or third parties with your consent or where legally required
- Regulatory authorities or law enforcement where required by law
- International transfers
If we transfer data outside the UK or EEA, we apply safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent protections.
- Your rights
You have the right to access, correct, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, and to withdraw consent at any time.
Contact privacy@mzrcounsellor.org to exercise these rights.
- Children and young people
We may provide services to children with appropriate consents and will explain how data is used in an age-appropriate way.
- Confidentiality and safeguarding
Counselling is confidential. We will only share information without consent if required by law or to prevent serious harm.
- Complaints
If you have concerns, contact us first. You may also complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
https://ico.org.uk
Tel: 0303 123 1113
- Third-party links
Our website may link to other sites. Their privacy notices apply.
- Changes
We may update this notice periodically. Updates will appear here with a new “last updated” date.
- Contact
Email: privacy@mzrcounsellor.org