Privacy Policy
Last updated: 09/11/2025
Thank you for visiting Annamaria Pal Counselling at urnotalone.co.uk.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in line with UK data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
We are committed to respecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled with care and transparency.
1. Who We Are
Controller: Annamaria Pal Counselling
Email: annamariapal.therapy@gmail.com
Location: Based in London, UK
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us via the email above.
2. Information We Collect
We collect and process the following types of personal data:
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Contact details – such as your name, email address, and phone number.
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Booking details – information you provide through the Kiku system when making or managing appointments.
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Session details – information relevant to providing counselling services (for example, information you share during intake or sessions).
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Payment information – collected via Kiku’s secure payment system, or where applicable, via direct bank transfer or cash (we do not store your bank or card details).
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Technical information – including your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and other usage data collected via Google Analytics.
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Communication data – emails or messages you send when contacting us.
We do not collect special category data (e.g., health information) through the website itself. Any sensitive information you share during counselling is handled confidentially and stored securely in accordance with professional and ethical standards.
3. How We Collect Information
We collect personal data in the following ways:
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When you contact us via email, website form, or the Kiku booking link.
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When you book or attend counselling sessions.
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Automatically through cookies and Google Analytics when you use our website.
4. How We Use Your Information
We process your personal data to:
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Provide and manage counselling services.
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Communicate with you about appointments, sessions, or enquiries.
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Process payments and manage invoicing.
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Maintain professional records as required by law and ethical practice.
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Improve and maintain our website and services (via analytics).
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Comply with legal or professional obligations.
We do not use your data for marketing or send newsletters.
5. Legal Bases for Processing
We rely on the following legal bases for processing your data:
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Contract: to provide counselling services you have requested.
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Legal obligation: to comply with legal or professional record-keeping requirements.
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Legitimate interests: to ensure effective business operations and website functionality.
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Consent: where you have explicitly agreed (for example, when using cookies or contacting us voluntarily).
6. How We Share Your Information
Your personal data may be shared only in limited circumstances:
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With trusted service providers such as Kiku (for bookings and payments) and Google Analytics (for website insights).
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With law enforcement, regulators, or professional bodies if required by law or ethical obligation.
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With clinical supervisors (anonymised, as part of professional supervision in accordance with ethical guidelines).
We will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
7. Data Retention
We keep your data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined above:
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Counselling records are generally retained for up to 7 years after the end of therapy (in line with professional guidance).
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Website and analytics data are retained for shorter periods as set by Google Analytics.
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After these periods, data will be securely deleted or anonymised.
8. Data Security
We take appropriate security measures to protect your personal data, including:
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Secure password-protected devices and encrypted storage.
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Secure systems for online bookings and payments (via Kiku).
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Limited access to client records, only by Annamaria Pal.
While we do our best to protect your data, please note that no system is completely secure, and the transmission of information over the internet is at your own risk.
9. International Transfers
Some of our service providers (e.g., Google) may transfer data outside the UK/EEA.
Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) are in place to protect your data in line with UK data protection law.
10. Your Rights
Under the UK GDPR, you have the following rights:
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To access a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
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To correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
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To request deletion of your data (in certain circumstances).
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To restrict or object to processing.
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To withdraw consent at any time (where applicable).
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To data portability (to receive your data in a structured format).
To exercise these rights, please contact annamariapal.therapy@gmail.com.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.
11. Counselling and Confidentiality
All counselling sessions, whether in person or online (via Zoom), are conducted in line with professional confidentiality standards.
Information shared during therapy is private and will only be disclosed:
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Where there is a legal requirement, or
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If there is serious risk of harm to you or others, or
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With your explicit consent.
12. Cookies and Analytics
Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience and collect anonymous analytics data.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site function properly and collect statistics to improve usability.
Types of cookies we use:
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Essential cookies – necessary for the site to function (e.g., navigation, security).
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Analytics cookies – via Google Analytics, to understand how visitors use the site (e.g., number of visits, time on pages).
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Preference cookies – to remember your settings (if applicable).
Managing cookies:
You can accept or refuse cookies via your browser settings.
For more details on controlling cookies, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
Disabling some cookies may affect the website’s functionality.
13. Children’s Privacy
Annamaria Pal Counselling provides services only to adults aged 18 and over.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 18. If you believe we have done so, please contact us and we will delete it.
14. Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations.
The “Last updated” date will indicate when it was last revised.
We recommend reviewing this page occasionally to stay informed about how we protect your data.
15. Contact
If you have any questions, requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact:
Annamaria Pal Counselling
📧 annamariapal.therapy@gmail.com
📍 Based in London, UK
You also have the right to raise concerns with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):