Privacy Policy – Willow Counselling Wexford

Last updated: 31/05/2026

Willow Counselling Wexford is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled safely, securely, and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”) and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use this website or engage with our counselling services.

1. Who We Are

Willow Counselling Wexford provides professional counselling and psychotherapy services for adults and couples.

Data Controller: Anne Fenlon
Location: Wexford, Ireland
Email: annefenlon@gmail.com
Website: www.willowcounsellingwexford.com

As the data controller, we are responsible for how your personal data is processed.

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal data:

  • Name and contact details (e.g. email address, phone number)

  • Information you provide through contact forms or email

  • Brief enquiry details relating to counselling services

  • Appointment scheduling information

  • Relevant clinical information shared during therapy sessions (sensitive personal data)

We do not collect more information than is necessary for the provision of counselling services.

3. Special Category Data (Health Information)

As a counselling service, we may process sensitive personal data relating to your mental health. This is classified as “special category data” under GDPR.

We only process this information:

  • With your explicit consent

  • For the purpose of providing counselling and psychotherapy services

  • In accordance with strict confidentiality and ethical guidelines set by the IACP

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

  • Respond to enquiries

  • Arrange and manage counselling appointments

  • Provide therapeutic support services

  • Maintain professional records as required by law and ethical standards

  • Ensure safe and effective delivery of care

We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Under GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – for responding to enquiries and processing sensitive data

  • Contract – to provide counselling services you have requested

  • Legal obligation – where record-keeping is required by law or professional standards

  • Legitimate interests – for the secure and effective operation of the practice

6. Confidentiality

All counselling sessions are treated as strictly confidential.

Information may only be disclosed without your consent in exceptional circumstances, such as:

  • If there is a serious risk of harm to you or others

  • Where required by law or court order

  • Where safeguarding concerns arise (in line with legal and ethical obligations)

Where possible, any such disclosure will be discussed with you first.

7. Data Storage and Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:

  • Secure password-protected systems

  • Restricted access to records

  • Secure storage of any written or electronic notes

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary in line with legal, insurance, and professional requirements.

8. Data Retention

Client records are typically retained for 7 years after the end of therapy, in line with professional guidelines and insurance requirements.

After this period, records are securely deleted or destroyed.

9. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction of inaccurate data

  • Request deletion of your data (where applicable)

  • Restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances

  • Request data portability

  • Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is the legal basis)

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below.

10. Cookies and Website Data

This website may use basic cookies to improve functionality and monitor site performance.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.

11. Third Parties

We do not share your personal data with third parties unless required for:

  • Legal obligations

  • Professional insurance requirements

  • Secure service providers (e.g. email or booking systems), where necessary and GDPR compliant

Any third-party processors are carefully selected to ensure data protection compliance.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:

Willow Counselling Wexford
Email: annefenlon@gmail.com
Location: Wexford, Ireland

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Irish Data Protection Commission:
https://www.dataprotection.ie