Privacy policy
Last updated: 8 September 2026
Who I am
I am Samantha Matthews, a sole-trader counsellor practising as Sam Matthews Counselling at 23 Moneyer Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 4NG. I am the data controller for the information described here. You can reach me at samantha.matthews@live.co.uk or 07340699858.
What I collect
If you get in touch by phone, email or WhatsApp, I collect the contact details and information you share with me. If you go on to become a client, I also keep brief session notes and the details on your counselling agreement.
Why I hold it, and my lawful basis
I use enquiry details only to reply to you and to arrange counselling — my lawful basis is legitimate interest in responding to your request. Client records are kept for the safe, professional delivery of counselling; where those records include health information, my basis is the provision of health or social care under Article 9(2)(h) of the UK GDPR. I never sell your information or use it for marketing.
How it's stored
Enquiries arrive by email and are kept in a password-protected account. Session notes are anonymised or pseudonymised and stored securely, either locked away on paper or in an encrypted file. Only I have access.
How long I keep it
Enquiries that don't lead to counselling are deleted within 12 months. Client records are kept for seven years after your final session, in line with BACP guidance and insurance requirements, and then securely destroyed.
Confidentiality and when I may break it
What you share in sessions is confidential. There are rare exceptions: where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, where a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk, or where the law requires disclosure. Wherever possible I would talk to you first. I also discuss my work anonymously with a clinical supervisor, as all BACP-registered counsellors must.
Your rights
You can ask to see the information I hold about you, ask me to correct it, ask for it to be deleted where I'm not required to keep it, object to how I use it, or ask for a copy in a portable format. Email me and I'll respond within one month. If you're unhappy with my response you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.
Cookies and analytics
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