Privacy Policy

Last updated: 21 January, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Finding Your Way Psychotherapy (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects and uses personal data when you visit our website and when you contact us or engage in psychotherapy services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information with care.

Website: www.findingyourwaypsychotherapy.ie
Data Controller: Louise Connolly, Psychotherapist, Finding Your Way Psychotherapy
Contact: [email address] | [phone number] | [practice location / county]

1. Confidentiality and your privacy

As a psychotherapist, confidentiality is central to the service and to the professional ethics Louise follows (including IACP guidance). Your personal information is handled to support safe, professional care and to meet legal and professional obligations.

Confidentiality may be limited in specific circumstances, explained further below.

2. Personal data we collect

A) When you use the website

We may collect:

  • Contact information you provide via forms (e.g. name, email address, phone number, message).
  • Basic usage information (e.g. pages viewed, time on page, device/browser type) through analytics or similar tools.
  • Technical/security information (e.g. IP address) where necessary to protect the site from misuse or attacks.

We do not intentionally collect special category health data via the website. Please avoid sharing sensitive personal information in website forms. If you need urgent help, please use emergency services.

B) When you contact us directly

If you contact us by email, phone, or through a booking/enquiry form, we may collect:

  • Your name and contact details
  • Information you choose to share about what you are looking for support with (we recommend keeping this high-level until an initial call/session)

If you decide not to proceed, we will delete enquiry information within a reasonable time, unless we need to retain it for an administrative or legal reason.

C) When you attend sessions (therapy records)

If you become a client, we will hold:

  • Your contact details and basic administrative information
  • Any agreements/consents you provide (e.g. therapy contract)
  • Session notes kept in a professional, minimal form

Session notes are kept separately and securely. Where possible, notes are recorded using a client reference rather than identifying details.

3. How we use your personal data (purposes)

We use your data to:

  • Respond to enquiries and arrange appointments
  • Provide psychotherapy services (where you become a client)
  • Manage administration (e.g. scheduling, invoices/receipts if applicable)
  • Maintain site security and performance
  • Understand how the website is used (analytics)

We do not sell your personal data.

4. Legal bases for processing (GDPR)

We process personal data under one or more of these legal bases:

  • Consent (e.g. when you submit a website form or opt in to marketing)
  • Contract (to provide psychotherapy services you request)
  • Legitimate interests (e.g. running and securing the website, responding to enquiries)
  • Legal obligation (where applicable)

For psychotherapy-related information (special category data), processing is typically necessary for the provision of health care and/or with your explicit consent, depending on context. Louise will explain this in the therapy contract and during your initial session.

5. Confidentiality: limits and exceptions

Confidentiality is maintained, with limited exceptions where disclosure may be necessary, for example:

  • If there is a serious risk of harm to you or to another person
  • If there is a concern about abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person
  • If disclosure is required by law or court order
  • If you ask Louise to share information with a named third party (with your consent)

Where possible and appropriate, Louise will discuss any need to disclose information with you first.

6. How long we keep your information (retention)

Website enquiries

  • Enquiry messages are retained only as long as necessary to respond and follow up.
  • If you do not proceed, we typically delete enquiry details within [30–90 days].

Therapy records

  • If you become a client, records are retained for six years after therapy ends, in line with IACP guidance.
  • After that, records are securely destroyed.
  • If you request earlier deletion, we will consider this carefully. Some records may need to be retained to meet professional or legal obligations.

Email correspondence

  • Routine emails are not kept longer than necessary.
  • Important administrative details may be recorded in your client file where relevant.

7. Who has access to your information

Access is restricted to:

  • Louise Connolly (and any authorised administrative support, only if introduced and necessary, with appropriate safeguards)

We may use trusted service providers (data processors) to operate the website and communications, such as:

  • Website hosting and domain provider: [provider name]
  • Website platform: [WordPress.com/Squarespace/etc.]
  • Analytics: [Google Analytics – if used]
  • Email provider: [provider name]
  • Booking/scheduling tool (if applicable): [Calendly/Acuity/etc.]

These providers process data under their own terms and security standards, and only as needed to deliver their services. Where possible, we minimise what is shared.

8. Cookies and analytics

We may use cookies or similar technologies to:

  • Enable core website functionality
  • Measure website traffic and usage (analytics)

If we use Google Analytics, it collects information about your use of the site (e.g. pages visited, time spent) and does not identify you personally. You can control cookies through your browser settings and, where applicable, our cookie banner/preferences.

Please see our Cookie Policy for details.

9. Security

We take appropriate security measures to protect your data, including:

  • Secure access controls (password protection and limited access)
  • Secure storage for paper records (locked storage)
  • Secure storage for digital records (password protection and/or encrypted services where available)
  • HTTPS/SSL on the website

No system is completely secure, but we take practical steps to reduce risk.

10) Your data protection rights

You have rights under data protection law, including:

  • The right to access your personal data
  • The right to correct inaccurate data
  • The right to request deletion (where applicable)
  • The right to restrict or object to certain processing
  • The right to data portability (in certain circumstances)
  • The right to withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise these rights, contact us via [email/contact form]. We may need to confirm your identity before responding.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission (Ireland) if you believe your data has been handled improperly.

11. Marketing

We do not send marketing emails unless you have explicitly opted in. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in emails or by contacting us.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be published on this page with the updated date.

13. Contact

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

Louise Connolly
Finding Your Way Psychotherapy
Email: [email]
Phone: [phone]
Location: Co. Wicklow / online (as applicable)