Privacy & Cookie Policy
Last Updated: March 2026
1. About This Privacy Policy
1.1 Edinson Zapata-Castrillon, trading as EZ Counselling Services (“us”, “we” or “our”), is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its users.
1.2 This Privacy Policy explains how we handle "Personal Data" (general info) and "Special Category Data" (sensitive health info) that you supply to us via our Website or during clinical consultations in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
2. Data Controller
2.1 Edinson Zapata-Castrillon is the Data Controller and can be contacted via the following:
- Email: ezcounsellingservices@gmail.com
- Telephone: 07881 361086
- Location: Balham, South London (Full address provided upon booking).
- Professional Body: Registered Member of the BACP (Registration No. 393888).
3. Legal Basis for Processing
3.1 We process your data under the following legal bases:
- Contract: To provide the counselling services you have requested.
- Legal Obligation: To comply with professional standards and insurance requirements.
- Special Category Processing: Under Article 9(2)(h) of the GDPR, for the provision of health or social care or treatment.
4. Information Collected
4.1 Personal Identifiers: Full name, date of birth, and contact details (email, phone, address).
4.2 Clinical Data (Special Category): During intake and sessions, we collect information regarding your mental and physical health, GP details, family history, and lifestyle to ensure clinical safety.
4.3 Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and location data via cookies to improve website performance.
5. Confidentiality & Storage
5.1 Your information is kept strictly confidential. Exceptions include legal subpoenas, safeguarding concerns (risk to self/others), or mandatory disclosures regarding terrorism.
5.2 Digital data is stored on encrypted, password-protected systems. Clinical notes are typically retained for 7 years after the conclusion of therapy, as per professional indemnity requirements.
6. Cookie Policy
6.1 We use cookies to improve your experience. Cookies are small text files placed on your device.
| Cookie Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Ensures the website and payment gateways (Stripe/PayPal) function securely. |
| Analytical | Uses Google Analytics to understand site traffic and user needs. |
6.2 You can manage or block cookies through your browser settings. For more information, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
7. Your Rights
9.1 Under the GDPR, you have the right to:
- Request a copy of your records (Subject Access Request).
- Request rectification of inaccurate data.
- Request erasure (subject to clinical/legal retention requirements).
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
© 2026 EZ Counselling Services. All Rights Reserved.