I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) #ZB136543 and in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) this document sets out how your data is collected, stored and how you can access it.
How your data is collected: Your data may be collected from an initial enquiry via The Therapy Room website, lauratownend.com or from a direct enquiry via e-mail or telephone.
The data I keep includes your name, date of birth, contact details, emergency contact and any other information you have chosen to share with me on your initial intake form. I also keep brief notes of key themes after each session. This data helps me get to know you and work with you safely and effectively.
How your data is stored: All data you share with me, along with session notes, is stored digitally and documents are encrypted, meaning that the information is encoded in such a way that it can only be accessed with a password.
Your telephone number and any correspondence may be stored on my mobile phone, which is password protected. All e-mail correspondence is also password protected. If you pay by bank transfer, your name will appear on my bank statements but these are only accessed by me digitally via password protected devices.
All data will be kept for 5 years before being destroyed, as required by my insurance policy. Your telephone number and any correspondence by telephone or e-mail will be permanently deleted after our final session.
Only I will have access to passwords. Your data will only be shared in the unlikely event that I am ordered to provide session notes by court, or if you disclose that you or someone else is at risk of harm, in which case I may need to inform your GP or the police. As far as is reasonably possible, you will be informed of this first.
Online Sessions:
Online sessions (if applicable) will take place on Google Meet. I will send you a meeting link URL by email ahead of the session which you can click to join at the time we agree to meet. You do not need a Google account to join the session. Further instructions can be found here: https://support.google.com/meet/
When we meet online I will ensure that I cannot be overheard and will wear headphones to protect your privacy. Please make sure you are in a quiet, comfortable space where you will not be disturbed or overheard. You may wish to wear headphones too.
I will not record the session, and I ask the same of you. This includes photographs, videos or screen shots.
Accessing your data: You have the right to access your data at any point by making a subject access request. (https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/)
You have the right to remove your consent at any point and have your data deleted unless there is a compelling reason for me to retain it.
Any complaints regarding this can be made to the Information Commissioner’s Office (https://ico.org.uk/)
Last Updated: June 2026
Laura Townend 