Privacy Policy

This policy explains how John Whelehan Therapeutic Counselling ("I", "me") collects, uses and protects your personal information. Last updated: 3 November 2026.

Who I am

I am a counsellor and registered member of the BACP. I am responsible for your personal information. You can contact me at info@johnwhelehan.com or on 07885587362.

What information I collect

When you contact me by the website form, email, phone, text or WhatsApp, I collect your name, email address, phone number and the content of your message. If we work together, I may also collect information you share about your circumstances and health, and I may keep session notes. I do not always take notes.

Why I use it, and the legal basis

I use your information to reply to your enquiry, arrange appointments, provide counselling, take payment and keep the records I need. My legal bases are taking steps at your request before we work together, performing our agreement once we do, and my legitimate interest in running my practice. Because information about your health is particularly sensitive, I also rely on your explicit consent to process it for counselling.

Who I share it with

I do not sell or share your information for marketing. Your website messages pass through my website host, WebHealer, to my email inbox. Payments are made by PayPal or bank transfer, and those providers handle your payment details under their own policies. Online sessions use Zoom, WhatsApp or Microsoft Teams. I do not record sessions. I may need to share information if the law requires it, or if there is a serious risk to you or someone else, as explained in my FAQ on confidentiality.

How long I keep it

Where I keep session notes, I keep them securely for around five years after our work ends, then delete them. Payment records are kept for as long as tax rules require. Enquiries that do not lead to counselling are deleted after a reasonable period.

Website analytics

I may use website analytics to see how many people visit and which pages are viewed. This does not tell me who you are.

Your rights

You can ask to see the information I hold about you, to correct it, or to ask me to delete it, though I may need to keep some records for legal reasons. Email me to make a request. If you are unhappy with how I handle your information, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.