Privacy Policy

John Shurmer Counselling

Last updated: 28 October 2026

Who I Am

I'm John Shurmer, a BACP registered integrative counsellor offering counselling in Sevenoaks, Kent, and online across the UK.

I am the data controller for personal information collected through my website and counselling practice.

Contact: john@johnshurmercounselling.co.uk

Website: www.johnshurmercounselling.co.uk

What Information I Collect

When you contact me, I may collect your name, contact details and any information you choose to share about your reasons for seeking counselling.

If you become a client, I also collect information necessary to provide counselling safely and professionally. This may include relevant health information, counselling notes, appointment records and payment details.

How I Use Your Information

I use your information to respond to enquiries, arrange and provide counselling, maintain appropriate records and meet my professional and legal responsibilities.

My lawful bases under UK GDPR include taking steps towards or fulfilling a contract, legitimate interests and legal obligations, as appropriate.

Counselling may involve sensitive health information. Where the relevant legal conditions are met, this is processed under Article 9(2)(h) UK GDPR for the provision of counselling, subject to professional confidentiality safeguards.

I do not sell your information or use counselling information for marketing.

Confidentiality and Security

Your information is treated confidentially and stored securely using password-protected electronic systems or locked paper storage.

I may share limited information with my clinical supervisor under professional confidentiality arrangements. Information may also be shared where required by law or where a serious safeguarding concern justifies disclosure.

Trusted service providers may process information on my behalf, including providers of email, website hosting, video calls and secure storage. Some may process information outside the UK, in which case applicable data protection safeguards are required.

How Long I Keep Information

I retain personal information only for as long as necessary to meet professional, legal and insurance requirements.

Counselling records are retained in accordance with my records retention policy. Financial records are kept for applicable tax requirements, and enquiries that do not lead to counselling are deleted when no longer needed.

You can contact me for details of the retention periods that apply to your information.

Website and Cookies

My website is built using Framer. Its built-in analytics are designed to operate without analytics cookies.

I do not currently use advertising or behavioural tracking cookies. Essential technical information may be processed to operate and secure the website.

If this changes, I will update this policy and introduce any necessary cookie consent arrangements.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights relating to your personal information, including requesting access, correction or deletion, and objecting to or restricting certain processing. These rights are subject to applicable legal conditions.

To make a request or ask a question about your information, please contact me using the email address above.

You can also raise a concern with the Information Commissioner's Office at www.ico.org.uk.

Changes to This Policy

I may update this policy when necessary. The latest version will always be available on this website.