Privacy Policy

Introduction

Your privacy is important. This policy explains how your personal information is collected, used and stored when you visit this website or get in touch about therapy, supervision or training.

I aim to keep this clear and straightforward. If you have any questions, you are welcome to get in touch.

Who I Am

This website is operated by Kelly Markham, psychotherapist at The Armadillo Room.

I am the data controller for the personal information you provide.

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

What Information I Collect

I only collect information that is necessary for providing a service or responding to an enquiry.

If you contact me via this website or email:

Name
Email address
Telephone number (if provided)
Any information you choose to share in your message

If you go on to begin therapy or supervision:

Contact details
Address (or current location for online work)
GP details
Emergency contact details (optional)
Relevant administrative information (e.g. appointment times)
Payment records (via bank transfer)

This additional information is collected once we agree to work together. It is rarely used, but helps ensure I can respond appropriately if there are concerns about your safety.

I do not collect unnecessary or excessive personal information.

How Your Information Is Used

Your information is used to:

Respond to your enquiry
Arrange and manage appointments
Provide therapy, supervision or training
Maintain appropriate records in line with professional requirements

Your information is not used for marketing purposes and is never sold or shared for commercial use.

Lawful Basis for Processing

Under data protection law, I rely on the following lawful bases:

Legitimate Interest

To respond to enquiries and provide services
To maintain records required for professional practice, insurance and tax purposes

Legal Obligation

To comply with legal requirements (e.g. court orders, safeguarding responsibilities, financial records)

Consent

Where you choose to share information or agree to specific uses (e.g. contacting you, sharing information with another professional)

Confidentiality and Data Sharing

Your information is treated as confidential.

However, there are limited circumstances where information may need to be shared:

If there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else
Where there are safeguarding concerns
Where there is a legal requirement (e.g. court order)

Where possible, this would be discussed with you in advance.

How Your Information Is Stored

Your information is stored securely using password-protected devices and systems.

I take reasonable steps to protect your data from loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

How Long Your Information Is Kept

If you make an enquiry but do not proceed, your information is usually deleted within 1 month
If you begin therapy or supervision, records are kept for 7 years after the work ends (in line with professional and insurance requirements)
Financial records are kept in line with HMRC requirements

Communication (Email, Phone, Online Sessions)

While I take steps to protect your information, please be aware:

Email is not always a fully secure method of communication
Online sessions rely on third-party platforms, which have their own privacy policies

You are welcome to raise any concerns about this.

Cookies and Website Use

This website may use basic cookies to support its functioning (for example, to understand general website usage).

Cookies do not identify you personally.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

Access your personal information
Request correction of inaccurate information
Request deletion of your information (in certain circumstances)
Restrict or object to how your data is used
Request transfer of your data

If you would like to exercise any of these rights, you can get in touch.

You also have the right to raise concerns with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Contact

If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is handled, you can get in touch via the Contact page.