Privacy Notice
Last updated: June 2026
Who I am
Emma Amara trading as Lotus Flower Counselling, is a counsellor in private practice based in Bristol, UK. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), registration number ZA752117
I can be contacted at:
emma@lotusflowercounselling.co.uk
07791 160864
What personal data I collect and why
As your counsellor, I collect and hold the following information:
• Contact details (name, phone number, email address)
• Emergency contact details
• GP name and surgery
• Relevant medical or mental health history you share with me
• Session notes and any correspondence between us
• Payment records
I collect only what is necessary to provide you with a safe and effective counselling service.
My lawful basis for processing your data
I hold your data on the basis of contract — it is necessary to deliver the counselling service we have agreed. Special category data (such as health information) is held on the basis of substantial public interest in the provision of health and social care services.
How long I keep your data
I keep client records for 7 years after our last session, in line with professional guidance from BACP / NCPS. After this period, records are securely destroyed.
Who I share your data with
Your information is kept confidential. I may share information only in the following limited circumstances:
• With my clinical supervisor (on an anonymised basis wherever possible), for the purpose of maintaining professional standards
• Where I am legally required to do so (e.g. to prevent serious harm)
• With Quickbooks my accounting system and Zoom the platform we work on
I do not sell or share your data with any third party for marketing purposes.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to:
• Access the personal data I hold about you
• Ask me to correct inaccurate data
• Ask me to erase your data in certain circumstances
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format
• Object to or restrict how I process your data
To exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details above.
Keeping your data secure
I take the security of your data seriously. All records are electronic and are protected by two-factor authentication. In the unlikely event of a data breach, I will notify the ICO within 72 hours and inform you if you are at risk.
Data Protection Complaints
If you have concerns about how I handle your personal data, please contact me in the first instance so I can try to resolve the matter.
How to complain: Email me at emma@lotusflowercounselling.co.uk or write to 81 Baden Road, Bristol, BS15 9XE. You don’t need to use legal language — just describe your concern as clearly as you can.
Timescales: I will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days. I will then investigate, keep you informed of progress, and provide you with an outcome as soon as possible.
If you remain unhappy: You have the right to complain to the ICO at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.
Changes to this notice
I review this privacy notice regularly. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised date.
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