At Akra Counselling, your privacy is not just a legal obligation — it is a cornerstone of the trust we build with every client. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect the personal information you share with us when you access our website or engage our services.

1. Who We Are

Akra Counselling is a professional counselling and life coaching practice dedicated to supporting individuals through personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and life transitions. We operate in accordance with applicable data protection laws and adhere to the ethical standards of our professional bodies.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

• Contact information — name, email address, phone number, and location.
• Health and wellbeing information — details you share during enquiries or sessions, including mental health history, concerns, and goals.
• Booking and scheduling details — appointment records and session notes.
• Payment information — billing details processed through secure third-party payment providers.
• Website usage data — IP address, browser type, pages visited, and interaction data collected via cookies and analytics tools.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for the following purposes:

• To provide counselling and life coaching services tailored to your needs.
• To manage appointments, communications, and billing.
• To comply with legal, ethical, and professional obligations.
• To improve our website and service delivery.
• To respond to enquiries or feedback you submit to us.

We will never use your personal or clinical information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

4. Confidentiality & Special Category Data

Information shared within a therapeutic relationship is treated with strict confidentiality. As a counselling practice, we may hold sensitive data relating to your mental and emotional health. This data is classified as special category data under data protection law and is handled with the highest level of care.

Confidentiality may only be broken in exceptional circumstances, including:

• A serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.
• A legal requirement or court order to disclose.
• Safeguarding obligations under applicable law.

In such cases, we will always endeavour to discuss this with you first, unless doing so would increase risk.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following lawful bases:

• Contractual necessity — to provide services you have requested.
• Legal obligation — to comply with applicable laws and professional standards.
• Legitimate interests — to improve our website and communications.
• Consent — where you have explicitly opted in (e.g., newsletter sign-ups or marketing communications).

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties, except in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers — trusted third parties who assist in operating our website or delivering services (e.g., scheduling platforms, payment processors), who are contractually bound to protect your data.
• Professional supervision — your counsellor may discuss session content anonymously with a clinical supervisor as part of their ethical obligations. Your name and identifying details will not be shared.
• Legal and safeguarding obligations — as described in Section 4.

7. Data Retention

Client records, including session notes and correspondence, are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years following the end of the therapeutic relationship, in line with professional guidelines. Website usage data may be retained for up to 24 months. After the applicable retention period, all personal data is securely deleted or anonymised.

8. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and gather anonymous analytics data. You may adjust your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functionality. We do not use cookies to collect personally identifiable information without your consent.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements).
• Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority in your jurisdiction.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

10. Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously. All data is stored securely using appropriate technical and organisational measures. We use encrypted communications where possible and regularly review our security practices. However, no method of electronic transmission is entirely risk-free, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their policies before providing any personal information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The most current version will always be available on our website. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please reach out to us: