Quick policies overview:
Phoenix Therapy – Quick Client Policy Summary
Non-Emergency Services
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Phoenix Therapy is not an emergency service.
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If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, contact:
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999 for emergencies
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111 – Option 2 for NHS advice
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Samaritans: 116 123
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Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258
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Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
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We aim to reply to messages promptly, but same-day assistance cannot be guaranteed.
Appointments, Attendance & Fees
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Cancellations: At least 24 hours’ notice required. Late cancellations or missed sessions are charged in full.
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Late Arrival: More than 5 minutes late may shorten or reschedule your session.
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Refunds:
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Only for sessions not yet attended
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No refunds for late arrivals, missed sessions, or voluntary withdrawal unless requested in writing within 7 days
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Partial refunds may be considered for therapist illness or session interruptions
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Weekend Appointments: £90/hour, paid in advance, non-refundable but rescheduling may be possible.
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Financial Difficulties: Contact us to arrange payment plans. Therapy is paused if balances over £200 remain unpaid.
Therapy & Supervision
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Sessions may use a variety of therapeutic techniques. Fees are for therapist time, outcomes are not guaranteed.
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You may withdraw at any time; fees for attended sessions still apply.
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If your needs exceed our scope, we may refer you to another service, charging only for sessions up to that point.
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Supervisees are responsible for following professional guidance, maintaining records, and attending required supervision sessions.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
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All client information is confidential and securely stored.
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Information may only be shared if:
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Required by law
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You or someone else is at risk
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For anonymized supervision or educational purposes
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No session recordings without written consent from all parties.
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You can request access to your data in writing.
Children Under 16
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Gillick-competent children can consent to their own therapy.
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Parents/guardians are informed but cannot override consent.
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All safeguarding, emergency, and record-keeping procedures follow UK law.
Email Counselling
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One email per week (up to 1,000 words) with one weekly reply.
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Not suitable for crises or emergencies.
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Payment must be made in advance.
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Clients must use secure email accounts; confidentiality cannot be fully guaranteed.
Administrative & Out-of-Session Work
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Extra work (letters, reports, research) is charged at £70/hour in 10-minute increments:
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10 min = £11.67
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20 min = £23.33
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30 min = £35.00
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40 min = £46.67
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50 min = £58.33
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60 min = £70.00
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Work under 10 minutes is free. All costs must be agreed in advance.
Accessibility & Online Sessions
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No wheelchair access to the first floor; remote sessions available.
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Online sessions via secure platforms; Phoenix Therapy is not responsible for third-party security issues.
Ethics, Legal & Governing Law
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We follow professional ethical codes of the National Hypnotherapy Society and National Counselling Society.
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All services are governed by English law.
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Any disputes fall under the courts of England and Wales.
Emergency Reminder
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For crises, call 999 or NHS crisis lines.
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Email or session delays are not emergencies; seek alternative support if urgent help is needed.
Policies in full:
Non-Emergency Service Policy
Thank you for visiting Phoenix Therapy. We are committed to supporting your mental health and well-being through professional therapeutic services. However, it is important to clarify that we are not an emergency service provider and cannot guarantee immediate responses or crisis intervention outside of scheduled appointments.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in immediate danger, please seek immediate help from one of the following resources:
- Dial 999 for emergency services. / 111 - Option 2
- Contact your local NHS mental health crisis team (available via NHS 111 or by contacting your GP).
- Call one of the following 24/7 helplines:
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, confidential support).
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free crisis text support.
- Mind: Call the Mind Infoline at 0300 123 3393 (for advice and signposting).
While we aim to respond to messages and inquiries as promptly as possible, please be aware that we cannot provide same-day assistance for urgent needs. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, contact one of the above services or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
By engaging with our services, you acknowledge and agree to this policy.
Client Terms and Conditions
When you engage Phoenix Therapy for any service, you agree to the following terms:
A) Treatment Agreement
You agree to the use of some or all of the following treatments for therapeutic reasons at the stated cost. Prices will not increase unless there is a break of more than three months between appointments.
B) Truthful Information
You acknowledge that the treatment is based on the information you provide and affirm that this information is complete and truthful. In rare cases where significant information is withheld, it may be necessary to review the terms of the agreement to ensure alignment and mutual trust.
C) Outcome Disclaimer
You understand that an agreement to work on your issues does not guarantee specific outcomes from therapy. Fees charged are for the therapist's time.
D) Non-Attendance Policy
Appointments can be rescheduled or cancelled with 24 hours’ notice. If you fail to attend without prior notice, you will be liable to pay the full cost of the session.
E) Right to Withdraw
You are free to withdraw from therapy at any time. Charges will still apply as outlined in item (D).
F) Late Arrival
If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, your appointment may be shortened or rescheduled.
G) Anti-Social Behaviour
Any form of anti-social behaviour will result in immediate cessation of treatment.
H) Confidentiality
The information you provide will be kept confidential unless one of the following applies:
- Legal obligations require disclosure (e.g., under the Children’s Act or a court order).
- You pose a danger to yourself or others.
- You disclose a serious crime (e.g., terrorism).
- If I am providing services as part of your formal training, I retain the right to inform your College Tutor if I believe you are not ready to work with real clients.
I) Information Sharing
If you have been referred by your GP, employer, or are part of a care team, I will share prearranged levels of information with involved parties.
J) Complaint Resolution
If you have any problems, questions, or complaints about your therapy, you agree to discuss them with me first. If we cannot resolve the issue satisfactorily, you may access the formal complaints procedures of the relevant organizations.
Weekend working Policy
I do not normally work on weekends; however, I understand that special arrangements may sometimes be required. Weekend appointments can be accommodated if booked in advance, and I aim to remain flexible to meet rare or urgent requests. To confirm a weekend booking, the full fee of £90 per hour must be paid in advance. Please note that payments are non-refundable, though appointments may be rescheduled subject to availability. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Referral and Termination Policy
If, at any point during the course of therapy, it becomes apparent that the client’s needs are beyond my professional capacity to treat effectively, I reserve the right to refer the client to a more appropriate service or specialist. This decision will always be made with the client’s best interests in mind and discussed openly with them.
Upon referral, ongoing therapy sessions with me will be terminated. Charges will apply only for sessions and services provided up to the point of referral. No further fees will be charged beyond this date.
This policy is intended to ensure that clients receive the most suitable care and support for their individual needs.
GDPR Compliance
When entering a contract with Phoenix Therapy, you agree to the following data protection terms:
- All data is securely stored in accordance with GDPR, ICO recommendations, and data protection laws.
- Your data will be retained for approximately 7 years for insurance and professional body purposes, after which it will be securely destroyed.
- Session notes will be kept in a locked filing cabinet. Data stored electronically will be encrypted and password-protected.
- Confidentiality may be breached if it is in the public interest (e.g., if you are a danger to yourself or others).
- If confidentiality must be breached legally, you will not be informed for the safety of Phoenix Therapy staff.
- If you request information to be shared (e.g., for a tribunal), a signed, dated letter with specific instructions must be provided.
- A copy of our data protection policy is available upon request. All data protection matters will be handled by Brian Turner, the Data Controller for Phoenix Therapy Ltd.
- Recording any session without explicit written consent from all parties is strictly prohibited and will result in the cessation of all treatment.
- Requests regarding data protection must be made in writing to Brian Turner, and will be addressed within 28 days.
- If you are under 16 and do not meet Gillick competency laws, this contract must be signed by an appropriate adult or legal guardian.
- Full policies and forms are at the bottom of this page for your consideration.
Additional Information
- Disability Access: Phoenix Therapy Ltd currently does not have wheelchair access to the first floor. As an alternative, we offer remote therapy sessions to ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can still receive our services.
- Admin Fees: A £50 administration fee applies for supporting documentation requests (e.g., letters or reports).
- Legal Jurisdiction: All services are governed by English law. If you engage with us from another country, British law will apply.
- Virtual Treatment: Virtual sessions can be arranged, but Phoenix Therapy is not responsible for any security issues arising from third-party software (e.g., Zoom, Skype). If there are privacy breaches, the responsibility lies with the third-party service provider.
Code of Ethics
- I agree to abide by the National Hypnotherapy Society and National Counselling Society codes of ethics. Copies are available upon request or can be viewed online at their respective websites.
Refunds Policy
If a client wishes to request a refund, they must contact Phoenix Therapy Limited within seven days of the payment. Refund requests must be submitted in writing. If a refund request is not received within this timeframe, no refund will be issued.
Refunds will be considered under the following circumstances:
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Voluntary Withdrawal:
If a client voluntarily leaves therapy, this does not automatically warrant a refund. A separate refund application must be made within the seven-day limit. -
Late Arrivals:
Arriving late for a therapy session does not qualify for a refund. -
Non-Attendance:
In accordance with sections D and E of the Client Terms and Conditions, non-attendance for scheduled appointments is not eligible for a refund. -
Coercive Behaviour:
The use of threats or coercive tactics to obtain a refund will not be tolerated, and no refund will be granted under such circumstances. -
Partial Refunds:
Phoenix Therapy may grant a partial refund where applicable, but sessions that have already been attended are non-refundable. -
Refunds for Unattended Sessions:
Refunds will only be granted for sessions that have not taken place. For example, if a client has paid for six sessions upfront and decides to cancel after attending three sessions, they will only be refunded for the three sessions that have not occurred. -
Therapist Illness:
If the therapist is physically ill before a scheduled session, the session will be rescheduled. If the session is missed due to this illness, it falls under the non-attendance policy. -
Adverse Reactions During Session:
If the therapist experiences an adverse reaction during a session that prevents them from continuing, a partial refund may be granted at the therapist's discretion. -
Discretionary Matters:
Any issues not explicitly covered in this policy will be addressed at the discretion of the therapist.
Financial Difficulties and Back Payment Policy
If financial difficulties arise, clients are encouraged to communicate as soon as possible. In such cases, a mutually agreeable timeframe for back payment will be established. However, if the outstanding balance exceeds £200 or is not cleared within the agreed-upon timeframe, therapy sessions will be paused until the balance is cleared.
After such a break, therapy can resume; however, all appointments must be paid for 24 hours in advance.
If payments are not made within a specified period following the agreed-upon timeframe, Phoenix Therapy Limited reserves the right to withdraw services entirely.
Supervision Contract Terms
This contract outlines the terms and conditions governing the supervision relationship between the Supervisor and the Supervisee. By entering this contract, both parties agree to abide by the following terms:
Membership and Ethical Framework
The Supervisee must be a member of a recognized professional body such as the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR), British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), National Counselling and Psychotherapist Society (NCPS), National Hypnotherapy Society, or any other equivalent professional body. The Supervisee is required to abide by the ethical framework of their respective body. This also applies to students working towards membership.
Professional Conduct During Supervision
Both parties agree to maintain a high standard of professional conduct throughout the supervisory relationship, including punctuality, engagement, and respect for each other's perspectives and experiences.
Insurance Requirements
The Supervisee must hold professional indemnity insurance to cover their practice. If the Supervisee is working within an agency, it is the responsibility of the agency to ensure the Supervisee is covered under the agency’s insurance.
Practicalities Regarding Supervision
Supervision sessions will be held regularly, as required by the Supervisee’s professional body (e.g., 1.5 hours per month). It is the responsibility of the Supervisee to ensure that their supervision arrangements meet the requirements of their professional body. If the Supervisee practices in multiple disciplines (e.g., both hypnotherapy and counselling), they may require dual supervision to meet the specific requirements for each field. This could involve separate supervision sessions (e.g., 1.5 hours for each discipline). If the Supervisee’s client numbers increase, additional supervision may be required. This will be negotiated between the Supervisor and Supervisee during the course of the contract. It is the Supervisee’s responsibility to inform the Supervisor of any changes in their client load or circumstances that may affect the supervision arrangement. The Supervisee must ensure that they seek the appropriate level of supervision in accordance with their professional body’s requirements. The Supervisor is not liable for any consequences arising from actions taken by the Supervisee. Advice provided by the Supervisor is to be followed at the Supervisee’s discretion. If required by their professional body, the Supervisee may need to attend supervision even when not seeing clients. In these cases, the sessions may focus on business issues, personal development, or other relevant topics. These sessions will be charged at the regular rate and will be held at the same frequency as normal client-related supervision. While the Supervisor will initiate the supervision contract, the Supervisee is expected to participate in discussions about scheduling, previous supervisory experiences, goals, theoretical approaches, skill development, and learning needs.
Fees and Reports
All fees are agreed upon during the first session. The fees may be renegotiated upon contract renewal. If the Supervisee requires any reports, these will incur an additional fee of £40 per report. In the event that reports are required by the Supervisee’s college, university, or professional body, the Supervisee will be responsible for meeting the expense of preparing and submitting those reports.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
All supervision sessions will be conducted in strict confidence. Any client information shared will be anonymized, and supervision records will be stored in accordance with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR). The supervisor may share anonymised information about their work as a supervisor within their own supervision sessions. Otherwise, the Supervisor will not share any information discussed during sessions unless legally required or with the consent of the Supervisee.
College / Professional Disclosure Policy
The Supervisor reserves the right to contact the Supervisee’s college, university, or professional body at any time without prior notice to discuss concerns about the Supervisee’s fitness to practice. This may include concerns about academic integrity, professional conduct, or ethical behaviour. Such disclosures will be made in accordance with relevant policies and applicable regulations to safeguard the educational and professional process.
Late Payments
In the event of late payments, the matter will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. If necessary, a payment plan may be offered to assist the Supervisee with their monetary needs. However, any late payments that persist for an extended period may result in the supervisory sessions being placed in abeyance until the outstanding payment is made. If the payment remains overdue for a significant duration, this may lead to the termination of the contract.
Travel Expenditure
Each party is responsible for their own travel expenses related to supervision sessions. The Supervisee and the Supervisor agree that any travel costs incurred for in-person sessions will be met independently by each party, and no reimbursement will be required unless specifically agreed otherwise.
Breakdown in Online Supervision
In the event of a technical breakdown during online supervision (e.g., internet failure or other disruptions), an alternative means of communication will be sought. This may include switching to a telephone conversation or rescheduling the session as a face-to-face meeting, where possible. Both parties agree to remain flexible and responsive to ensure supervision continues effectively despite such interruptions.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy / Supervisor Sickness Clause
The Supervisee must provide at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. If insufficient notice is given, the session fee will still be charged. If the Supervisor needs to cancel, every effort will be made to reschedule within a reasonable time frame.
If the Supervisor is unavailable due to illness or other reasons, an attempt will be made to reschedule the session within an agreed time frame. If a rescheduled session is not possible and supervision is urgently required, a temporary supervisor will be provided. The Supervisee will be responsible for scheduling, discussing costs, and making any necessary agreements with the temporary supervisor, whether arranged through their regular Supervisor or independently.
Review of Supervision
Both parties agree to conduct regular reviews of the supervision process, at least every six months, to assess the effectiveness of the supervisory relationship. During these reviews, feedback will be exchanged, and adjustments to the supervision plan may be made as needed to better meet the needs of the Supervisee.
Professional Development Plan
The Supervisee will create a professional development plan that outlines their goals and objectives for the duration of the supervision. This plan will be discussed and reviewed with the Supervisor to ensure alignment with professional standards and personal aspirations.
Emergency Protocols
In cases where immediate attention is needed due to a crisis involving a client, the Supervisee agrees to contact the Supervisor as soon as possible to discuss the situation. Both parties will have established emergency contact methods to ensure prompt communication during such events.
Supervisee’s Responsibilities in Emergency Situations
In cases of client emergencies, the Supervisee is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of their clients and must follow established protocols for emergency response, including immediate contact with relevant authorities or support services if necessary.
Documentation of Sessions
The Supervisor will maintain records of each supervision session, including key discussion points, recommendations made, and any action items. The Supervisee will also be encouraged to keep their own notes. These records will be stored confidentially and in accordance with data protection regulations.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the UK, and any disputes arising from it shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the UK.
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all discussions and materials shared during supervision sessions. Any sensitive information will not be disclosed to third parties without the explicit consent of the other party, except as required by law.
Additional Fees
Any unscheduled meetings or urgent consultations that occur outside of the agreed supervision sessions will incur an additional fee of their usual amount per session. That is £70 per session.
Feedback Mechanism
A structured feedback mechanism will be established, allowing the Supervisee to provide input on the supervision process and the Supervisor’s methods i.e. informal discussions at the end of sessions.
Addressing Concerns
If any concerns arise regarding the Supervisee’s training or practice, these will first be discussed directly with the Supervisee. If needed, the Supervisor reserves the right to involve external parties such as professional bodies, tutors, or agencies, and the Supervisee will be informed unless confidentiality is required to protect the Supervisor or other parties. In cases where professional concerns arise, appropriate authorities may be notified, anonymously where necessary.
Acceptance of Feedback and Recommendations
The Supervisee agrees to accept reasonable and proportionate feedback and recommendations to maintain or improve professional standards. Specific directions for development, such as reflection or undertaking personal therapy, may also be required to maintain the supervisory relationship. Failure to comply with these directions may result in the termination of this contract. Failure to adhere to these recommendations may affect the content of reports or, for students, their course completion. In cases where professional concerns arise, appropriate authorities may be notified, anonymously where necessary.
Supervisee Responsibility for Professional Development
The Supervisee is encouraged to take an active role in their professional development by attending relevant workshops, courses, or other learning opportunities to enhance their practice. The Supervisor may provide guidance on areas of improvement or recommend specific resources, but the responsibility for ongoing development lies with the Supervisee.
Training and Development Resources
The Supervisor may provide resources, literature, and training recommendations to support the Supervisee’s development. These resources may include relevant articles, workshops, or other educational opportunities that align with the Supervisee’s goals.
Exit Strategy
In the event of contract termination, both parties will engage in a final meeting to summarize achievements and reflect on the supervisory experience. Any outstanding administrative tasks will also be addressed during this meeting to ensure a smooth transition. This will be void in the event of cases of professional misconduct.
Supervisee Accountability for Client Outcomes
While the Supervisor will provide guidance and advice, the Supervisee remains fully accountable for their own professional practice and client outcomes. The Supervisor is not liable for any actions taken by the Supervisee because of supervision.
Impact on Course Completion
Failure to meet the requirements or follow recommendations could result in the Supervisee receiving an unfavourable report or not passing their course.
Honesty and Transparency
The Supervisee commits to maintaining honesty and transparency throughout the supervision relationship. This includes disclosing challenges, ethical dilemmas, and any relevant personal or professional circumstances that may affect practice or supervision. A breach of trust by failing to disclose important information may result in the termination of the contract.
Termination of Contract
Either party may terminate this contract by providing 30 days' written notice. However, in cases of gross professional misconduct, the contract will be terminated immediately without prior notice. Reasons for termination can include, but are not limited to, changes in professional circumstances, irreconcilable differences in the supervisory relationship, or a failure to meet agreed-upon requirements. Any fees owed up to the date of termination will still be payable by the Supervisee.
Limitation of Liability
Both parties acknowledge that neither the Supervisor nor the Supervisee shall be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of or related to the supervision process, except in cases of gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
Acceptance of Terms
By signing this contract, both parties acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to the terms outlined above.
This contract remains in effect until terminated or renegotiated by either party in accordance with the terms agreed upon.
Terms and Conditions for Treatment of a pre Gillick-Competent Child (a child under 16 years of age)
(For Parental Acknowledgement and Consent)
1. Introduction
This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which [Practitioner’s Name] ("the Practitioner") provides therapeutic services to your child ("the Client"). The Client is under the age of 16 but has been assessed to be Gillick competent and therefore capable of consenting to their own treatment under UK law.
2. Gillick Competence
The Client has been assessed as Gillick competent, meaning they have sufficient understanding and intelligence to fully understand the proposed treatment. In accordance with UK legal standards, this means they may consent to their own care without parental permission.
As a parent or guardian, you are being informed of the treatment and providing acknowledgment of this process. However, the therapeutic relationship and consent to treatment remain with the Client.
3. Confidentiality
All information shared during treatment is confidential and will not be disclosed to parents or guardians without the Client’s explicit consent, unless there is a risk of serious harm to the Client or others, or where disclosure is required by law.
4. Cancellation Policy
Appointments must be cancelled with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, or failure to attend a scheduled session without notification, will incur the full session fee, unless otherwise agreed due to exceptional circumstances.
In the event of a cancellation or missed session, all registered parents or legal guardians will be contacted for safeguarding purposes. This is to ensure appropriate oversight and continued support for the Client’s wellbeing.
5. Duration and Review of Agreement
This agreement remains valid until the Client reaches the age of 16. Upon turning 16, a new agreement will be drafted directly with the Client, in recognition of their evolving legal capacity under UK law to consent independently to ongoing treatment.
6. Data Protection and Record Keeping
All records will be stored securely and managed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Clients have the right to access their personal data unless there are safeguarding concerns or legal exceptions that apply.
7. Disputes and Jurisdiction
This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be resolved under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English and Welsh courts.
8. Emergency Contact Protocol
In the event of an emergency where the Client is believed to be at immediate risk, the Practitioner will follow safeguarding procedures, which may include contacting emergency services or the registered emergency contact person(s) provided by the parent/guardian.
9. Digital Communication and Online Sessions
If sessions are conducted online, they will be held via secure, encrypted platforms. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure the Client has access to a safe, private, and appropriate environment. All online sessions are subject to the same confidentiality and safeguarding standards as in-person work.
10. Consent to Share Information with Other Professionals
With the Client’s informed consent, relevant information may be shared with other professionals involved in their care (e.g., GP, school counsellor, social worker), when this is deemed beneficial to their wellbeing. Information will only be shared in line with confidentiality and safeguarding guidelines.
11. Termination of Therapy
Either the Client or the Practitioner may choose to end therapy at any time. Where possible, this decision will be discussed in advance, and a plan for safe and supported closure will be agreed. Parents or guardians will be notified when therapy concludes, subject to the Client’s consent and in line with safeguarding considerations.
12. Acknowledgment
By signing a contract with me, you acknowledge:
- You understand your child has the legal right to consent to treatment under Gillick competence.
- You have been informed of the nature of the treatment and the terms outlined in this agreement.
- You accept the cancellation policy, including the notification of registered parents for safeguarding purposes.
- You understand how emergencies, online sessions, professional collaboration, and therapy termination will be handled.
- You acknowledge the agreement will be redrafted directly with the Client when they reach the age of 16.
Email Counselling Policy
What is Email Counselling?
Email counselling offers you the opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in writing, at your own pace and in your own time. It can be a helpful alternative if you find it easier to express yourself in writing, or if your schedule or location makes face-to-face or live sessions difficult.
How It Works
- You are invited to send one email per week (up to 1,000 words).
- I will respond with a therapeutic reply once a week, on a scheduled day (to be agreed upon at the start of our work together).
- There is no set time limit to start; you can begin whenever you're ready.
- The work is structured similarly to traditional counselling but takes place in written form.
Confidentiality and Data Security
- All emails are stored securely and confidentially in line with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR).
- Please ensure you are also using a secure and private email account when corresponding.
- While every effort is made to ensure confidentiality, please note that email is not 100% secure, and some inherent risks may apply when using electronic communication.
Boundaries
- This is not a real-time or instant messaging service.
- I will not be available outside of the agreed response time.
- Email counselling is not suitable for crisis situations or emergencies.
Cancellations & Breaks
- You can pause or end email counselling at any time. Please let me know if you wish to take a break or discontinue.
- If I need to take a break (e.g., due to leave or illness), I will inform you in advance where possible.
Payment
- Payment must be made prior to receiving your weekly response.
- The agreed rate covers one email from you and one therapeutic reply per week.
Is Email Counselling Right for You?
Email counselling may be a good fit if you:
- Prefer to process your thoughts in writing
- Need flexibility due to time zones or a busy schedule
- Want to reflect deeply between exchanges
However, it may not be suitable if you are in crisis, experiencing severe mental health difficulties, or require immediate support. In such cases, please contact your GP, emergency services, or a crisis line.
Bespoke Administrative and Out-of-Session Work Policy
In addition to therapy sessions, clients may occasionally request bespoke support that falls outside the scope of standard appointments. This may include, but is not limited to, research, or other bespoke administrative tasks undertaken on the client’s behalf.
Such requests will incur an additional administration fee of £70 per hour, billed in 10-minute increments. All work under 10 mins is free. All such work must be agreed upon in advance, and clients will be informed of the estimated time and cost before any chargeable work begins.
If the administrative fee were £70 per hour, billed in 10-minute increments, here's the updated charge chart:
| Time Spent | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 10 minutes | £11.67 |
| 20 minutes | £23.33 |
| 30 minutes | £35.00 |
| 40 minutes | £46.67 |
| 50 minutes | £58.33 |
| 60 minutes | £70.00 |
Phoenix Therapy – Safeguarding Policy
1. Introduction
Phoenix Therapy is committed to promoting the safety and wellbeing of all clients, including children, young people, and adults at risk. This policy outlines the procedures for recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns in line with UK legislation and professional ethical guidance.
This policy applies to:
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All therapeutic work (counselling, hypnotherapy)
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Online and in-person sessions
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Email-based counselling
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Work with supervisees
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Administrative work involving client data
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
2. Definitions
2.1 Children
A child is anyone under 18 (Children Act 1989).
2.2 Adults at Risk
An adult at risk is someone who:
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Has care and support needs,
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Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect,
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Is unable to protect themselves due to those needs (Care Act 2014).
2.3 Types of Abuse
Includes:
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Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
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Neglect or self-neglect
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Domestic abuse
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Financial/material abuse
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Organisational abuse
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Discrimination or hate crime
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Radicalisation (PREVENT)
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Online abuse
3. Safeguarding Principles
Phoenix Therapy adheres to:
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Protection
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Prevention
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Empowerment
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Accountability
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Partnership
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Proportionality
4. Roles & Responsibilities
4.1 Practitioner Responsibilities
The practitioner must:
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Recognise signs of abuse
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Respond appropriately
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Record concerns securely
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Make referrals where needed
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Use supervision for safeguarding support
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Maintain updated safeguarding training
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Explain confidentiality limits
4.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
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Name: Brian Turner
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Role: Oversight of safeguarding decisions, referrals, and record-keeping
5. Confidentiality & Safeguarding
Information shared in therapy is confidential except when:
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A child or adult is at risk of harm
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A client poses risk to themselves or others
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A serious crime is disclosed
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Required by law
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Information must be shared for safeguarding purposes
Any information shared will be minimal and GDPR-compliant.
6. Recognising Signs of Abuse
Practitioners remain alert to:
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Behavioural changes
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Self-harm or suicidal ideation
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Physical signs of abuse
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Neglect
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Disclosures
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Coercion or control
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Financial abuse
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Online exploitation
7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns - procedure.
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Listen calmly and without judgement
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Reassure the client
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Explain confidentiality limits
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Assess immediate risk
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Are you safe right now?
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Has anyone harmed you?
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Is anyone else at risk?
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Do you have a plan to harm yourself or others?
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Take appropriate action
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Immediate danger → call 999
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Non-immediate risk → referral to local services
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Record the concern
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Discuss in supervision (anonymised unless urgent)
8. Referrals & Information Sharing
Possible referral routes include:
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Wakefield Children’s Social Care / MASH
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Wakefield Adult Safeguarding (Social Care Direct)
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Mental health crisis services
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GP
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Police
Information will be shared where:
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Legally required
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Necessary to protect life
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Client consents (when appropriate)
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Vital interests apply
9. Working with Children & Young People
9.1 Gillick Competence
Gillick-competent young people may consent independently to therapy.
9.2 Non-Gillick-competent Children
Parent/guardian involvement is required for treatment agreements.
9.3 Missed Appointments
Missed children’s sessions require follow-up to ensure wellbeing.
10. Online / Digital Safeguarding
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Secure, encrypted systems are used
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Clients must attend from a private and safe space
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Digital risk indicators are monitored
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Online clients follow the same safeguarding procedures as in-person clients
11. Supervision & Safeguarding
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Safeguarding matters are discussed in supervision
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Information is anonymised unless urgent risk applies
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Supervision supports safe decision-making
12. Record Keeping
Safeguarding records will include:
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Date, time, and full details
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Risk assessment
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Actions taken
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Outcome
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Communications with external agencies
Records are:
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Stored securely (encrypted/locked)
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Kept for 7 years
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Handled in compliance with GDPR
13. Training
The practitioner maintains regular training in:
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Safeguarding Children (Working Together 2018/2023)
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Safeguarding Adults (Care Act 2014)
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Suicide & self-harm risk
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Prevent (radicalisation)
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GDPR & data protection
14. Safeguarding Contacts — Wakefield, UK
Emergency Contacts
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Police / Ambulance / Fire: 999
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NHS 111 – Mental Health (Option 2)
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Police non-emergency: 101
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Samaritans: 116 123
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Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258
Local Safeguarding Contacts
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Wakefield Children’s Social Care / MASH: 0345 8503 503
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Wakefield Out-of-Hours (Children): 0345 8503 503
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Wakefield Social Care Direct (Adults): 0345 8 503 503
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Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership (WSCP): 01924 306497
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Wakefield Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): 01977 727 032
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Wakefield Safeguarding Adults Board (WDSAB):
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
15. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every 12 months, or earlier if:
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Legislation changes
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Guidance is updated
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A safeguarding issue requires review
Privacy Notice Phoenix Therapy Last updated: June 2026
Phoenix Therapy (“we”, “us”, “our”) is operated by Brian Turner, Psychotherapist. This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in line with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
It applies to clients, website visitors, enquirers, and supervisees.
1. Who We Are (Data Controller)
Brian Turner Phoenix Therapy Practice address: 12B Bank Street, Castleford, WF10 1HZ Correspondence address: c/o Marie Szczepanski, SFB Group, 19 King Street, Wakefield, WF1 2SQ Email:
2. What Personal Data We Collect
- Contact & identity data: name, email, phone, address.
- Health & special category data: mental health history, therapy notes, medical information relevant to treatment (e.g. anxiety, phobias, insomnia, smoking cessation).
- Technical data: IP address, browser type (via cookies).
- Other: enquiry details, session notes, supervision records, payment information (where applicable).
We only collect what is necessary.
3. How We Collect Your Data
Directly from you via intake forms, contact/enquiry forms (including Jotform), emails, phone calls, or in-person. Indirectly via website cookies or referrals.
4. Purposes and Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data for the following purposes:
- Providing therapy, counselling, and hypnotherapy services (including keeping session records) — Legal basis: Contract (or steps prior to contract). Special category basis: Provision of health/social care by a qualified professional (with professional body safeguards).
- Responding to enquiries (including social media messages) — Legal basis: Legitimate Interests. Special category basis: N/A or explicit consent where health details are shared early.
- Administrative tasks (billing, scheduling, supervision) — Legal basis: Contract / Legitimate Interests. Special category basis: As above.
- Marketing or newsletters (if applicable) — Legal basis: Consent. Special category basis: Explicit consent.
- Legal compliance or defending legal claims — Legal basis: Legal obligation / Legitimate Interests. Special category basis: Substantial public interest / legal claims.
Legitimate Interests Assessment (LIA): For responding to enquiries and certain administrative tasks we will complete an LIA. Our interests do not override your rights. A copy is available on request.
5. Consent for Health Data
For sensitive health and mental health data we primarily rely on the health care provision basis. On our intake forms we also use two separate tick boxes:
- Agreement to process general personal data for service delivery.
- Explicit consent to process your medical/mental health history for therapeutic purposes.
You can withdraw consent at any time (this may limit our ability to provide services).
6. Sharing Your Data
We may share data with:
- Professional supervisors (under strict confidentiality).
- Insurers or regulators (if legally required).
- Secure service providers such as Jotform (with data processing agreements).
We do not sell your data. All sharing is protected by appropriate agreements.
7. International Transfers
We aim to keep data in the UK/EEA. Any transfers use appropriate safeguards (e.g. Standard Contractual Clauses).
8. Data Retention
We retain therapy records in line with professional guidelines (typically 7 years after last contact) and then securely delete or anonymise them. Shorter periods apply to general enquiries and marketing data.
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, and portability.
- Withdraw consent at any time.
- Lodge a complaint (see Complaints Policy below).
To exercise these rights, contact us at
We respond to requests within one month (extendable if complex).
10. Complaints Policy (Data Protection)
You have the right to complain directly to us about how we handle your personal data.
How to complain:
- Use the contact form on our website.
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Post: Brian Turner, Data Controller, Phoenix Therapy, c/o Marie Szczepanski, SFB Group, 19 King Street, Wakefield, WF1 2SQ.
Please include your name, contact details, details of the complaint, and desired outcome.
Our process:
- We acknowledge your complaint within 30 days.
- We investigate fairly and aim to resolve it without undue delay (normally within 1–3 months).
- You will receive a written response explaining our findings and any actions taken.
If you remain unhappy, you may complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at any time: www.ico.org.uk.
We keep records of complaints to improve our service and staff training. All staff are trained on data protection responsibilities including complaint handling.
Summary: We use only strictly necessary cookies and benefit from 2026 exemptions for first-party statistical/functional cookies. No marketing or tracking cookies are used. You can manage preferences via the Cookie Settings link in the footer.
11. Data Security
We use secure forms, access controls, and appropriate technical measures. In the event of a data breach we will notify you and the ICO where required.
12. Changes to This Notice
We review this notice regularly. The “Last updated” date at the top shows when changes were made. Continued use of our services after changes means you accept the updated notice.
Contact Us For any questions about this Privacy Notice, your data, or to exercise your rights: Email:
