top of page
0181 - pippa by om v2_edited_edited_edited.png

Privacy Policy

Dr Pippa Watson Psychotherapy Practice
(Last updated: 9th October 2025)

​

1. Introduction

 

Welcome to my Privacy Policy. I am Dr Pippa Watson, a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist providing psychological therapy to children, adolescents, and families in the UK.

I take your privacy very seriously and am committed to protecting your personal information. This policy explains what personal data I collect, how I use it, and your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)and the Data Protection Act 2018.

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

Data Controller:
Dr Pippa Watson
Email: [insert your contact email]
Website: https://www.drwatsonpsychotherapy.com
ICO Registration Number: [insert number once registered]

 

2. Information I Collect

​

I only collect information that is necessary for providing safe and effective therapy or for responding to enquiries. This may include:

  • Personal details: name, date of birth, and contact information (phone, email, address)

  • Parent/guardian details: name and contact details where relevant

  • Referral information: details about how you found me or who referred you

  • Health and wellbeing information: background information relevant to therapy

  • Session notes: brief records to support ongoing therapeutic work and supervision

  • Administrative data: appointment records, invoices, and payment details

  • Website contact form data: any information you provide through my website contact form (see Section 8 below)

 

3. How I Use Your Information

​

I use your information to:

  • Provide psychotherapy and related professional services

  • Maintain accurate clinical records

  • Communicate about appointments, therapy, or enquiries

  • Comply with legal, professional, and ethical obligations

  • Manage billing and practice administration

I do not use your information for marketing or advertising, and I do not sell or trade your data.

​

4. Legal Basis for Processing

​

Under UK GDPR, I process personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Consent – where you or your parent/guardian give explicit consent to collect and use your information

  • Contract – when processing is necessary to deliver the therapy service you have requested

  • Legal obligation – where I must comply with the law (for example, safeguarding or court orders)

  • Legitimate interests – for purposes of professional record-keeping and safe practice

For special category data (such as health information), processing is carried out under Article 9(2)(h) – provision of health or social care.

​

​

5. How I Store and Protect Your Information

​

  • Paper records are kept in locked storage.

  • Electronic records are stored on encrypted, password-protected systems.

  • I use encrypted email wherever possible.

  • I retain records for seven years after therapy ends, or until a young client turns 25 (whichever is later), in line with professional guidance.

  • After that period, all records are securely destroyed.

 

6. Sharing Information

​

All information shared in therapy is confidential. I will only share your information when:

  • You or your parent/guardian have given consent to share information with another professional (e.g. GP, school, psychiatrist)

  • I have a legal or ethical duty to share information — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or if ordered by a court

  • I use anonymised material in professional supervision to ensure good practice and quality of care.

 

7. Your Rights

​

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data I hold about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request deletion of your data (subject to legal and ethical requirements)

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Object to or restrict certain types of processing

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

ICO contact: www.ico.org.uk / 0303 123 1113

​

​

8. Website Contact Form

​

When you use the contact form on www.drwatsonpsychotherapy.com, the information you provide (such as your name, email address and message) is sent to me securely by email.

This data is used solely to respond to your enquiry and is not stored on the website itself. It is not shared with third parties. Emails are deleted when no longer needed for the purposes of communication or therapy arrangements.

​

​

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

​

This website uses only essential cookies required for its proper function. I do not use analytics cookies, tracking cookies, or third-party advertising tools.

If this changes in the future, the policy and cookie notice will be updated, and you will be given the option to manage your cookie preferences.

​

​

10. Children and Young People

​

Where therapy is provided to a child or young person, I normally seek consent from a parent or guardian. I also respect the young person’s right to confidentiality and involve them in decisions about information sharing, depending on their age and understanding.

​

​

11. Updates to This Policy

​

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect legal or professional changes. The most current version will always be available at www.drwatsonpsychotherapy.com.

​

​

12. Contact

​

If you have any questions or concerns about how I handle your personal data, please contact me by email below.
 

bottom of page