Your Information & Me

Privacy Policy

Laura How Counselling & Coaching (“LauraHow.com”, “we”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the EU GDPR where applicable, and other relevant privacy and data protection laws depending on your location.

We collect and use personal information to provide counselling and coaching services, manage our platform, and operate our business. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we keep it secure, and what rights you have.

1. Data Controller

LauraHow.com is the data controller for personal information collected through our website, contact forms, scheduling systems, Stripe payment systems, and administrative communications.

Independent practitioners (therapists, coaches, or allied professionals) working under the LauraHow.com banner are independent data controllers for any personal data they collect during sessions, via email, or in their own records. They are responsible for their own privacy and record-keeping obligations in line with relevant laws and professional standards.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information in the following ways:

  • Website contact forms and booking forms (name, contact details, service requested, availability)
  • Intake forms and questionnaires (personal history, goals for counselling or coaching, relationship information, health details where relevant)
  • Session notes recorded by practitioners
  • Emails, phone calls, and text messages
  • Payment and invoicing information via Stripe or bank transfer

For UK and EU clients, our legal bases under GDPR include:

  • Contract: to provide services under the Client Agreement
  • Legitimate interest: to manage our business and communicate with clients
  • Legal obligation: to comply with safeguarding, tax, and legal reporting duties
  • Vital interests: to prevent serious harm

For clients outside the UK/EU, we process personal data in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws in your jurisdiction.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use personal data to:

  • Provide counselling or coaching services
  • Communicate with you regarding bookings, services, and support
  • Manage payments and invoicing
  • Meet legal and safeguarding obligations
  • Analyse website and service effectiveness (in anonymised form)

5. How We Store Your Information

Personal data is stored securely in password-protected digital systems. We do not store paper records. We use reputable third-party services (such as Google Workspace, Zoom, Stripe, and SimplyMeet) to deliver services. These providers may store data outside the UK or EU (e.g., in the United States). Where this occurs, we rely on standard contractual clauses or equivalent safeguards to protect your data.

Practitioners may keep brief factual session notes and relevant correspondence in secure, password-protected digital formats. Each practitioner is responsible for the security of their own records.

6. Data Sharing

We may share personal information with:

  • Practitioners you choose to work with, to deliver your sessions
  • Statutory bodies where legally required (e.g., safeguarding, court orders)
  • Emergency contacts in the event of serious risk
  • Professional advisers (e.g., legal, insurance) if required

Practitioners may share anonymised information in supervision to ensure ethical, safe, and effective practice. Client anonymity is maintained.

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. Please review their privacy policies.

8. International Transfers

Your data may be transferred outside the UK/EU (for example, when using Zoom or Stripe). We use reputable service providers and safeguard such transfers through appropriate legal mechanisms (such as standard contractual clauses).

9. How Long We Keep Information

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to deliver services, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes. Practitioners may retain session notes according to their professional or legal requirements.

10. Your Rights

UK and EU clients have rights under GDPR, including:

  • Access to your personal data
  • Correction of inaccurate information
  • Erasure of data in some circumstances
  • Restriction or objection to processing
  • Data portability (in some cases)
  • Right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

International clients may have equivalent rights under their local laws.

11. Marketing

We will not use your personal information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent. You can withdraw consent at any time.

12. Changes to This Policy

If we make changes that affect how your data is processed, we will notify you in advance where possible.

13. Contact

If you have questions or concerns about this policy or your data, please contact: laura@laurahow.com