Privacy and Accessibility

Accessibility

I am committed to making my online therapy services as accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly as possible for all clients, regardless of individual needs or circumstances.

Platforms Used

I currently offer online therapy sessions using Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp (for audio or text-based check-ins, where appropriate and agreed in advance).

Microsoft Teams supports a range of accessibility features including live captions, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and high-contrast mode. It also allows for audio-only calls if video is not suitable.
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice notes, and video/audio calling. It also includes basic accessibility features and is compatible with most screen readers on iOS and Android.

If you have a preferred platform, or require adjustments to how sessions are delivered (e.g. audio-only, typed communication, flexible scheduling), I am happy to discuss alternatives where feasible.

Adaptable Communication

I understand that people communicate and process information in different ways. I am open to adapting my communication style — for example, by providing written summaries, using clear and simple language, or adjusting the pace of sessions — based on your needs.

Neurodiversity-Inclusive Practice

My approach is inclusive of neurodivergent clients, and I recognise that traditional therapy formats don’t suit everyone. I'm open to flexibility in how sessions are structured, including frequency, length, and the mode of interaction (e.g. visual, verbal, written).

Website & Digital Accessibility

I aim for any online content I provide (e.g. website, forms, emails) to be as accessible as possible. If you experience any barriers accessing my digital services or documents, please let me know — I welcome feedback and will do my best to accommodate your needs.

Financial Accessibility

Therapy should be available to all. I offer a limited number of concessionary spaces depending on financial circumstances. Please feel free to ask about this — all enquiries are treated with confidentiality and without obligation.

Ongoing Commitment

Accessibility is an ongoing priority in my practice. If you have any suggestions or needs I haven’t yet addressed, I would welcome your input.

Contact: If you would like to discuss any accessibility needs, please email me at natashatherapy4@gmail.com or send a message via WhatsApp.

What web accessibility is

An accessible site allows visitors with disabilities to browse the site with the same or a similar level of ease and enjoyment as other visitors. This can be achieved with the capabilities of the system on which the site is operating, and through assistive technologies.

WhatsApp Client Policy

This policy outlines how I use WhatsApp in my therapy practice, including its intended purpose, boundaries, and data protection considerations. By agreeing to work with me, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this policy if we choose to use WhatsApp as part of our communication.

1. Purpose of WhatsApp Use

WhatsApp may be used for the following, depending on our agreement:

Brief administrative communication (e.g. confirming or rescheduling appointments)
Occasional check-ins or follow-up messages between sessions (by prior agreement)
Audio or video sessions (if appropriate and agreed in advance)
Sharing practical resources or links (e.g. to exercises or external support)

It is not a platform for in-depth therapeutic conversations, risk support, or crisis management.

2. Confidentiality & Security

WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning messages and calls are secure in transit. However:

As with any digital platform, no method of communication is 100% secure. You accept this inherent risk when using WhatsApp.
Please ensure you are using WhatsApp on a password-protected device and that your app is updated regularly for security.
I will not share any of your information via WhatsApp with third parties unless legally required to do so.

3. Boundaries of Use

I do not monitor WhatsApp continuously. I aim to respond to messages within 24–48 hours (Mon–Fri) but cannot guarantee immediate replies.
I do not offer 24/7 support, and WhatsApp must not be used in place of emergency services.
If you are in crisis, please contact your GP, call 999, or reach out to services such as Samaritans (116 123).
Voice notes and texts are welcomed within reasonable limits, but anything needing in-depth discussion should be addressed in our sessions.

4. Session Use

If we conduct therapy sessions via WhatsApp (video or audio):

I will be in a private, confidential space and expect you to do the same.
Please ensure you have a stable internet connection and minimal interruptions.
If a session is disrupted (e.g. due to technical issues), I will attempt to reconnect. If this is not possible, we’ll reschedule or switch to an alternative platform.

5. Record Keeping

I do not store or retain WhatsApp messages beyond their practical use. Important therapeutic content will be documented securely in my clinical notes, in line with my data protection policy and BACP guidelines.

6. Consent

By agreeing to use WhatsApp for any part of our communication or sessions, you are providing informed consent to communicate through this platform, understanding the benefits and limitations.

If you have any questions or concerns about using WhatsApp in our work together, please let me know. I am happy to discuss alternative options that better meet your needs.

Privacy Policy

our privacy is important to me. Your personal information is kept safely and securely and is only used for the smooth running of our work together.

I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office.

The GDPR states that I must have a legal basis for processing your information.

If you have had therapy with me and it has now ended, I will use legitimate interest as my lawful basis for holding your Information.

The legitimate interest would be in case of a legal claim, a Professional Conduct Process, a request by you to write a letter in support of a Criminal Injury Claim, a Court request.

Whilst you are accessing counselling, everything you discuss is confidential. Confidentiality will only be breached in the cases cited above, in my contract. I will always try to speak to you about this first, unless there are safeguarding/legal reasons not to do so.

I keep handwritten notes of our sessions. The notes are brief, factual content notes, they do not contain hypotheses, judgements, interpretations. I do not go into detail about sensitive information, unless there is a safeguarding/legal reason.

I retain email communications which are significant to the work for the duration of therapy and for 3 years after the contract has ended,

Once counselling has ended records are kept for 3 years. They will then be destroyed.

You have a right to ask me to delete your personal information, to limit how I use it, to stop processing it. You have the right to access any information which I hold.

All data is stored in a locked filing cabinet.