Last updated: September 2026
Talking Matters UK is run by Michael Francis, an Integrative Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. I am the data controller for the personal information described in this policy. This policy explains what information I collect, why I collect it, how I keep it safe, and your rights.
What information I collect
Contact details you give me, such as your name, email address and phone number, when you use the contact form, book a consultation or sign up to the newsletter.
Information you share during therapy or supervision, which may include details about your health, relationships and life circumstances. This is "special category" data and is treated with particular care.
Brief session notes and administrative records, such as appointment dates and payments.
Basic website usage information collected through cookies (see below).
Why I use your information
To respond to your enquiry and arrange sessions (legitimate interests, or steps taken at your request before an agreement).
To provide therapy or supervision (contract). Health information is processed for the purpose of providing health care, under a duty of professional confidentiality (UK GDPR Article 9(2)(h)).
To keep the records I am required to keep for professional, legal and tax purposes (legal obligation).
To send the newsletter, only if you have signed up (consent). You can unsubscribe at any time.
Confidentiality
What you share in sessions is confidential. I will only share information without your consent where there is a serious risk of harm to you or others, or where I am required to by law (for example, safeguarding duties or a court order). Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you first. As is standard professional practice, I discuss my work in clinical supervision, but never in a way that identifies you.
Who I share information with
I never sell your data. Some information is held by trusted service providers who help me run the practice, such as my website host, secure video and email services, my online booking tool and my accounting software. If you were referred to me by an agency, limited information such as attendance may be shared with them as part of that referral arrangement.
How long I keep information
Client notes and records are kept securely for up to 7 years after our work ends, and are then securely destroyed. Enquiries that do not lead to sessions are deleted within 12 months.
How I keep it secure
Records are stored securely and password-protected, and only I have access to them. Online sessions take place on secure platforms.
Your rights
You have the right to ask for a copy of the information I hold about you, to have it corrected, to have it deleted (where I am not required to keep it), to restrict or object to how it is used, and to withdraw your consent at any time. To make a request, please get in touch using the details below. I will respond within one month.
Cookies
This website uses cookies to analyse traffic and improve your experience. You can accept or decline non-essential cookies using the banner when you first visit, and you can change your browser settings at any time.
Contact and complaints
If you have any questions about this policy or how your information is handled, please call 07311 894670 or use the contact form on this website. If you are not happy with my response, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
I may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this page.