Introduction

Elevated Minds, run by Bekki Hoffman, a qualified and registered therapist specialising in Clinical Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, store, use, and protect your personal data in compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998, 2018) and GDPR. It also outlines my safeguarding children policy, complaints procedure, and use of cookies.

  1. Information I Collect
  • To provide therapy services, I may collect the following personal information:
  • Contact Details: Name, address, phone number, and email address.
  • Therapy-Related Information: Issues you’re seeking help with, medical history, current medications, and any information shared during therapy sessions.
  • Communication: Emails, texts, and other messages exchanged between us.

This information allows me to tailor therapy sessions to your needs and assess your progress. Your contact details and GP information will only be shared with your explicit consent.

  1. How I Collect Your Information

I gather information through:

  • Initial Consultation: In person, via phone, or through Skype.
  • Therapy Sessions: In person or through Skype.
  1. Sharing Your Information

I may share your personal information with the following parties, but only when necessary and with your consent:

  • Family or Representatives: In cases where I work with children or vulnerable individuals.
  • Healthcare Providers: With your permission, I may share relevant information with your GP or other medical professionals.
  • Authorities: If legally required (e.g., police or central government) or if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
  1. How I Protect Your Data

I take the following steps to keep your information secure:

  • Paper Records: Stored in a locked filing cabinet.
  • Digital Data: Protected with fingerprint recognition and password-protected devices.
  • Emails and Documents: Stored on a secure, password-protected computer.
  1. How Long I Keep Your Data

I will retain your personal information for a period of 8 years in line with NHS and healthcare guidelines. For children, data is retained until the individual turns 25 (or 26 if treatment ends when they are 17).

  1. Your Rights to Access and Delete Data

You have the right to request access to any data I hold about you within 30 days of your request. You can also ask for your personal information to be deleted.

To request deletion, please contact me at:

Bekki Hoffman

5 Quarrybank Mews, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8GF

  1. Safeguarding Children

I work with children aged 8 and above. Parents or guardians must be present for the initial consultation, and a guardian must remain nearby for subsequent sessions. I also hold a clean fully enhanced DBS certificate.

  1. Confidentiality

Your confidentiality is paramount. All information shared during sessions is kept strictly confidential, except in cases where:

  • Legal Requirements: If required to disclose information by law (e.g., police or court orders).
  • Risk of Harm: If there is a serious concern for your safety or the safety of others.

I may discuss non-identifiable details with a supervisor to ensure the quality of care, but supervisors are also bound by confidentiality.

  1. Complaints

If you have any concerns or complaints, please contact me directly. Alternatively, you can file a formal complaint through the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapists (AfSFH) using their official complaint procedure found at www.afsfh.com/policies.

  1. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The most recent version was reviewed on 1st March 2025. Please check back for any changes.

  1. ICO Registration

Elevated Minds is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). My ICO registration number is ZA442297.

  1. Cancellation Policy

I request 24 hours’ notice for any appointment cancellations. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before your appointment will incur a charge of the full fee.

  1. Cookies

I use cookies on my website to improve your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device, helping me analyse how visitors interact with my site. I do not collect personally identifiable information through cookies.

You can control or block cookies through your browser settings. If you prefer, you can disable cookies for Google Analytics, which tracks site usage anonymously.

 

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact me:

Bekki Hoffman

Email: elevated-minds@outlook.com

Phone: 07905 369 878

Address: 5 Quarrybank Mews, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8GF