Home
01704 660167
Client Privacy Notice
This notice explains how personal information is handled when you engage in counselling or psychotherapy services.
Effective Date: 02/01/2026
Last Updated: 04/03/2026
Who We Are
Mettle Counselling & Psychotherapy operates as a sole trader in England and Wales.
Data Controller: Chris Brotherton
Website: https://mettletherapy.co.uk
Email: info@mettletherapy.co.uk
This policy explains how personal information is collected, used, and protected when you visit this website or engage with counselling services.
Information We Collect
We may collect personal information when you:
  • contact us by email
  • contact us through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or Microsoft Teams
  • book or arrange counselling services
  • engage in counselling or psychotherapy
This may include:
  • name
  • contact details (email or phone)
  • information shared in enquiries
  • appointment information
  • emergency contact details where appropriate
During counselling work, special category data may also be processed, including information relating to health or wellbeing.
How Information Is Used
Personal information is used to:
  • respond to enquiries
  • arrange and deliver counselling services
  • maintain professional records
  • meet safeguarding and legal responsibilities
  • manage payments and administrative records
Lawful Bases for Processing
Under UK GDPR, personal data is processed on the following lawful bases:
Contract
Information is processed in order to provide counselling services requested by you.
Consent
In some situations, information is processed with your consent, which may be withdrawn at any time.
Vital Interests
Information may be processed where necessary to protect the life, health, or safety of you or another person.
Legal Obligation
Information may be processed where required to comply with legal or regulatory duties.
Where Information Comes From
Personal information is usually obtained directly from you.
In some cases, information may also come from:
  • referral organisations
  • legal or regulatory bodies
  • professional partners involved in service delivery
How Long Information Is Kept
Records are retained in accordance with professional guidance and legal obligations.
For Adults, records are retained for 7 years after the final session.
Administrative and financial records
Invoices and financial records are retained for 7 years to meet HMRC requirements.
Payments made electronically are processed by third-party payment providers. Mettle Counselling & Psychotherapy does not have access to or store card details or bank payment credentials. We receive only the information necessary to confirm that a payment has been made and to maintain accounting records.
When data is no longer required it is securely deleted or destroyed.
Sharing Information
Information is treated confidentially.
Personal information may be shared only where necessary, including:
  • where required by law
  • where there is a safeguarding risk
  • where serious risk to life or safety exists
  • with regulatory or legal authorities where required
Your Data Protection Rights
Under UK GDPR you have rights including:
  • the right to access your personal data
  • the right to request correction of inaccurate data
  • the right to request deletion in certain circumstances
  • the right to restrict processing
  • the right to object to processing
  • the right to data portability
  • the right to withdraw consent where consent is relied upon
Requests can be made by contacting the email address listed above.
Complaints
If you have concerns about how your data is handled, you can contact us using the details above.
If you remain dissatisfied, you may complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
Changes to This Policy
We may update this client privacy policy from time to time to reflect legal, technical, or operational changes. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will always indicate the latest version.
Contact
If you have any questions about this, please email: info@mettletherapy.co.uk.
By engaging in counselling services, you acknowledge that this client privacy notice has been provided and that you understand how your personal information may be used.
Professional Standards
Practice adheres to the NCPS Code of Ethical Practice and professional standards
Find Mettle On
Mettle offers professional counselling and therapy for men in Southport and online across the UK. Helping men manage stress, anxiety, relationships and life pressures in a private and non-judgmental setting.
Information
Availability
Bookings and free consultations are available Tuesday through Sunday by arrangement. Free support is made available each Monday.
Professional counselling for men in Southport with private in-person sessions locally and online counselling across the UK.
© 2026 Mettle Counselling and Psychotherapy. All rights reserved.