get started

You may not know it, but you’ve already taken the first step...It can be scary and confusing making the decision to contact a therapist, but in my experience people will struggle with a mental health issue, a personal crisis or problems with a relationship for much longer than is healthy. Sometimes a friend has proved a source of comfort, but this help can only go so far. Realising that resolving a problem requires something more means you have already moving towards improving your life.

FAQ

face to face

I offer face to face appointments from my therapy room in Lyhtham St Annes. My room is safe, private and comfortable with free off street parking, and within easy reach of public transport.

online

Online therapy sessions can be particularly convenient for people who are unable to travel, or if talking online simply feels a more comfortable environment for you.

Initial Sessions

I offer an initial 15 minute telephone session free of charge. A 60 minute session is £60. For the first appointment I ask for payment to be made 48 hours ahead of the session. After that, payments can be made on the day using a card machine or via bank transfer. We can meet weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on your preference and I offer as much flexibility as possible.

Nicola is a good listener, I have now made progress.

Thank you for picking me up when I was at my lowest. I feel like me again.

I met Nicola when I was at my lowest. I felt held and seen. I feel like me again.

how to get in touch

Richmond House, Lytham FY8 1PE

Text 07867815208

nicola@nicolamorley.com

Please get in touch via text or email or using the contact form. I offer a 15 minute (free of charge) introductory telephone discussion, where we can decide together if I am the right psychotherapist for you.

All messages and queries will be responded to within 48 hours, however if you are in urgent need of someone to talk to you can ring the Samaritans 24 hours a day on 116 123. If you are feeling in immediate danger or suicidal please ring 999, or if it is appropriate call 111, or contact your GP or the Lancashire Crisis Team on 01772 695 300

Privacy Notice

GDPR & Data Protection Policy Nicola Morley Psychotherapy

1. Introduction

This policy outlines how Nicola Morley Psychotherapist collects, stores, and processes personal data in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. As a registered and accredited counsellor, I am committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of client information, ensuring that all personal data is handled lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

2. Data Controller Details Name:

Nicola Morley

Therapy Address: Richmond House, Lytham St Annes, FY8 IPE

Mail: nicola@nicolamorley.com

Phone: 07867815208

3. What Data I Collect

I collect and process the following types of personal data from clients:Personal details: Name, address, phone number, email address.Sensitive personal data (special category data): Health information, GP details (if provided), and therapy session notes.Session records: Brief anonymised notes summarising key points from sessions.Online session data: Limited data related to video or telephone counselling (e.g., platform used, date/time of session).Payment details: Invoices and transaction records (via secure payment platforms).

4. Legal Basis for Processing Data

I process personal data under the following lawful bases:Consent – Clients provide explicit consent for the collection and storage of their data.Contractual necessity – Data is required to deliver counselling services.Legal obligation – Certain records must be retained to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.Legitimate interests – Maintaining minimal session records to provide effective therapy and professional accountability.

5. How I Store and Protect Data

I take appropriate security measures to protect personal data:Paper notes – Stored in a locked filing cabinet, accessible only to me. Digital records – Stored securely on a password-protected device with encryption. Emails and messages – Kept securely and deleted when no longer required. Online sessions – Conducted via secure, GDPR-compliant platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

6. Data Retention

Session notes are retained for 5 years following the end of therapy, in line with professional guidelines. Contact details and email communications are deleted within 6 months after therapy ends, unless required for ongoing professional obligations. Financial records are kept for 6 years, as required for tax and accounting purposes.

7. Sharing of Data

I do not share client data with third parties unless: Required by law (e.g., safeguarding concerns, court orders).Clients request data to be shared (written consent required).In supervision, where case discussions are anonymised.

8. Client Rights

Clients have the right to:Access their data (receive a copy of personal information held).Rectification (request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data).Erasure (“Right to be forgotten” – request deletion of data where appropriate).Restrict processing (request limited use of their data).Object to processing based on legitimate interests.Data portability (request transfer of their data in a structured format).Requests can be made in writing to nicola@nicolamorley.com and I will respond within one month.

9. Confidentiality & Limits

Confidentiality is fundamental to my counselling practice. However, I may need to break confidentiality if:A client is at serious risk of harm to themselves or others.There is a legal obligation to disclose (e.g., safeguarding concerns, terrorism, drug trafficking). I adhere to the BACP ethical Framework https://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions-2018Where possible, I will discuss this with the client before taking action.

10. Complaints

If clients have concerns about how their data is handled, they can contact me at nicola@nicolamorley.com. If unresolved, they may contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):Website: www.ico.org.uk Phone: 0303 123 1113 11. Policy Review