This Privacy Policy explains how TalkShift collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our app. Please read it carefully.
1. Who We Are
TalkShift is operated by Damian Sweeney, a solo counsellor based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy.
2. What Data We Collect
We collect the following personal data when you use our service:
• Name and email address
• Session booking details (date, time, session type)
• Optional mood check-in logs you choose to record
We do not collect payment card details directly.
3. How We Use Your Data
Your data is used solely to manage your bookings and provide counselling services. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties. Data may be processed by our secure platform provider to deliver the service.
4. Data Retention
Your data is retained for 7 years in line with UK counselling records guidelines set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). After this period, your data will be securely deleted.
5. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct any inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to or restrict how we process your data
To make any of these requests, please contact us at the address below.
6. Contact
For any privacy-related queries or requests, please contact:
damian@talkshift.co.uk
We aim to respond to all requests within 30 days.
This policy applies to the TalkShift counselling application. By using the app, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Counselling Agreement
TalkShift Counselling Services
By booking a session with TalkShift you agree to the terms below. Please read them carefully. If you have any questions, contact Damian at damian@talkshift.co.uk.
🔒 Confidentiality
- •Everything you share in sessions is strictly confidential.
- •Confidentiality may only be broken in the following circumstances: there is serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or disclosure is required by law.
- •Where possible, any breach of confidentiality will be discussed with you first.
💻 Limitations of Online Counselling
- •Online counselling may not be suitable for everyone or every situation.
- •Technical issues may occasionally interrupt sessions — if this happens your session will be rescheduled at no extra cost.
- •Online counselling is not suitable for acute psychiatric crisis or emergencies.
- •If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please use the emergency contacts below.
🚨 Crisis & Emergency Contacts
- •TalkShift is not a crisis service and is not monitored outside session times.
- •If you are in immediate danger please call 999.
- •Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- •NHS 111 — option 2 for mental health
- •Lifeline Northern Ireland: 0808 808 8000 (free, 24/7)
- •Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258
📋 GDPR & Data Protection
- •Your personal data is stored securely in line with UK GDPR.
- •Your data will never be shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
- •You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data at any time.
- •Session records are retained for 7 years in line with BACP guidelines, after which they are securely deleted.
- •Data controller: Damian Sweeney T/A TalkShift — registered with the ICO.
- •To exercise your data rights, contact: damian@talkshift.co.uk
❌ Cancellations and Missed Sessions
- •Please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. A 24 hour notice period is required to avoid a cancellation fee.
- •For private paying clients — a £30 late cancellation fee applies for cancellations made within 24 hours of the session. This fee may be waived at Damian’s discretion in the case of extenuating circumstances.
- •Following 2 consecutive missed appointments without notice the therapeutic work will regrettably need to come to an end.
- •To cancel or reschedule contact Damian at damian@talkshift.co.uk or WhatsApp 07990981713.
🌍 Geographic Restrictions
- •TalkShift is unable to accept clients based in the USA or Canada due to professional indemnity insurance restrictions.
- •Clients from all other countries are welcome to book sessions.
💷 Payment Terms
- •Session fee: £60 per 50-minute session.
- •Payment accepted by card (via Stripe), bank transfer, or health insurance (BUPA, AXA, Aviva, Vitality Health, WPA).
- •If you are using health insurance, please contact Damian before booking to confirm eligibility.
- •Payment is due at or before the time of your session.