Privacy policy

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Last updated: 01/08/2025

Aleksandra Balazy-Knas ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage in our coaching or therapy services.

If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please refrain from using the site or services.

1. Who We Are

This Privacy Policy applies to services provided by Aleksandra Balazy-Knas, sole trader, offering coaching and therapy services to individuals globally.

We are the data controller responsible for your personal data.
ICO Registration Number: ZB811160 

You can contact us at:
📧 Email: aleks@unscrewingmotherhood.co.uk
🌐 Website: https://www.unscrewingmotherhood.co.uk/

2. What Data We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Personal & Contact Information

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Postal address

Payment Information

  • Billing address

  • Bank/Stripe transaction data (we do not store card numbers)

Health & Therapy Information

  • Notes or forms relating to your mental wellbeing (only if applicable)

Technical & Usage Data

  • IP address, device type, browser version

  • Pages visited, time on site, referral source

Marketing Preferences

  • Opt-in records and communication choices

3. How We Collect Data

We collect data through:

  • Forms completed on our website (e.g. contact, booking, onboarding)

  • Direct communication (email, phone, sessions)

  • Analytics cookies on our website

  • Payments via Stripe or TidyCal

  • Hosting and business tools (e.g. Google Workspace, Squarespace)

4. Why We Collect Data (Legal Basis)

Under UK GDPR and international data laws, we only process personal data where we have a lawful basis:

  • Contract – to provide you with services you’ve requested

  • Consent – for special category data (e.g. mental health) and marketing communications

  • Legal obligation – for safeguarding, tax or professional regulations

  • Legitimate interest – for basic analytics or improving services

5. Special Category Data & Consent

When you share sensitive data (e.g. mental health details), this is treated as “special category data” under UK GDPR.

By choosing to engage with our therapy or coaching services, you provide express consent for us to process this data. We also uphold strict confidentiality under professional codes (e.g., BABCP) unless:

  • There is risk of serious harm

  • We are legally required to share information

6. How We Store & Protect Your Data

Your data is stored securely using GDPR-compliant platforms including:

  • Google Workspace (notes, email, forms)

  • Stripe (payments)

  • TidyCal (bookings)

  • Squarespace (website hosting)

We take appropriate physical, digital, and organisational measures to protect data. Access is restricted to the data controller and relevant contracted service providers.

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

  • Coaching/therapy records are kept for 7 years after your last contact, in line with professional guidelines (e.g., BABCP).

  • For clients under 18, records may be kept until age 25.

  • Email, forms, and enquiries are retained for up to 12 months unless required longer for legal or administrative purposes.

8. Who We Share Your Data With

We do not sell your data. We only share your data when necessary with:

  • Professional platforms (e.g. Stripe, Google, TidyCal)

  • Clinical supervisors (anonymous case discussion only)

  • Legal/regulatory bodies (if required)

All third-party providers are GDPR-compliant and bound by data processing agreements.

9. International Data Transfers

We may transfer your data outside the UK or EU when using international platforms (e.g., Google, Stripe). We ensure your data is protected by:

  • Adequacy decisions (e.g. Canada)

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other safeguards

10. Your Legal Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your data (“Subject Access Request”)

  • Correct inaccuracies

  • Request deletion (subject to legal/professional obligations)

  • Object to or restrict processing

  • Data portability (receive your data in a usable format)

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (www.ico.org.uk)

We respond to valid data requests within one month.

11. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance functionality and monitor performance.

Types of cookies we use:

  • Essential – for core website functions

  • Performance – for analytics (e.g., page views)

  • Functionality – remembering user settings/preferences

You can manage or disable cookies in your browser. For more on cookies, visit www.aboutcookies.org.

12. Marketing Communications

If you opt in, we may send you newsletters or service updates via email. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to external websites (e.g., social media or articles). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies separately.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on this page with the “last updated” date at the top.

15. Contact Us

For questions about this policy or to exercise your rights, please contact:
📧 Email: aleks@unscrewingmotherhood.co.uk
📍 Data Controller: Aleksandra Balazy-Knas, Hinckley, England, United Kingdom
ICO Registration No.: ZB811160