Last updated: 07.02.2026.

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with care, respect, and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you visit my website, interact with my content, or contact me regarding counselling services.

This policy is written in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Irish data protection law.

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1. Who I am

I am a sole practitioner providing online counselling services.

Name: Mateja Rakonic
Practice name: Lavalerian Counselling
Email: info@lavalerian.com
Country: Ireland

I am the data controller for the personal data described in this policy.

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2. What personal data I collect

Depending on how you interact with my website or contact me, I may collect the following personal data:

• Name

• Email address

• Any information you choose to share when you contact me by email

• Technical data such as IP address, device type, browser type, and pages visited (via analytics cookies)

If you choose to engage in counselling, this may include special category personal data, such as information relating to:

• Mental health

• Emotional wellbeing

• Personal history shared in a therapeutic context

I only collect data that is necessary for communication, website improvement, and the provision of counselling services.

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3. How I collect your data

Your data is collected when you:

• Visit my website

• Accept or reject cookies via the cookie banner

• Email me directly using the address provided on my website

• Communicate with me during the course of online counselling sessions

I do not use contact forms or online booking systems.

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4. Lawful basis

for processing your data

Under GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:

• Consent – for website analytics cookies and when you choose to contact me

• Contract – when personal data is necessary to provide counselling services

• Legal obligation – where record-keeping is required by law, professional, or insurance obligations

For special category data (such as mental health information), I process this data only with your explicit consent and solely for the purpose of providing counselling services.

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5. Website analytics and cookies

My website may be built or hosted using platforms such as Wix, which may automatically provide basic website analytics and use essential cookies required for the secure operation and functionality of the site.

Where website analytics are used (including tools such as Wix Analytics or Google Analytics), these may collect information such as:

• Pages visited

• Time spent on the website

• General location (based on IP address)

• Device and browser information

Any non-essential analytics cookies are used only where required and only after consent, in line with GDPR requirements. Analytics data is used solely to understand how my website is used and to improve its content and accessibility. Data is processed in an aggregated and anonymised form where possible.

If and when additional analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) are enabled, this will be done in compliance with GDPR, including the use of a cookie consent banner where required. You can withdraw or change your cookie consent at any time.

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6. Social media and marketing

I use social media platforms (such as Instagram, Facebook, or similar) to share information about my counselling services and general wellbeing topics.

If you interact with my content on social media, your data is processed according to the privacy policies of the relevant platform. I do not receive access to your private data from these platforms.

I do not use targeted advertising based on sensitive personal data and do not collect mental health information via social media.

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7. How your data is stored and protected

I take appropriate measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Using password-protected devices and accounts

• Storing information securely

• Limiting access to personal data to myself only

Online sessions are conducted using secure platforms. While no system can guarantee absolute security, I take reasonable steps to minimise risks and protect confidentiality.

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8. How long I keep your data

I retain personal data only for as long as necessary:

• Website analytics data is retained in accordance with Google Analytics retention settings

• Email enquiries that do not lead to counselling are retained for a limited period and then deleted

• Client records are retained in accordance with professional, ethical, and insurance requirements (typically up to 7 years, and longer where required for minors)

Data is securely deleted once it is no longer required.

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9. Sharing your data

I do not sell or share your personal data for marketing purposes.

Your data may be shared only where necessary, for example:

• With service providers such as website hosting or analytics providers

• With my professional supervisor (on an anonymised basis)

• Where required by law or to protect vital interests

All third-party services are used in line with GDPR requirements.

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10. Payments

I do not process payments through this website.

Payments for counselling services are made separately via bank transfer or Revolut. I do not store payment card details.

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11. Your rights under GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data

• Request correction of inaccurate data

• Request erasure of your data (where applicable)

• Restrict or object to processing

• Withdraw consent at any time (including for cookies)

• Request data portability

To exercise your rights, please contact me using the email address above.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission (Ireland).

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12. Changes to this policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available on my website.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please feel free to contact me.