340 – Can Clients Ask You to Delete Their Data?

Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse - Carl Rogers'Seven Stages of Process In Episode 340 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s three topics: Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, we look at the question: Can clients ask you to delete their data? - covering legal, ethical, and practical considerations. Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Jeremy Sachs about supporting male survivors of sexual abuse, with a focus on the intersectional challenges they face and practical considerations for therapists. And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken explain and simplify Carl Rogers' Seven Stages of Process, highlighting how this core theory maps client growth in therapy. Can Clients Ask You to Delete Their Data?  [starts at 03:26 mins] In this section, Rory and Ken address a challenging but important question: Can clients ask you to delete their data? Key points discussed include: Under UK GDPR (Article 17), clients have the "right to erasure" (right to be forgotten), but it’s not absolute. You may decline deletion if: The data is required for legal obligations, such as tax or insurance records. You need the data to defend against complaints or for safeguarding purposes. Deleting data prematurely could leave you without a defence if a client complains later or if you are required to provide records to legal authorities or coroners. Good practice includes: Explaining data retention policies in your contract. Consulting the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) for UK-based practitioners. Documenting decisions with written evidence from insurers or data protection authorities. Consider using a split-note system to separate identifying details from case notes. How long should client data be kept after therapy ends? (Commonly six years for adults, up to age 25 for children). Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse [starts at 23:53 mins] In ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Jeremy Sachs, therapist and author of the upcoming book Masculinity Reconnected, about male sexual abuse and its often-overlooked challenges. Key points discussed include: Societal silence: Male survivors often go unheard due to cultural narratives about masculinity, strength, and emotional repression. The role of masculinity: Traditional masculinity can prevent men from seeking help. Men may internalise shame and avoid vulnerability. "Toxic masculinity" can further oppress male survivors. Intersectionality: Men experience sexual abuse differently based on race, gender identity, class, or sexuality. Therapists must recognise these layers when supporting clients. Supporting survivors: Create safe, validating spaces for male clients to share their stories. Explore how societal expectations and cultural messaging impact their healing. Encourage community and connection to reduce isolation.