EnglishTherapist.ch
Maryna Zaitseva – Counseling Services
Last Updated: November 14, 2025
1. Introduction
Maryna Zaitseva (“I”, “me”, “my”) operates EnglishTherapist.ch and provides counseling services. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with Swiss data protection law, including the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP/DSG), and where applicable, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
As a counselor, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection. Your trust is paramount, and I treat all personal and health-related information with the utmost care and discretion.
2. Data Controller
Maryna Zaitseva
Independent Counselor
EnglishTherapist.ch
Switzerland
Contact for Data Protection Inquiries:
Email: [email protected]
3. Scope of This Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- The EnglishTherapist.ch website
- Online therapy sessions conducted via video conferencing
- Email and other electronic communications
- Booking and scheduling systems
- Payment processing
- Client therapy documentation
4. Legal Basis for Data Processing
I process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
4.1 Consent
When you book a consultation , you provide explicit consent for the collection and processing of your personal data.
4.2 Contract Performance
Processing is necessary to provide the therapeutic services you have requested and to fulfill our therapeutic relationship.
4.3 Legal Obligations
Certain data retention and processing activities are required under Swiss professional regulations standards.
4.4 Legitimate Interests
In limited cases, processing may be based on legitimate interests, such as ensuring the security of our systems and preventing fraud.
5. Types of Personal Data Collected
5.1 Basic Contact Information
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Preferred language(s)
- Location/timezone (for scheduling purposes)
5.2 Booking and Scheduling Data
- Appointment dates and times
- Session frequency preferences
- Timezone information
- Cancellation and rescheduling history
5.3 Therapy-Related Data (Sensitive Data)
As a counselor, I collect and process personal data, including:
- Information relevant to therapy
- Therapy goals and treatment plans
- Session notes
- Family and relationship history
- Any other information you choose to share during therapy sessions
Important Note: All data is subject to Swiss professional secrecy obligations (Berufsgeheimnis) and receives the highest level of protection.
5.4 Payment Information
- Billing name and address
- Payment method (credit card type, last 4 digits only)
- Invoice history
- Payment confirmation details
Note: Full payment card details are processed directly by secure payment processors and are never stored on my systems.
5.5 Technical Data
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Website usage data (pages visited, time spent)
- Cookies and similar technologies
6. How I Collect Your Data
6.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Contact forms on the website
- Booking and consultation requests
- Email correspondence
- During therapy sessions
- Intake forms and questionnaires
6.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Website analytics and cookies
- Log files from server access
- Video conferencing platform metadata
6.3 Information from Third-Party Services
- Calendar scheduling systems
- Video conferencing platforms
- Payment processors
7. Purpose of Data Processing
I use your personal data for the following purposes:
7.1 Providing Therapeutic Services
- Conducting therapy sessions
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Maintaining clinical records
- Providing continuity of care
- Emergency contact if needed
7.2 Administrative Purposes
- Scheduling appointments
- Sending appointment reminders
- Managing cancellations and rescheduling
- Billing and payment processing
- Responding to inquiries
7.3 Legal and Professional Obligations
- Maintaining records as required by professional standards
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Responding to legal requests when required by law
7.4 Website Functionality and Improvement
- Ensuring website security
- Analyzing website usage to improve user experience
- Troubleshooting technical issues
7.5 Communication
- Responding to your questions
- Sending appointment confirmations and reminders
- Providing information about services (only with your consent)
8. Data Sharing and Disclosure
I maintain strict confidentiality and do not share your personal data except in the following limited circumstances:
8.1 Third-Party Service Providers
I use carefully selected third-party services to support my practice. These providers have access only to the data necessary for their specific functions and are bound by strict confidentiality agreements:
Video Conferencing Platforms:
- Platform: [Zoom/Whereby/Other – specify actual platform used]
- Purpose: Conducting online therapy sessions
- Data Shared: Name, email, session metadata
- Location: [Server locations]
Scheduling and Calendar Services:
- Platform: [Specify if using Calendly, Acuity, etc.]
- Purpose: Appointment booking and management
- Data Shared: Name, email, appointment times
- Location: [Server locations]
Email Services:
- Platform: [Specify email provider]
- Purpose: Professional communication
- Data Shared: Contact information and correspondence
- Location: [Server locations]
Payment Processors:
- Platform: [Stripe/PayPal/Other]
- Purpose: Processing payments and generating invoices
- Data Shared: Billing information
- Location: [Server locations]
Website Hosting:
- Provider: [Hosting provider]
- Purpose: Website operation
- Data Shared: Website usage data
- Location: [Server locations]
8.2 Legal Requirements
I may disclose information when:
- Required by Swiss law or court order
- Necessary to protect against imminent harm to you or others
- Necessary for legal defense in case of disputes
8.3 Professional Consultation and Supervision
With identifying information removed, I may discuss cases with:
- Supervisors (as required by professional standards)
- Professional peer consultation groups
- Legal or ethical advisors, when necessary
Such discussions are conducted under strict professional confidentiality obligations.
8.4 Insurance Providers
If you choose to seek reimbursement from insurance, I will provide the necessary documentation with your explicit written consent.
9. International Data Transfers
9.1 Switzerland and the European Union
Switzerland has been recognized by the EU as providing adequate data protection. Data transfers within Switzerland and to/from the EU are conducted with appropriate safeguards.
9.2 Third Countries
Some service providers may process data in countries outside Switzerland and the EU. In such cases, I ensure:
- Standard contractual clauses (SCC) are in place
- Service providers comply with recognized data protection frameworks
- Appropriate technical and organizational security measures are implemented
You have the right to request information about specific safeguards for international transfers.
10. Data Security
I implement comprehensive security measures to protect your data:
10.1 Technical Measures
- End-to-end encryption for video sessions
- Encrypted email communication (when possible)
- Secure, password-protected storage systems
- Regular security updates and patches
- Firewall and anti-malware protection
- Secure backup systems with encryption
10.2 Organizational Measures
- Access controls (only I have access to clinical records)
- Confidentiality agreements with all service providers
- Regular security audits
- Incident response procedures
- Secure device and password policies
10.3 Physical Security
- Clinical records stored in locked, secure locations
- Secure destruction of physical documents when no longer needed
- Restricted access to physical storage areas
11. Data Retention
11.1 Clinical Records
In accordance with Swiss professional standards and the Swiss Code of Obligations:
- Therapy records: Retained for 10 years after the conclusion of therapy
- Financial records: Retained for 10 years as required by Swiss law
11.2 Booking and Communication Data
- Appointment history: Retained for the duration of therapy plus 10 years
- Email correspondence: Retained as long as relevant to our therapeutic relationship, then archived
11.3 Website Data
- Analytics data: Anonymized after 26 months
- Log files: Retained for 12 months
- Cookie data: As specified in Section 13
11.4 Deletion After Retention Period
After the retention period expires, data is securely deleted or anonymized such that it can no longer be attributed to you.
12. Your Rights
Under Swiss data protection law and GDPR (where applicable), you have the following rights:
12.1 Right to Access
You may request a copy of all personal data I hold about you.
12.2 Right to Rectification
You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
12.3 Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”)
You may request deletion of your personal data, subject to:
- Legal retention requirements
- Ongoing legal obligations
- Legitimate interests that override your right to erasure
12.4 Right to Restriction of Processing
You may request that I limit how I use your data in certain circumstances.
12.5 Right to Data Portability
You may request your data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format.
12.6 Right to Object
You may object to processing based on legitimate interests, including for direct marketing purposes.
12.7 Right to Withdraw Consent
Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time. This does not affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
12.8 Right to Lodge a Complaint
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC):
Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner
Feldeggweg 1
3003 Bern, Switzerland
Phone: +41 58 462 43 95
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.edoeb.admin.ch
If you are located in the EU, you may also contact your local data protection authority.
13. Exercising Your Rights
To exercise any of your rights, please contact me at:
Email: [email protected]
Please include:
- Your full name
- The specific right you wish to exercise
- Sufficient information to verify your identity
- Any relevant details about your request
I will respond to your request within 30 days. If additional time is needed, I will inform you and explain the reason for the delay.
14. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
14.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites function properly and provide analytics information.
14.2 Types of Cookies Used
Essential Cookies:
- Necessary for website functionality
- Session management
- Security features
- Cannot be disabled
Analytics Cookies:
- Google Analytics (anonymized IP)
- Website usage statistics
- User behavior patterns
- Can be disabled via browser settings
Preference Cookies:
- Language preferences
- Display settings
- Can be disabled via browser settings
14.3 Managing Cookies
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies
Note: Disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.
14.4 Third-Party Tracking
I do not use advertising cookies or sell your data to third parties for marketing purposes.
15. Video Conferencing Privacy
15.1 Platform Security
All therapy sessions are conducted using secure, encrypted video conferencing platforms that meet healthcare data protection standards.
15.2 Recording Policy
I do not record therapy sessions. If exceptional circumstances require recording (for example, with explicit written consent for supervision purposes), you will be informed in advance and asked for specific consent.
15.3 Your Responsibilities
To protect your privacy during online sessions:
- Ensure you are in a private location
- Use headphones to prevent others from hearing
- Secure your internet connection (avoid public WiFi when possible)
- Keep your login credentials confidential
16. Email and Communication Security
16.1 Email Encryption
While I make efforts to secure email communications, standard email is not fully secure. Please avoid sending highly sensitive clinical information via unencrypted email.
16.2 Secure Communication Alternatives
For sensitive communications, I can offer:
- Encrypted email services
- Secure messaging through therapy platforms
- Discussion during scheduled video sessions
17. Children and Minors
My services are generally intended for adults (18 years and older). If I provide services to minors:
- Parental/guardian consent is required for individuals under 18
- Additional privacy protections apply as required by Swiss law
- Parents/guardians have the right to access their child’s information, subject to professional judgment about the child’s best interests
18. Data Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your personal data:
- I will assess the risk to your rights and freedoms
- If there is a high risk, I will notify you without undue delay
- I will notify the FDPIC within 72 hours if required by law
- The notification will include the nature of the breach and steps taken to mitigate harm
19. Changes to This Privacy Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:
- Changes in legal requirements
- Changes to my practice or services
- Improvements in data protection practices
When changes are made:
- The “Last Updated” date will be revised
- Significant changes will be communicated via email
- Your continued use of services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy
You can always access the current version at: www.englishtherapist.ch/privacy-policy
20. Professional and Ethical Standards
In addition to data protection law, I adhere to:
- Swiss professional secrecy obligations (Berufsgeheimnis)
- Ethical guidelines of professional therapy organizations
These professional obligations often provide even stronger protections than legal requirements.
21. Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact me:
Maryna Zaitseva
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.englishtherapist.ch
I am committed to addressing your concerns promptly and transparently.
22. Consent and Acknowledgment
By using the EnglishTherapist.ch website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.
For therapy services specifically, you will be asked to provide explicit written consent acknowledging:
- You understand how your data will be used
- You consent to the processing of sensitive health data
- You understand your rights regarding your data
- You have had the opportunity to ask questions
This Privacy Policy is provided in good faith and represents my commitment to protecting your personal information. If you have any concerns about privacy or data protection, please do not hesitate to reach out.