Privacy Notice

Last updated: June 2026

Who I Am

I am Julia Osborne, an Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor trading as Julia Osborne Therapy.

For UK data protection law, I am the Data Controller of the personal information that I collect and process in connection with my counselling practice.

Contact details

Julia Osborne Therapy
Email: Julia@juliaosbornetherapy.co.uk
Website: https://www.juliaosbornetherapy.co.uk

The Information I Collect

Depending on your relationship with my practice, I may collect and process:

Website Visitors

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Information submitted through contact forms

  • Technical information such as IP address, browser type and website usage data

Prospective and Existing Clients

  • Name, address, email address and telephone number

  • Date of birth

  • Emergency contact details

  • GP details (where relevant)

  • Information shared during enquiries

  • Assessment information

  • Session notes

  • Appointment and attendance records

  • Payment and invoicing records

  • Any other information relevant to the provision of counselling services

Some of this information may constitute special category data because it relates to your physical or mental health.

Why I Collect Your Information

I collect and process personal information to:

  • Respond to enquiries

  • Arrange and manage appointments

  • Provide counselling services

  • Maintain appropriate client records

  • Meet professional, ethical and legal obligations

  • Manage payments and accounting requirements

  • Protect clients and others where safeguarding concerns arise

  • Improve the operation and security of my website

Lawful Bases for Processing

Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:

Contract

Processing is necessary to take steps at your request before entering into a counselling agreement and to provide counselling services.

Legitimate Interests

Processing is necessary for the effective management of my practice, record-keeping, supervision, and safeguarding.

Legal Obligation

Processing may be required to comply with legal, regulatory, insurance, safeguarding or court-related obligations.

Special Category Data

Where I process health-related information, I rely on the relevant conditions under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, including the provision of health or social care and the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims where applicable.

Confidentiality

Information shared in counselling is treated confidentially.

However, confidentiality may be limited where:

  • There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others

  • Safeguarding concerns arise involving a child or vulnerable adult

  • Disclosure is required by law or court order

  • Information is required for the prevention or detection of serious crime

Where possible, I will discuss any necessary disclosure with you first.

Supervision

As required by my professional body and ethical framework, I discuss my work with a qualified clinical supervisor.

Client information shared in supervision is anonymised wherever possible, and supervisors are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations.

How Your Information Is Stored

I take reasonable steps to protect personal information through appropriate administrative, physical and technical safeguards.

This may include:

  • Password-protected devices

  • Secure email systems

  • Encrypted storage where available

  • Secure disposal of records

  • Restricted access to client information

Online Services and Third-Party Providers

I may use trusted third-party providers to support my practice and website operations.

These may include:

  • Website hosting providers

  • Email providers

  • Video conferencing platforms

  • Cloud storage providers

  • Payment providers

Where personal information is transferred outside the UK, appropriate safeguards are used in accordance with UK data protection law.

Data Retention

I retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide my services and meet legal, professional and insurance requirements.

  • Enquiry emails are retained for up to 12 months after our last contact.

  • Client records, assessment forms and session notes are retained for seven years after counselling ends.

  • Financial records are retained for six years in accordance with legal and accounting requirements.

Records are securely deleted or destroyed when they are no longer required.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal information

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Request erasure of information in certain circumstances

  • Restrict processing in certain circumstances

  • Object to processing where applicable

  • Request data portability where applicable

  • Withdraw consent where consent is relied upon

Some rights are subject to legal and professional exemptions.

Data Protection Complaints

If you have concerns about how I collect, use or store your personal information, please contact me in the first instance at:

Julia@juliaosbornetherapy.co.uk

I will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days and investigate the matter fairly and promptly. I will inform you of the outcome and any action taken.

If you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

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Changes to This Privacy Notice

This privacy notice may be updated from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on this website.

Data protection policy