Privacy Notice

Who I am

I am Julia Jessop, a qualified counsellor offering counselling to adults in person and online. I am registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

What personal data I collect

I only collect information that is necessary to provide counselling safely and ethically. This may include:

  • Your name and contact details

  • Basic personal information you choose to share

  • Emergency contact details

  • Brief anonymised session notes

  • Information relevant to risk or safeguarding, where appropriate

How your data is used

Your personal data is used solely for the purpose of providing counselling, managing appointments, and ensuring your safety and wellbeing.
Your data is not used for marketing and is not shared with third parties, unless there is a legal or ethical requirement to do so.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

All personal information is treated as confidential. There are rare occasions where confidentiality may need to be broken, such as:

  • if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others

  • safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult

  • where disclosure is required by law (for example, a court order)

Wherever possible, this would be discussed with you first.

How your data is stored

  • Electronic records are stored securely and password-protected

  • Any paper records are stored securely

  • My mobile phone and computer are protected by passwords and encryption

I take reasonable steps to ensure your information is kept safe.

Communication

I may store your contact details on my mobile phone to communicate with you about sessions.
Email communication is encrypted where possible, however no electronic communication can be guaranteed to be completely secure. For this reason, clients are advised not to send highly sensitive personal information by email.

How long your data is kept

Brief anonymised counselling notes are retained for up to 7 years after the end of therapy, in line with professional guidance.
Contact details are deleted when they are no longer required.

Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • access your personal data

  • request corrections

  • request deletion of your data (where appropriate)

  • ask questions about how your data is used

Requests can be made in writing and will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe.

Complaints

If you have concerns about how your data is handled, you are encouraged to raise this with me first.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how your data is handled, you can contact me directly.