Last updated: 4 September 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Lauren Helen Therapy (“I”, “me”, “my”) collects, uses and protects your personal information when you visit this website, make an enquiry, or work with me as a client. I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information with the care it deserves, particularly given the sensitive nature of therapeutic work.
Who I am
Lauren Helen Therapy is an online psychotherapy practice providing psychological therapy to adults. I work with clients in South Africa, the United Kingdom and internationally, where appropriate. If you have any questions about this policy or your information, you can contact me at lauren@laurenhelentherapy.com.
The information I collect
- Contact and enquiry details — such as your name, email address, telephone number and the content of any message you send through the website contact form or by email.
- Information you share during therapy — including health, psychological and personal information that you choose to share as part of assessment and treatment. This is treated as special category (sensitive) data and handled with additional care.
- Newsletter details — if you subscribe, your email address, so that I can send you occasional updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- Website and technical data — limited information collected automatically through cookies and analytics, such as your device type, browser and how you use the site.
How I use your information and my lawful basis
I use your information to respond to enquiries, arrange and provide therapy, keep appropriate and secure clinical records, send newsletters where you have consented, and to operate and improve this website.
Where the UK/EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies, my lawful bases are: consent (for newsletters and optional communications), contract and legitimate interests (to respond to enquiries and deliver therapy you have requested), and legal obligation where relevant. For health-related (special category) data, I rely on your explicit consent and the provision of health/social care. Where South African law applies, I process personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) on equivalent grounds.
Confidentiality and its limits
What you share in therapy is confidential. There are limited circumstances in which I may need to share information without consent — for example, where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, where a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk, or where I am required to do so by law. Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you first. As part of good clinical practice, I also engage in regular professional supervision, in which client material is discussed anonymously and confidentially.
Who I share information with
I do not sell your personal information. I only share it where necessary, for example: with clinical supervisors (anonymised); with other professionals involved in your care (such as a GP, psychiatrist or dietitian) where you have given consent or in a safeguarding situation; and with trusted service providers who help me operate the practice and website (such as secure email, video-conferencing and website hosting), who are required to protect your data.
International transfers
Because I work across South Africa, the UK and internationally, and use online tools, your information may be processed in countries with different data protection laws. Where this happens, I take steps to ensure your information continues to be protected to an appropriate standard.
How long I keep your information
I keep clinical records for as long as is necessary and in line with the requirements and guidance of my professional body and applicable law. Enquiry information that does not lead to therapy is kept only as long as needed to respond, and newsletter details are kept until you unsubscribe.
How I keep your information secure
I take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including secure storage, restricted access and the use of encrypted or reputable, privacy-conscious tools for communication and video sessions.
Cookies and analytics
This website uses cookies and similar technologies to help the site function and to understand how it is used. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings and, where offered, through the cookie preferences on this site.
Your rights
Depending on where you are based, you have rights over your personal information, which may include the right to access it, to have it corrected or deleted, to restrict or object to its use, to withdraw consent, and to data portability. To exercise any of these rights, please contact me at lauren@laurenhelentherapy.com.
If you are in the UK and have a concern I have not been able to resolve, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). If you are in South Africa, you can contact the Information Regulator.
Children
This practice provides therapy to adults, and this website is not directed at children. I do not knowingly collect information from children.
Changes to this policy
I may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised “last updated” date.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact me at lauren@laurenhelentherapy.com.