Privacy Policy – Self & Shadow Therapy

This privacy policy sets out how Self & Shadow Therapy uses and protects any information that you provide when using this website or engaging with therapy services.

Self & Shadow Therapy is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Any information you provide will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement and current UK data protection law, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Self & Shadow Therapy may update this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page periodically to ensure that you are happy with any changes.

This policy is effective from: 11th February 2026

Who we are

Self & Shadow Therapy

Website: [www.selfandshadowtherapy.co.uk](http://www.selfandshadowtherapy.co.uk)

Email: Hello@selfandshadowtherapy.co.uk

Data Controller: Joanne Harrison (Self & Shadow Therapy)

What we collect

We may collect the following information:

* Name

* Contact information (email address, phone number)

* Information relevant to therapy enquiries or bookings

* Information you voluntarily provide via contact forms

* Website usage data (via cookies – see cookie section below)

If you become a therapy client, additional personal and sensitive information may be collected in accordance with professional therapeutic standards and confidentiality requirements. This will be explained separately within a therapy agreement and consent form.

How we use the information we gather

We collect this information to understand your needs and provide a safe and appropriate service. In particular:

* To respond to enquiries

* To manage bookings or consultations

* Internal record keeping

* To provide therapy services

* To improve the website and services

* To meet legal and professional obligations

We will not send marketing emails unless you have explicitly consented to receive them.

Legal basis for processing (UK GDPR)

We process personal data under the following lawful bases:

* Consent (e.g. contact forms, newsletters)

* Contract (therapy services or bookings)

* Legal obligation (e.g. insurance, safeguarding, professional requirements)

* Legitimate interest (website functionality and service improvement)

Special category data (health or therapeutic information) is processed only where necessary for providing therapy services and in accordance with professional confidentiality standards.

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure.

Suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures are in place to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

Therapy notes and client information are stored securely and accessed only where necessary.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file placed on your device that helps analyse web traffic and improve website functionality.

We use cookies to:

* Understand how visitors use the website

* Improve website performance

* Support booking or contact features

* Remember your cookie preferences

You will be asked to accept or manage cookies when visiting this website.

You can choose to accept or decline non-essential cookies at any time.

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer. This may affect website functionality.

Types of cookies we may use

Essential cookies

Required for the website to function (e.g. booking forms, security).

Analytics cookies

Help us understand how visitors use the website so we can improve it.

Functional cookies

Remember your preferences.

We do not use cookies for intrusive advertising or tracking.

-Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites.

Once you leave our site, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information you provide to those websites.

You should review their privacy policies separately.

Controlling your personal information

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

* Look for consent boxes on forms

* Contact us to withdraw consent at any time

* Request that we update or delete your data

We will never sell or distribute your personal information to third parties unless:

* You give permission

* It is required by law

* It is required for safeguarding

* It is required for professional supervision (anonymised where possible)

Your data rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

* Request access to your data

* Request correction of inaccurate data

* Request deletion (where appropriate)

* Restrict processing

* Withdraw consent

* Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To request a copy of your data or make any request, please contact:

Email: hello@selfandshadowtherapy.co.uk

We aim to respond within one month.

Working online

Where sessions or communication take place online (e.g. Zoom, email, messaging services), reasonable steps are taken to use secure platforms.

However, you understand that online communication can never be guaranteed to be completely secure. By choosing to work online, you acknowledge this risk.

Policy updates

This policy may be updated periodically.

The latest version will always be available on this website.