Privacy Policy
By Your Side Counselling
Last Updated: June 2026
Introduction
By Your Side Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in a transparent, lawful and secure manner.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information when you:

• Visit our website.
• Contact us with an enquiry.
• Engage in counselling services.
• Subscribe to communications from us.
• Interact with us through email, telephone or online forms.

By Your Side Counselling acts as a Data Controller under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Data Controller Details
By Your Side Counselling
Contact: Cath Eddy
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.byyoursidecounselling.co.uk
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us using the details above.

What Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect the following information:
Website Enquiries

• Name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Information you choose to provide in enquiry forms or emails

Counselling Services
Where you become a client, we may collect:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Contact details
• Emergency contact information
• GP details (where relevant)
• Session notes
• Appointment records
• Invoices and payment records
• Information relevant to your counselling and wellbeing

We only collect information that is necessary to provide counselling services safely and effectively.

Website Usage Information
When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Pages viewed
• Date and time of access
• Referring website addresses

This information is generally collected through cookies and website analytics tools.

Special Category Data
As a counselling practice, we may process information relating to your physical or mental health. This is known as Special Category Data under UK GDPR.
We process this information only where necessary for the provision of counselling services and in accordance with Article 9 of UK GDPR.
We treat all client information with strict confidentiality, subject to legal and ethical limitations outlined in our counselling agreement.

How We Use Your Information
We may use your personal information to:

• Respond to enquiries.
• Arrange consultations and appointments.
• Provide counselling services.
• Maintain client records.
• Communicate regarding appointments.
• Manage payments and invoicing.
• Comply with legal and professional obligations.
• Improve our website and services.
• Protect the safety and wellbeing of clients or others where necessary.

We will only use your information for purposes that are lawful, fair and transparent.

Lawful Basis for Processing
Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful basis:
Legitimate Interests
For:

• Responding to enquiries.
• Managing appointments.
• Operating and improving our practice.
• Maintaining professional records.

Contract
For:

• Providing counselling services.
• Managing appointments and payments.
• Delivering services you have requested.

Legal Obligation
For:

• Compliance with legal requirements.
• Safeguarding obligations.
• Financial and tax record keeping.

Explicit Consent
Where consent is required, such as:

• Marketing communications.
• Use of certain personal information where no other lawful basis applies.

You may withdraw consent at any time.
Special Category Data
Health-related information is processed under UK GDPR provisions relating to the provision of health, counselling and therapeutic services.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling practice.
Information shared during counselling sessions will remain confidential except in circumstances where:

• You provide consent for disclosure.
• 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.
• Professional supervision requires limited discussion of anonymised client material.

Where disclosure becomes necessary, we will seek to discuss this with you wherever possible unless doing so would increase risk.

Professional Supervision
As part of ethical counselling practice, counsellors undertake regular professional supervision.
Anonymised information may be discussed with a qualified supervisor to ensure safe and effective practice. Identifying information will not normally be disclosed.

How Long We Keep Information
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary.
Typical retention periods include:
Enquiries
Information from prospective clients who do not proceed to counselling may be retained for up to 12 months.
Client Records
Counselling records are generally retained for:

• Seven years after counselling ends for adults.
• Seven years after a child reaches age 18 where counselling relates to a minor.

Retention periods may vary depending on professional guidance, insurance requirements or legal obligations.Information that is no longer required will be securely deleted or destroyed.

Sharing Information
We do not sell, rent or trade personal information.
Information may be shared only where necessary with:

• Professional supervisors (anonymised wherever possible).
• Website hosting providers.
• Email service providers.
• Payment providers.
• Accountants or professional advisers.
• Regulatory bodies where legally required.
• Emergency services or safeguarding authorities where necessary.

All third-party service providers are expected to process information securely and lawfully.

Website Hosting and Third-Party Services
Our website may use third-party providers for hosting, analytics, security and website functionality.
These providers may process limited personal information on our behalf.
Please note that third-party websites linked from this site operate under their own privacy policies.
We encourage you to review those policies before providing personal information.

Cookies
Our website uses cookies to improve functionality, analyse website performance and enhance user experience.Cookies may be:

• Essential cookies.
• Analytics cookies.
• Functional cookies.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings and any cookie consent tools provided on the website.
Further details are available in our Cookie Policy.

Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information from:

• Unauthorised access.
• Loss.
• Misuse.
• Alteration.
• Disclosure.

These measures include secure devices, password protection and appropriate record management procedures.
While we strive to protect your information, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of personal information in certain circumstances.
• Restrict processing in certain circumstances.
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Request transfer of your information where applicable.
• Withdraw consent where consent is relied upon.

Requests can be made using the contact details provided above.
We will normally respond within one month.

Data Protection Complaints
If you have concerns about how By Your Side Counselling handles your personal information, please contact us in the first instance so that we can investigate and resolve the issue.
Complaints should be directed to:
Cath Eddy
By Your Side Counselling
Email: [email protected]
We aim to acknowledge complaints within five working days and respond within 30 calendar days.

Right to Complain to the ICO
If you remain dissatisfied after contacting us, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Information Commissioner’s Office
Website: https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Address:
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal, regulatory or operational changes.
The most current version will always be published on our website and the revision date will be updated accordingly.

​Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:
Cath Eddy
By Your Side Counselling
Website: www.byyoursidecounselling.co.uk
Email: [email protected]

Cookie Policy
By Your Side Counselling
Last Updated: June 2026
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function correctly, remember preferences, improve user experience and provide information about how visitors use the site.
Cookies cannot usually identify you personally, but they may be linked to other information that identifies you.

How We Use Cookies
By Your Side Counselling uses cookies to:

• Ensure the website operates properly.
• Improve website functionality and performance.
• Remember your cookie preferences.
• Analyse website traffic and visitor behaviour.
• Enable embedded services such as videos, maps and appointment booking tools.
• Help protect website security.

Some cookies are essential for the website to function and do not require consent. Other cookies will only be used with your permission.

Types of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the operation and security of the website.
They may be used to:

• Maintain website security.
• Enable navigation between pages.
• Remember cookie preferences.
• Support contact forms and website functionality.

Without these cookies, parts of the website may not function correctly.
Legal Basis: Legitimate Interests

Analytics Cookies
We use analytics tools to understand how visitors use our website and to help improve our services.
Information collected may include:

• Pages viewed
• Time spent on the website
• Device type
• Browser type
• General location data
• Website traffic sources

This information is aggregated and does not normally identify individual visitors.
Analytics cookies are only activated after consent has been given.
Provider: Google Analytics
Legal Basis: Consent

Functional Cookies
These cookies help the website remember your preferences and improve your experience.
Examples include:

• Remembering cookie choices
• Accessibility preferences
• Website settings

Legal Basis: Consent

Marketing and Third-Party Cookies
Some pages may contain content or services provided by third parties. These services may place cookies on your device.
Examples include:
YouTube
Embedded YouTube videos may place cookies that allow YouTube to:

• Measure video performance.
• Remember user preferences.
• Track interactions with embedded content.

Provider: YouTube / Google
Google Maps
Embedded maps may place cookies to:

• Display interactive maps.
• Improve map functionality.
• Gather usage statistics.

Provider: Google
Facebook and Instagram
Embedded content or links from Facebook and Instagram may allow Meta to place cookies that:

• Measure engagement.
• Enable social media functionality.
• Support advertising and analytics services operated by Meta.

Provider: Meta Platforms
These cookies are only activated where consent has been provided.
Legal Basis: Consent

Website Hosting Cookies
This website is hosted using Square Online (formerly Weebly).
Square may use cookies that:

• Support website functionality.
• Maintain security.
• Monitor website performance.
• Store visitor preferences.

For further information, please refer to Square’s privacy information.

Contact Forms
When you submit an enquiry through our website, information you provide may be processed through our website platform and email services.
Cookies may be used to:

• Prevent spam.
• Ensure secure form submission.
• Improve website functionality.

The information submitted through forms is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences
When you first visit our website, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies.
• Reject non-essential cookies.
• Customise your cookie preferences.

You may change your preferences at any time through the cookie settings option available on the website.

Browser Controls
You can also manage cookies through your browser settings.
Most browsers allow you to:

• View stored cookies.
• Delete cookies.
• Block cookies.
• Receive notifications when cookies are being placed.

Please note that blocking some cookies may affect website functionality and user experience.

International Data Transfers
Some third-party providers used by this website may process information outside the United Kingdom.
Where this occurs, providers are expected to implement appropriate safeguards in accordance with UK data protection legislation.

Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology or website functionality.
The latest version will always be available on this page.

Contact Us
If you have questions regarding this Cookie Policy, please contact:
Cath Eddy
By Your Side Counselling
Website: www.byyoursidecounselling.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
​

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