Thank you for visiting our website. We are committed to ensuring that our website and its use of cookies and other technologies comply with UK laws on privacy and data protection. This policy sets out the types of cookies we use, why we use them, how you can control them, and how to contact us with any questions.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small files of information — usually containing letters and numbers — that websites store on your browser or device. Strictly necessary cookies do not require your consent under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), as they are essential for the operation of our website. Where these cookies involve personal data, we rely on our legitimate interests under Article 6(1)(f) UK GDPR.

All other cookies will only be placed on your device with your consent. We obtain your consent via our cookie banner before placing any non-essential cookies. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous.

Do you use similar technologies?

We may also use similar technologies such as local storage or session storage. These technologies operate in a similar way to cookies and may store or access information on your device. Where these technologies are not strictly necessary, we will obtain your consent before using them.

What types of cookies do you use?

Essential Cookies

Also known as Strictly Necessary Cookies, these are essential for our website to function correctly. They are always active and cannot be disabled via our cookie management tool, as the website cannot operate properly without them. Examples include cookies that maintain the security of the site and ensure pages load correctly.

Analytical Cookies

Also known as Performance Cookies, these gather information about how visitors use our website — such as which pages are visited most often and how visitors move through the site. This helps us understand what works well and where we can improve. These cookies are only placed with your consent.

Functionality Cookies

These make your experience on our website more seamless by remembering your preferences and simplifying your interactions with the site, such as retaining information you have entered. These cookies are only used where you have provided consent.

Information collected through cookies and similar technologies may be processed by third-party providers (such as analytics services), even where the cookies themselves are first-party cookies. We do not control how these third parties use your data and recommend reviewing their own privacy and cookie policies for more information.

What exact cookies do you use?

Below is a detailed breakdown of the cookies and similar technologies we use on our website. Please note that cookies may change from time to time — for example, due to platform updates — and this table may not always reflect every cookie in use at any given moment. We recommend reviewing this policy regularly.

First-Party Cookies

ss_cid — Essential Assigns a unique identifier to each visitor so Squarespace can distinguish between new and returning visitors. This helps the website function correctly across sessions. Duration: 1 year

ss_cvr — Essential Records that a visitor has previously visited the website. Used by Squarespace to maintain basic visitor tracking required for the site to operate correctly. Duration: 1 year

ss_cvisit — Essential Identifies whether the current session is a visitor's first or a return visit. Used by Squarespace to track visit patterns needed for site functionality. Duration: 30 minutes (session)

ss_cvt — Essential Records the time of a visitor's first visit. Works alongside other Squarespace essential cookies to support basic website operation. Duration: 1 year

crumb — Essential A security cookie used to prevent Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, helping protect the website and its visitors from malicious requests. Duration: Session only

ss_mid — Analytical Used by Squarespace's built-in analytics to track visitor activity and measure website performance, such as page views and navigation patterns. Only placed with your consent. Duration: 10 years

Do you use any third-party cookies?

Third-party cookies are set by a different domain than the website you are visiting. At present, our website does not use any third-party advertising or tracking cookies. Our Squarespace website platform may, however, use third-party tools for analytics and website performance purposes, as noted above.

If this changes, we will update this policy and our cookie banner accordingly.

Similar technologies

In addition to cookies, we use the following similar technologies on our website:

Local Storage — Essential Used by Squarespace to store small amounts of data necessary for the website to function correctly in your browser, such as display and session preferences. Duration: Persistent (cleared when browser local storage is cleared)

Session Storage — Essential Used by Squarespace to temporarily store session-specific data required for the website to operate while you are actively browsing. This data is not retained after you close your browser tab. Duration: Session only

How can I control these cookies?

You are able to control the use of cookies on our website. You can:

•       Reject all non-essential cookies

•       Select which types of cookies you wish to accept

•       Withdraw or change your consent at any time

You can manage your preferences by clicking the cookie settings option in the footer of our website, or by revisiting the cookie banner at any time. Withdrawing consent is as straightforward as giving it.

Our cookie banner gives equal prominence to "Accept All" and "Reject All" options. Non-essential cookies are not pre-selected and will only be placed on your device if you actively choose to accept them.

Please note:

•       Rejecting non-essential cookies will not affect the core functionality of our website.

•       Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled via our cookie tool, as the website relies on them to function.

•       You may also adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies at any time. However, blocking essential cookies via your browser may affect how our website works.

What are the expiry periods for your cookies?

Each cookie's duration is set out in the information above. Some cookies are session cookies, which expire when you close your browser. Others are persistent cookies, which remain on your device for a defined period as indicated.

How often is this policy updated?

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or the technologies we use. We recommend checking this page regularly for any updates. The most recent version will always be available on our website.

How do I ask you for more information?

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, or would like more information, please get in touch:

Philos Psychology Ltd

Email: helen@philospsychology.co.uk

We will aim to respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

You can also find out more about how we handle your personal data in our Privacy Policy.