Effective date: February 10, 2026
This page explains the nature of services provided, professional status, and how personal information is collected, used, and protected in accordance with applicable privacy regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information transparently and responsibly. If you have any questions about how your information is handled, please feel free to contact us.
1. Nature of services
Services are educational and coaching-based and focus on developing practical skills for stress regulation, emotional regulation, and performance improvement. These services:
- Do not diagnose, treat, or cure medical or mental health conditions
- Are not psychotherapy or medical care under French regulations
- Are intended for personal development and education only
Coaching services are not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment.
2. Professional status
Ruth Cassidy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the United States.
In France, services are provided strictly as nonclinical coaching and education. They do not constitute psychotherapy, psychological treatment, or medical practice under French law.
3. Not emergency care
Services are not appropriate for crisis or emergency situations.
If you are in crisis or considering self-harm, contact emergency services immediately:
- 3114 — Suicide Prevention (France)
- 112 — European emergency number
- 15 — SAMU (France emergency medical services)
- Or your local emergency number
4. Client responsibility
By using these services, you acknowledge that:
- You are responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results
- Coaching does not replace professional medical or mental health care
- You will consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment when needed
5. Eligibility
Services are provided to adults aged 18 and over.
If you have a complex medical or psychiatric history, you are advised to consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning coaching services.
6. Session logistics, fees, and cancellations
- Sessions are conducted via secure online video platforms
- Fees are due at booking or at the time of the session
- Cancellation and rescheduling policy: Cancellations require 24 hours’ notice. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be charged in full.
Repeated missed sessions may result in discontinuation of services.
7. Confidentiality (coaching context)
Information shared during sessions is treated as confidential within the limits of the law.
Confidentiality may be broken if disclosure is legally required, including but not limited to:
- Risk of harm to yourself or others
- Legal or court orders
- Situations mandated by applicable law
Online communication carries inherent security risks. Reasonable steps are taken to use secure platforms, but absolute security of electronic communication cannot be guaranteed.
8. Privacy notice & data protection
8.1 Data controller
Data controller: Ruth Cassidy
Email: [email protected]
Postal address: [Insert mailing address]
The data controller is responsible for processing personal data described in this notice.
8.2 Personal data collected
The following categories of personal data may be collected:
- Identification and contact details (name, email, phone number, time zone)
- Scheduling and appointment information
- Intake information and session notes (coaching context only)
Session notes are maintained solely to support continuity and quality of coaching services and are handled with heightened confidentiality.
- Payment records (processed via third-party payment providers; no card numbers are stored directly)
- Website usage data, cookies, and analytics
We collect and process only the minimum personal data necessary to provide services effectively.
8.3 Purpose and lawful basis for processing
Personal data is processed for the following purposes:
- Providing and managing coaching services (contract)
- Scheduling and payment processing (contract)
- Responding to inquiries (legitimate interests)
- Sending appointment reminders and service communications (legitimate interests / contract)
- Sending optional updates or resources (consent — you may unsubscribe at any time)
8.4 Data sharing and third-party services
Personal data may be processed using secure third-party service providers, such as:
- Video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom)
- Scheduling tools (e.g., Calendly)
- Payment processors (e.g., Stripe)
- Email and website hosting providers
- Analytics services
These providers process data under contractual safeguards and applicable privacy regulations.
Personal data is not sold to third parties.
8.5 Data retention
Personal data is retained only as long as necessary to:
- Provide services
- Comply with legal and accounting obligations
- Resolve disputes or enforce agreements
Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and applicable legal requirements.
8.6 Data security
Reasonable administrative and technical safeguards are used to protect personal data, including:
- Secure platforms and encrypted communication when available
- Password-protected systems
- Limited access to personal data
No online system can guarantee absolute security.
8.7 International data transfers
Some service providers may process data outside the European Economic Area (EEA). When this occurs, appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are used to protect personal data.
8.8 Your GDPR rights
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Request deletion of your personal data
- Restrict or object to certain types of processing
- Request a copy of your data in a portable format
- Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority, such as the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés) in France.
Requests regarding your personal data may be submitted via the contact email listed in this notice.
9. Cookies and website analytics
The website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve functionality and understand general usage patterns.
Where required by law, non-essential cookies are used only with your consent. You may manage cookie preferences through the website’s cookie banner or your browser settings.
10. Changes to this notice
This Disclaimer & Privacy Notice may be updated periodically. The effective date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
11. Contact information
For questions about this notice or personal data processing, contact:
Ruth Cassidy
Email: [email protected]