Cookie Policy

Cookies are small files that a website stores on your computer, tablet or phone. They can help a website recognise a browser, keep a requested service working or remember a choice. Similar technologies can store or access information on your device without using a traditional cookie.

This policy explains cookies separately from information you choose to provide when contacting Merton Counselling. Our Privacy Policy explains how personal information is handled.

The public pages reviewed on 13 October 2026 did not show analytics or advertising tools. No cookies were set in the initial responses from the homepage, FAQs, Privacy Policy or Cookie Policy pages checked.

Cookies may still be used when a particular function is requested, such as authorised staff signing in, or where a security feature is activated. Not every cookie described below will be present for every visitor. This policy will be updated if the website introduces additional services.

WordPress runs this website, and Wordfence provides security features. Cookies associated with signing in or protecting access may include:

• wordpress_test_cookie: checks whether the browser accepts cookies when the WordPress sign-in page is used. It is a session cookie.
• wordpress_logged_in_[hash] and wordpress_sec_[hash]: support authenticated access for authorised users. Their expiry depends on the login settings and whether “Remember me” is selected.
• wp-settings-[user] and wp-settings-time-[user]: remember an authorised user’s administrative interface settings. WordPress normally retains these for one year.
• wfwaf-authcookie-[hash]: may be used by the Wordfence firewall to recognise a logged-in user’s access level. Wordfence documents a default lifetime of 12 hours, renewed when appropriate.

These are examples associated with the installed software, rather than a statement that all are placed on an ordinary visitor’s device. You do not need to sign in to read about counselling or make an enquiry.

Irish rules generally require consent before storing or accessing information on your device. A limited exemption applies where a technology is strictly necessary to provide a service you have explicitly requested.

If non-essential cookies are introduced, they must remain off until you choose to allow them. Any consent controls should explain their purpose, let you refuse them and make it easy to change your choice. Continuing to browse is not consent.

Visiting a counselling website can be personal. Cookie information is separate from the information you share in an enquiry or during therapy. A cookie choice does not give permission to use the content of a counselling enquiry for advertising.

Please keep website enquiries brief and avoid including detailed medical information or sensitive personal history. Information about enquiries, appointment arrangements, confidentiality and professional records is explained in our Privacy Policy.

Website security and hosting systems may also process technical information, such as an IP address or a record of a request. This is not necessarily collected through a cookie.

This website links to external organisations, including support services. Following a link takes you to a separate website with its own privacy and cookie arrangements. Read that organisation’s policies before using its services.

If embedded services such as videos, maps or booking tools are added, their cookie use will need to be explained here and appropriate consent obtained before non-essential technologies load.

You can use your browser’s privacy settings to view stored cookies, delete them or block future cookies. Your browser’s help pages explain the steps for your device. Settings apply separately to each browser and device you use.

Blocking cookies needed for a requested function may prevent that function from working, particularly staff sign-in. Deleting cookies does not delete an enquiry you have already sent or records held by the practice.

Session cookies are intended to expire when the browser session ends. Persistent cookies remain until their expiry date or until you delete them. Some browsers restore sessions, so closing a window may not remove every session cookie.

Where a particular cookie is used, its purpose and lifetime should be considered together. The software examples above describe standard behaviour; actual expiry can depend on configuration and use.

We will review this policy when the website or its services change. The current version and its update date will be available on this page.

For further information about Irish cookie requirements, see the Data Protection Commission’s cookie guidance. Technical information is available in the WordPress cookie documentation and Wordfence cookie notice.

If you have a question about cookies or your privacy, please contact:

Marie Merton
Merton Counselling

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 087 917 0955

You can also read our Privacy Policy or send a short enquiry.