Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 7, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how The Journey to Peace and Shelley Carmine Bowles, MSW, LCSW ("I," "me," "my") handle information when you visit TheJourneytoPeace.com (the "Website"). It covers the Website only.
Website information is different from clinical information
This policy applies to information collected through the Website. Information you share with me as a therapy client, including in sessions, intake paperwork, billing records, and in the client portal, is protected health information. It is governed by the Notice of Privacy Practices and the consent documents you receive as a client, and by applicable federal and state law. Where those documents and this policy differ for clinical information, the client documents control.
Please do not send clinical or sensitive details through the Website, by email, or by text message. Standard email is not a secure way to share private health information. Use the client portal for anything clinical.
Information I may collect
Information you choose to give me
- When you email info@TheJourneytoPeace.com or call (407) 325-5719: your name, contact details, and whatever you decide to include in your message or voicemail.
- When you ask about an appointment or services: the details you share so I can respond, such as your availability, insurance question, or reason for reaching out.
Information collected automatically
When you visit the Website, certain technical information may be collected by Squarespace, my website host, and by analytics tools described below:
- IP address (which can indicate approximate location)
- Browser type and version, device type, operating system, and screen size
- Pages viewed, time spent, links clicked, and the page or site that referred you
- Date and time of your visit
- Cookie identifiers, if you accept optional cookies (see "Cookies" below)
How I use information
- To respond to your questions and schedule appointments
- To operate, secure, and maintain the Website
- To understand, in aggregate, how visitors use the Website so I can improve it, but only if you accept analytics cookies
- To meet legal, ethical, and professional obligations
I do not sell your personal information. I do not use the Website for advertising, and I do not run advertising or retargeting pixels on it.
Tools and services used on this Website
I use the following. Each may collect the information described, for the reason described.
Squarespace (website hosting and platform) | Hosts the Website, keeps it secure and working | IP address, browser and device data, pages visited, cookie identifiers needed for the site to function. Please see their privacy policy here https://www.squarespace.com/privacy
Squarespace Analytics counts visits and shows which pages are viewed, pages visited, referral source, approximate location, device and browser type, cookie identifiers. Set only after you accept optional cookies.
Cookies | Remember your cookie choice; support analytics if you consent | Small files on your device. See the Cookie Policy |
Client portal (ShelleyBowlesLCSW.SecurePatientArea.com) | Lets clients create an account and complete consent forms. This is a separate service with its own privacy practices and is covered by your client paperwork, not this policy
Telehealth video platform zoom or google meet to have therapy sessions by video are governed by your client paperwork and the platform's terms, not this policy.
Links to other sites
Social or professional organization badges and outside links, such as NASW and a federal Good Faith Estimate notice
Once you leave this Website, the other site's practices apply
At the time of this policy, the Website does not use: advertising or remarketing pixels, social media tracking pixels, chat widgets, embedded video players, or embedded social media feeds.
Sharing information
I do not sell your information. I may share information:
- With service providers that help run the Website or my practice (for example, Squarespace), only as needed for them to perform that service.
- When required or permitted by law, such as in response to a valid legal process, or to protect someone from serious harm. Clinical information is subject to the confidentiality rules and exceptions explained in your client paperwork.
- In a business transfer, if my practice were transferred, subject to applicable professional and legal obligations.
Cookies and tracking choices
When you first visit, a banner lets you accept or decline optional cookies. Analytics cookies are not set unless you accept. You can change your choice at any time. See the cookie policy. Your browser may also let you block cookies or send a "Do Not Track" or Global Privacy Control signal.
How long I keep information
Website messages and emails are kept only as long as needed to respond and to meet any record-keeping duties. Clinical records are kept under the retention rules that apply to licensed clinical social workers and are described in your client paperwork. Analytics data is kept according to the settings of the analytics tool.
How I protect information
The Website is served over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection by Squarespace. I limit access to information I receive and use secure systems for clinical communication. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security. This is why I ask you not to send clinical details by email or through the Website.
Your choices and rights
You can decline optional cookies, change your cookie choice at any time, ask me what personal information I hold from your Website contact with me, and ask me to correct or delete it. Depending on where you live, you may have additional privacy rights under your state's law. Clinical records are handled under the separate rules in your client paperwork, and some requests may be limited by law. To make a request, email info@TheJourneytoPeace.com.
Children
The Website is intended for adults. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children through the Website. Services for minors are arranged through a parent or guardian under separate consent documents.
Not for emergencies
This Website and my email and voicemail are not monitored for emergencies. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
Changes to this policy
I may update this policy. The "Last updated" date above shows when it last changed.
Contact
Shelley Carmine Bowles, MSW, LCSW
The Journey to Peace
9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Suite 200, Windermere, Florida 34786
(407) 325-5719 | info@TheJourneytoPeace.com