Privacy Policy
Website privacy
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Privacy Policy - general
I take privacy seriously and I am committed to complying with the Australian Privacy
Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Personal information
Personal information is any information about an individual that can be used to identify them directly or indirectly, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. Sensitive information is a type of personal information which includes details, for example, about a person’s racial or ethnic origins, political or religious beliefs, sexual orientation, health or genetic information, family court orders or criminal record. The breach of sensitive information is likely to leave people open to discrimination or embarrassment.
Why I might collect personal information
Personal information helps me to support clients. Personal information is retained to enable us to provide a relevant and informed service. Within this practice and due to my duty of care, a client cannot be anonymous. A client may request to use a pseudonym, but a full name as listed on ID’s is required.
How I collect personal information
I collect personal information through a variety of means, including:
•the information you verbally share
•written communication received from you via email, SMS or letter
•my online booking system
•intake or feedback forms
•social media
•the guardian of those under 18 years of age
•a referral from your GP or another treating practitioner or service provider.
Storage of personal information
To protect the personal information I hold from misuse or loss I store it in secure ways and it and can only be accessed by me. The method of storage varies between types of information and includes both hard copies and digital versions (either on a secure server or offline).
I do not retain any credit card or banking details once processing the payment is finalised. I also try not to retain unnecessary information, disposing of it securely when possible depending on the type on information it is and my legal obligations. If I become aware of a security breach, I will promptly investigate and, where appropriate, take remedial action and notify the individual affected in accordance with the Privacy Act.
Disclosure of your personal information
I will not disclose personal information about you to third parties without your consent, except when the disclosure is required by law.
Accessing your personal information
You may request access to personal information I hold about you. I may ask you to specify what information you require and may charge a fee where I provide access. I deal with all requests for access to personal information as required by the Privacy Act. I may refuse to provide access if the Privacy Act allows me to do so.
Integrity of your personal information
I try to ensure the personal information I collect is accurate and up to date. You may request an update or correction to personal information I hold about you and I will deal with all such requests as required by the Privacy Act.
Complaints
If you think your personal information has not been handled in line with the Privacy Act, please contact me in the first instance. I will investigate your complaint and try to promptly resolve your complaint directly. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, then you may make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). For information about how to make such a complaint, please refer to the OAIC website http://www.oaic.gov.au/
Changes to this privacy policy
I may make changes to this privacy policy from time to time and in such cases I will notify clients by email or on this website.
Confidentiality in psychotherapy or counselling session
I keep notes on sessions. They are stored securely to protect your confidentiality.
Confidentiality
All sessions are completely confidential EXCEPT under the following circumstances:
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If information is shared that indicates a child may be at risk of significant harm, I will be required to make a report to the relevant authorities as I am a mandatory reporter.
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If I believe you are at risk of seriously harming yourself or others I would want to discuss this with my supervisor and/or the relevant support services in order to ensure your/their safety. I would only do this in circumstances that appear imminent and where possible after consultation with you.
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In supervision with my my clinical supervisor I may discuss the content and themes of our work together in order to support my professional development. I will not share your name or any identifying information with my supervisor.
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If I am required by court of law to give evidence. This would only happen after speaking with you and after consultation with my clinical supervisor.