Introduction
This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or use our counselling services. By accessing our site or booking a session, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
Basic Personal Details
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Address (if required for invoicing or communication)
Session & Booking Information
- Session type, preferences, and appointment history
- Notes relevant to scheduling or communication
- Telehealth session details (e.g., video meeting links)
Sensitive Information (Therapeutic Context)
During counselling, you may share sensitive or health-related information.
This information is collected only with your consent and is used solely to provide safe and effective services.
Payment Information
Payment details are processed securely via trusted third-party platforms.
We do not store full payment card information.
Website & Analytics Data
We may collect anonymised data to help improve website performance and user experience, including:
- IP address (anonymised where possible)
- Device/browser type
- Pages visited and time on site
- Referral sources
Analytics tools do not identify you personally.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Manage bookings, scheduling, and service delivery
- Provide counselling services in a safe and effective manner
- Communicate with you regarding appointments or enquiries
- Maintain secure records as required for professional standards
- Improve our website and services
- Comply with legal, ethical, or regulatory obligations
We will never use your information for purposes unrelated to your care without your consent.
How We Store Your Information
We store your data securely using password-protected systems and reputable third-party platforms such as:
- Booking systems
- Practice management tools (if used)
- Email and document services (e.g., Google Workspace)
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Sensitive information shared during counselling is kept strictly confidential in accordance with Australian privacy law and professional ethical guidelines.
Sharing Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
We may share your data only with:
- Trusted third-party providers required to deliver our services (e.g., booking platforms, email services, telehealth providers)
- Legal authorities only if required by law, such as when there is:
- A serious risk of harm to yourself or others
- A court order or legal obligation
- Mandatory reporting requirements
All third-party providers are required to protect your information in line with this policy.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request corrections to inaccurate details
- Request deletion of your data where legally permissible
- Withdraw consent for certain types of information use
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below.
Third-Party Services
We use external services to support our operations, such as:
Booking and scheduling platforms
Email and cloud storage services
Telehealth meeting tools
Analytics services such as Google Analytics
These third-party providers have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review.
We only use reputable services that are committed to data protection.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website along with the date of the most recent update.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us through our website or email us at brightmindscounselling@gmail.com.