Privacy Policy – Cassowary Coast Counselling
1. About this policy
Cassowary Coast Counselling Pty Ltd is committed to protecting your privacy and to being clear about how I collect, use, and store your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how your information is handled when you contact me, complete an intake form, attend sessions, or use my website. If you have any questions about this policy, you are welcome to contact me directly.
2. What information I collect
In the course of providing counselling and psychotherapy services, I may collect personal information such as your name, contact details, date of birth, emergency contact details, referral source, payment information, and any health‑related information relevant to our work together.
3. How information is collected
Most information is collected directly from you, such as through intake forms, emails, phone or video calls, session notes, and website contact forms. In some cases, information may also come from your referrer, employer, or another health professional, with your consent or where permitted by law.
4. Why I collect information
I collect your information so that I can:
- Assess your enquiry and determine whether I am the right practitioner to support you;
- Provide counselling or psychotherapy services;
- Communicate with you about appointments and practical matters;
- Maintain accurate and helpful records of our work; and
- Meet legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations.
5. How information is stored and protected
Your personal and health information is stored securely and handled with care. I use secure systems and practice‑based measures to protect your information from unauthorised access, misuse, loss, or disclosure. Third‑party software (such as my website and online forms) may host or process information, and I choose providers that have strong security and privacy commitments.
6. When information may be disclosed
Your information will generally only be used for the primary purpose for which it was collected or for closely related purposes you would reasonably expect. Information may be disclosed:
- With your informed consent;
- To another health professional involved in your care, if you agree;
- To referrers (for example, EAP, WorkCover, or NDIA) where appropriate and lawful; or
- Where required or authorised by law, such as in situations where there is a serious concern about your safety or the safety of another person.
7. Overseas data handling
Some of the tools I use to support my practice (such as website hosts or form builders) may store or process information outside Australia. Where this happens, I take steps to ensure that your information continues to be handled in a way that is consistent with Australian privacy standards.
8. Access and correction
You have the right to ask for access to your personal information and to request correction if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or no longer up‑to‑date. If you would like to access or correct your information, please contact me using the details below. I will aim to respond to your request within a reasonable time.
9. Contact and complaints
If you have questions about your privacy, would like a copy of this policy, or wish to make a privacy‑related concern, you can contact me at:
email: [email protected]
phone: 0412 404 591
If you are not satisfied with my response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
