Privacy Policy
This policy outlines the ways in which Walk and Talk Counselling handles the personal information of our clients.
We take privacy seriously and are 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 that includes details 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 We Collect Personal Information
The sharing of personal information by a client with Walk and Talk Counselling assists us to assess and support the client in processing their identified concerns.
Personal information is retained to enable us to provide a relevant and informed service.
Within our practice, and due to our duty of care, a client cannot be anonymous. A client may request to use a pseudonym, but a name as listed on their identification is required.
How We Collect Personal Information
We collect personal information through a variety of means, including:
- Information you verbally share with us
- Written communication received from you via email, SMS, or letter
- Our online booking system
- Our intake form
- Social media
- The guardian of those under 18 years of age
- A referral from your GP or another treating practitioner or service
Storage of Personal Information
To protect the personal information we hold from misuse or loss, we store it in several secure ways, accessible only by approved individuals.
The method of storage varies depending on the type of information and may include both hard copies and digital versions (either on a secure server or offline).
We do not retain any credit card or banking details once payment processing is finalised.
We also avoid retaining unnecessary information, disposing of it securely from time to time, depending on the type of information and our legal obligations.
If we become aware of a security breach, we 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
We will not disclose personal information about you to third parties without your consent, except when disclosure is required by law.
It is unlikely that we will disclose any information to a recipient outside of Australia.
Accessing Your Personal Information
You may request access to personal information we hold about you.
We may ask you to specify what information you require and may charge a fee where access is provided.
We deal with all requests for access to personal information as required by the Privacy Act.
We may refuse to provide access if the Privacy Act allows us to do so.
Integrity of Your Personal Information
We strive to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate and up to date.
You may request an update or correction to personal information we hold about you, and we will handle all such required by the Privacy Act.
Complaints
If you believe your personal information has not been handled in accordance with the Privacy Act, please contain the first instance.
We will investigate your complaint and aim to resolve it promptly and directly with you.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
For information about how to make such a complaint, please visit the OAIC website: www.oaic.gov.au.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may make changes to this privacy policy from time to time.
In such cases, we will notify clients by email or via our website.
Contact Us
If you have any questions relating to privacy matters, please contact us at:
- contact@walktalkcounselling.com