Privacy Policy

Here is a brief summary of our privacy and confidentiality policy:

“At Counselling Concern, your privacy, dignity, and trust are deeply respected. We understand that seeking counselling/therapy involves sharing personal and sensitive information, we take this responsibility seriously.  All information you share is treated with the utmost care and confidentiality - within the limits set by relevant law and duty of care responsibilities.

Our commitment is to provide a safe, secure, and respectful space where you can speak openly, knowing your personal information is protected and only used to support your wellbeing and care.”

Below is our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy in full.

a Counselling Concern is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

1. What Information We Collect

◆ We may collect personal information including (but not limited to):

◆ Your name, address, phone number, and email address

◆ Date of birth and emergency contact details

◆ Information about your health, mental health, and wellbeing

◆ Appointment history and session notes

This information is collected when you:

◆ Make an enquiry or book an appointment

◆ Attend counselling sessions (in person or via telehealth)

◆ Complete forms on our website

◆ Communicate with us by phone, email, or other means

2. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect your information in order to:

◆ Provide you with counselling and support services

◆ Manage appointments, billing, and administration

◆ Communicate with you about your care and services

◆ Meet our legal, ethical, and professional obligations

◆ Improve our services and client experience

3. Sensitive Information

Health and counselling information is considered sensitive information and is treated with the highest level of confidentiality. We only collect this information when it is necessary to provide you with appropriate care and support.

4. How Your Information Is Stored and Protected

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure.

This includes:

◆ Secure electronic record systems

◆ Password-protected files and devices

◆ Secure storage of any paper records

◆ Access only by authorised persons

Your information is retained only for as long as required by law and professional standards.

5. When We May Disclose Your Information

Your information is kept confidential and will not be shared with third parties except:

◆ With your written consent

◆ When required or authorised by law

◆ If there is a serious and imminent risk to your safety or the safety of others

◆ For professional supervision or consultation (in which case identifying details are removed wherever possible)

6. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You have the right to:

◆ Request access to your personal information. (such as the counselling/supervision intake form)

◆ Request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate or incomplete

◆ Requests can be made in writing and will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Website and Online Data

Our website may collect limited information such as:

◆ IP address and browser type

◆ Pages visited and time spent on the site

◆ Information submitted via contact forms

This information is used only for website functionality, security, and improvement purposes and is not used to identify you personally.

8. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience. You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.

9. Complaints

If you have a concern about how your privacy has been handled, you may contact us directly. We take privacy concerns seriously and will respond promptly.

10. How to Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy and Confidentiality Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

a Counselling Concern

Website: https://counsellingconcern.au

Email: paul@counsellingconcern.au

Phone: 0405 023 777

11. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time.
The current version will always be available on our website.

Last updated: January 2026