Your Privacy
This Privacy Policy explains how Mindful Reactions Counselling collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal and health information. It outlines your rights, how your information is handled in sessions and online, when it may be shared, and the steps we take to maintain confidentiality and comply with Australian privacy laws. Please take a moment to read through this policy so you understand how your information is managed during your engagement with our services.
Privacy Policy – Mindful Reactions
Effective Date: 25 March 2025
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and manage your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
1. Protection of Your Privacy
Mindful Reactions Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of any personal information you share. We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and relevant health privacy legislation.
By engaging in our services or visiting our website, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
2. What Information We Collect
We may collect and securely store the following personal information:
Name, date of birth, contact details
Relevant medical or psychological history
Counselling session notes and clinical records
Billing and payment details
Email or message communications
Website activity (where analytics or cookies are used, with consent)
3. How We Collect Information
We collect personal information:
Directly from you (in sessions, forms, emails, phone calls)
Through our website or booking platform
From other health professionals with your consent
From a parent, partner, or guardian (if applicable)
We will confirm the accuracy of any third-party information with you as soon as possible.
4. Use of Cookies and Website Data
When you visit our website, we may use cookies or analytics to improve your browsing experience and understand how visitors use the site. You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies if you prefer.
5. Why We Collect and Use Personal Information
Your information is collected and used to:
Provide effective counselling and support services
Maintain clinical and administrative records
Communicate with you about appointments and service updates
Fulfil legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities
Share resources or information relevant to your wellbeing (optional)
You may opt out of any non-essential communications at any time.
6. Disclosure of Information
Your personal information will not be disclosed without your written consent, except:
When required by law (e.g. subpoena, child protection)
If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others
In case of a medical or psychological emergency
We only collaborate with other professionals (e.g. GPs, psychologists) with your explicit consent.
7. Health Information and Record-Keeping
Health information is treated with the highest confidentiality. Client records are securely stored in encrypted software and/or locked physical filing systems.
We retain records for:
At least 7 years after your last session, or
Until you are 25 years old, if you were under 18 at the time of service
Records are securely destroyed or permanently de-identified after this period.
8. Access and Accuracy
You have the right to:
Request access to your personal or health information
Request corrections to any inaccurate or outdated information
To make a request, please contact us in writing. We aim to respond within 14 business days.
9. Security Measures
We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is protected, including:
Limiting access to authorised personnel
Using secure, encrypted platforms for online sessions
Storing records on password-protected systems
Avoiding display or sharing of confidential data through insecure means
10. What Happens If You Choose Not to Share Information?
You may choose not to provide certain information; however, this may limit our ability to provide the most appropriate or effective support. We will always respect your preferences and work within your comfort level.
11. Concerns or Complaints
If you have a concern about your privacy, please contact us directly. We take all privacy-related matters seriously and will respond promptly.
If your concern is not resolved, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Phone: 1300 363 992
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
12. Changes to Our Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal obligations, clinical practices, or service offerings.
The most current version will always be available on our website. We encourage you to review it periodically to stay informed about how your information is protected.
