Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines the ways in which Spark of Clarity Counselling ("Company," "we," or "us") collects, uses and discloses the personal information of clients. We are committed to providing a quality services and respecting your rights. We take privacy seriously and are committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth),  Freedom of Information Act 1982 and healthcare worker ethical guidelines.  

1. Collection of Personal Information

Personal information is any information about an individual that can be used to identify them directly or indirectly. This includes:

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number)
• Demographic information (age, gender, location)
• Health information (medical history, mental health concerns)

We collect personal information through variety of means including: 

·       The information you verbally share with us

·       Written communication received from you via email, SMS or letter

·       Our online booking system

·       Out intake form

·       Social media

·       The guardian of those under 18 years of age

·       A referral from your GP or another treating practitioner or service

The sharing of personal information by client to Spark of Clarity 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. Withing our practice and due to our duty of care a client cannot be anonymous. A client may request to use pseudonym, but a name as listed on ID’s is required. 

2. Retention and Security of Personal Information

To protect the personal information we hold from misuse or loss we store it in several ways, all of which are secure and can only be accessed by approved individual. The method of storage varies between types of information and includes both hard copies and digital version (either on a secure server of offline). 

We do not retain any credit card or booking details once processing the payment is finalised. We also try not to retain unnecessary information, disposing of it securely from time to time, depending on the type of information it is and our legal obligations. We do retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

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. 

3. Personalised Ads and Usage of Data

We may use personal information to personalize your experience, including providing tailored content and advertisements. However, we do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Limits of Confidentiality

We will not disclose personal information about you to third parties without your consent, except when the disclosure is required by law, this limit includes mandatory reporting of situations where:

• There is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others.
• Suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Disclosure is required by law, such as court order.
• Disclosure is necessary for professional consultation or supervision and billing or insurance purposes.

5.Integrity of your personal information

We try to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate and up to date. You may request an update of correction of personal information we hold about you and we will deal with all such requests as required by the Privacy Act. 

6. Access to Personal Information

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information held by us. To request access or make changes to your information, please contact us in writing. We may ask you to specify information you require and may charge an administration fee where we provide access. If the request is unreasonable, unlawful or poses a threat to life or health of any individual the access will be denied under Privacy Act. 

7. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites or services you visit.

8. Changes to Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify, amend, or change this privacy policy at any time. Any changes we will notify you via email or posting on our website. Continued use of the website following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us on details posted on our website.

Thank you for trusting Spark of Clarity Counselling.