Mind Sounds Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how you can access or correct it.

What personal information we collect, and why

We collect personal information such as your name, email address, and phone number when you get in touch through our contact form, book a consultation, or correspond with us directly. We use this information to respond to your enquiry, arrange and deliver counselling sessions, and maintain accurate client records. We only collect information directly from you, unless you've given someone else permission to provide it on your behalf, or we're required to obtain it another way by law.

Sensitive information

As a counselling practice, we may collect sensitive information, including health and mental health information, as part of providing you with counselling support. We only use this information for the purpose it was provided, a directly related purpose you'd reasonably expect, with your consent, or where we're required to by law. We treat this information with the highest level of confidentiality.

Third parties

We use a small number of trusted third-party services to help deliver our services:

Google Meet, to deliver online counselling sessions
EmailJS, a third-party service that processes and delivers messages submitted through our website contact form

These providers only receive the information necessary to perform their function and are not authorised to use it for any other purpose.

Disclosure of your information

We don't sell or disclose your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. We may disclose information where you've given consent, where it's required to deliver your counselling support (for example, coordinating with a GP or psychiatrist you've asked us to liaise with), or where we're required to by law — including situations involving risk of serious harm to you or someone else, or a court order.

Security of your information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Session notes and client records are stored securely and are only accessible to Mind Sounds Counselling. We retain client records for a minimum of seven years, consistent with standard practice for health and counselling records in Australia.

Accessing and correcting your information

You can request access to the personal information we hold about you, or ask us to correct it, at any time by contacting us using the details below. We won't charge you for making a request, though reasonable administrative costs may apply if copies need to be produced. We'll respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Keeping your information accurate

We rely on you to let us know if your contact details or other personal information change, so we can keep our records accurate and up to date.

Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The most current version will always be available on this page.

Privacy complaints and enquiries

If you have a question or concern about how we handle your personal information, please contact us at camilla@mindsounds.com.au. If you're not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au.

Privacy policy