Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy (Effective: 9 June 2025)

At SoulShine Counselling, your privacy and confidentiality are treated with the utmost care and respect. I collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in strict accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles.

Information I Collect

I only collect personal information when it is necessary to provide you with the best possible support. This may include:

• Your name and contact details
• Your date of birth
• Emergency contact details
• Information about your wellbeing, experiences, and relevant background
• Notes taken during or after our counselling sessions

This information is gathered carefully through email or phone communication, online enquiry forms, secure intake forms, and during our time together in sessions.

How Your Information is Used

The information you share with me is used to:

• Provide tailored counselling support
• Manage your appointments and our communication
• Maintain confidential records of our work together
• Meet professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities

I will never share your personal information without your explicit permission, except in very specific circumstances where I am legally or ethically bound to do so, such as:

• If there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else
• If a child may be at risk of harm or neglect
• If disclosure is required by law or a court order

Information Storage and Security

Your information is stored securely and handled with care to protect your privacy.

• Digital records are secured with passwords and safe storage
• Access to your personal details is strictly restricted

Our online sessions are also conducted using secure video platforms to ensure our conversations remain completely private.

Record Retention

I maintain your counselling records securely, in line with professional and legal standards. Records for adult clients are kept for at least seven years after our final session. Once this period has passed, all records are permanently and securely destroyed.

External Services

I use trusted platforms to manage bookings, payments, and online communication. These external services may collect some personal information in line with their own privacy policies. Rest assured, I only choose to work with platforms that uphold strict privacy and security practices.

Questions?

If you ever have any questions or concerns about this policy or how your personal information is handled, please always feel free to reach out and ask.

SoulShine Counselling

Email: info@soulshinecounselling.com.au

Phone: +61-493 383 998