Privacy Policy

​Protection of Your Privacy and Personal Information:

Calm Horizons Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how I manage your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (The Act). I also adhere to any relevant laws, regulations, and industry codes that govern my practice.

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What Personal Information Does Calm Horizons Counselling Collect?

To provide you with counselling services, I may need to collect personal information, including but not limited to:

• Name, address, telephone number, date of birth, email address, and other contact details.

• Occupation and employment details.

• Medical history and referring healthcare provider information.

• Sensitive information relevant to your counselling needs, in compliance with the APP.

I may also collect personal information about third parties from you. If you provide me with third-party information, you are responsible for ensuring that they are aware of this Privacy Policy and have consented to the disclosure.

You are not obligated to provide personal information, but failure to do so may limit our ability to provide the requested services.

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How I Collect Personal Information

I collect personal information in the following ways:

• Through direct conversations (in person, via phone, or online).

• From referring doctors or other professionals involved in your care.

• Through forms, paperwork, or digital submissions.

• From your partner or family members when it is not practicable to obtain it from you, subject to later confirmation with you.

 

Why I Collect, Use, and Disclose Personal Information:

Calm Horizons Counselling collects, uses, and discloses personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing counselling services and associated benefits.

• Managing administrative and billing processes.

• Complying with legal obligations or responding to law enforcement requests.

• Ensuring the quality of care through professional clinical supervision.

• Informing you about service improvements and updates.

• Protecting the safety of individuals in situations of imminent risk.

Your personal information may be shared with third parties working with us, including supervisors, professional advisors, or external agencies, as required by law or for your care.

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What is ‘Health Information’?

As a provider of health-related counselling services, I handle ‘health information,’ which includes:

• Your medical and mental health history.

• Your family’s medical history.

• Relationship and cultural background details.

• Any additional information obtained during counselling sessions.

Your health information is maintained in both hard copy and electronic records from the point of initial contact.

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How I Store and Protect Your Information:

I take reasonable steps to ensure the security of your personal and health information, including:

• Restricting access to authorised personnel only.

• Securing documents to prevent unauthorised viewing.

• Using secure electronic record-keeping systems.

• Ensuring compliance with confidentiality policies and procedures.

Your information is securely destroyed or de-identified when no longer required in accordance with relevant legislative requirements.

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Who I May Disclose Your Information To:

Your personal and health information may be disclosed to:

• Counsellors, supervisors, and administrative staff involved in your care.

• Healthcare professionals are directly involved in your treatment.

• Third parties when legally required (e.g., court subpoenas, statutory authorities).

• External service providers for administrative purposes (excluding treatment details).

Personal and health information will not be disclosed outside Australia unless specifically requested and consented to by you.

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Accessing and Correcting Your Information:

You may request access to your personal and health information at any time. If access is denied, I will provide a written explanation.

If you believe any information I hold about you is incorrect, incomplete, or outdated, you may request an amendment. If I do not agree with your request, I will document the disagreement in my records.

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Contact me with any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or to request access or amendments to your information:

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Calm Horizons Counselling
Phone: +61 0400 109 759
Email: sharon@calmhorizonscounselling.com.au
Address: P.O. Box 188, Kingsway WA 6065, Australia.

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This Privacy Policy is subject to change and will be updated as necessary to comply with legal and professional requirements.