Brigher Space Counselling is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and transparency. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

1. What Information We Collect

When you engage with our counselling services, we may collect the following information:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Contact details (email address, phone number)

• Emergency contact information

• Relevant personal, psychological or medical history

• Notes and observations made during sessions

• Payment and billing information (processed securely via third-party platforms)

We collect this information through our website, booking forms, email communication, or during counselling sessions.

2. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect your personal information in order to:

• Provide you with safe and effective counselling services

• Assess your suitability for counselling

• Schedule and manage appointments

• Comply with legal and professional obligations

• Process payments and issue receipts

• Contact you for administrative purposes (e.g. reminders, changes)

3. How Your Information Is Stored

Your information is stored securely using encrypted, password-protected systems. This may include:

• Encrypted cloud-based practice management software

• Secure email or messaging platforms

• Encrypted storage for session notes

• Booking platforms with secure data handling

We take all reasonable steps to ensure your data is protected against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

4. Confidentiality and Disclosure

Your information is kept strictly confidential. However, we may be required to disclose your information without your consent in the following situations:

• If there is a serious risk of harm to you or others

• If there are concerns about child safety or abuse

• If we are legally required (e.g. by court order or subpoena)

• With your written consent (e.g. to share with your GP or another provider)

5. Access and Correction

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you at any time. You may also request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.

Please email [insert your email address] to make such a request. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, usually within 30 days.

6. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party tools to process payments, manage bookings, or deliver video sessions (e.g. Stripe, Wix Payments, Zoom, Cliniko). These services may collect data as part of their function and are subject to their own privacy policies.

We only use third-party providers that comply with strict security standards.

7. Marketing and Communications

We will not send you marketing communications without your consent. You can opt in or out at any time. We will never sell or share your data for advertising purposes.

8. Data Retention

We are required to retain client records for a minimum of 7 years (or until age 25 for minors), as per professional ethical standards and legal obligations. After this period, records will be securely destroyed.

9. Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact us directly at [your email]. We will investigate and respond to your concerns promptly.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Website: www.oaic.gov.au

10. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website.