Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy pertains to Glow Within Counselling, ABN 68484826883. We are a private counselling practice who provides in-person and online counselling services to adults (18 yrs +) in Australia.

This Privacy Policy is to provide you, the client, with information on how your personal details and information are collected, used and safeguarded at Glow Within Counselling, and in which circumstances, it may be shared with third parties. I am dedicated to protecting your privacy in compliance with The Australian Privacy Principles (APP), under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (The Act). It also has obligations under other laws, and Codes of Practices by regulatory bodies.

By accessing the website, by entering any information (including personal information), or by using our services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. We may update it periodically, and you are advised to review this Privacy Policy to note any changes. Continued use of our services indicates your acceptance of any amendments.

Collection and Use of Personal Information

We collect and use personal information given to us by you, to support our operations and ensure quality service delivery. This may include information such as:

  • Personal information (e.g,. name, phone number, email, address, emergency contact information)

  • Communications (e.g., enquiries, bookings, feedback, general information, events, updates)

  • Bank card details (e.g., for payment processing for sessions, cancellations, and late fees)

  • Medical history (e.g., health information provided for treatment purposes)

  • Social media interactions (e.g., engagement with our online presence)

  • Technical and online data (e.g., website visits, IP addresses, browser type, and interaction analytics)

 This information may be collected via phone, email, SMS, online forms, or direct interactions with our website or with direct interactions with ourselves. For new clients, an intake form is completed.

How I Use Your Personal Information

Your personal information is used for purposes such as:

  • Providing a counselling service to you.

  • Appointment confirmations, reminders, and updates.

  • Processing payments, invoices, and insurance claims and necessary business processes.

  • Handling enquiries, feedback, and complaints.

  • Ensuring website functionality and security.

  • Complying with legal and regulatory requirements (including client safety and safety of anyone else)

  • Protecting business interests, including security and risk management.

In the event of business changes, ownership transfers, or reorganizations, your personal information may be transferred accordingly.

Why I Process Your Information

I process your personal data based on:

  • Your consent, such as when you provide information.

  • Legal obligations, including compliance with government regulations.

  • Legitimate interests, such as improving our services, responding to enquiries, and maintaining security.

I only process sensitive information when legally required, in emergencies, or with your explicit consent.

Sharing Your Personal Information

I may share your information with:

  • Other health care professionals, such as your GP, for treatment.

  • Financial institutions, for payment processing.

  • Regulatory and law enforcement agencies, where required by law.

  • Service providers, including IT, booking management service provider, marketing, and administrative support.

  • Emergency contacts, if necessary for health and safety of you (my client).

  • Third parties: Confidentiality is strictly maintained. However, there are specific circumstances in which I may need to disclose information, which may include personal information pertaining to you. This could be in the following circumstances:

-               If I believe you or someone else is at risk of harm (these form part of my ethical and legal requirements).

-               If I become aware of criminal activity.

-               If legally compelled by law (including a court order, such as a subpoena).

  • I also attend regular supervision sessions to ensure I provide the highest quality care. During these supervision sessions, aspects of my clients’ situations may need to be discussed, however, the client’s identity will always remain confidential if such discussion takes place. 

  • in cases of business transfers or restructuring. 

Data Storage and Security

I store personal information in physical and electronic formats, implementing industry-standard security measures. However, online data transmission is not entirely secure, and we encourage caution when sharing sensitive information online.

Google reCAPTCHA forms are used for spam protection on the website. This form helps identify if the information entered is by an automated site (known as ‘bots’) or if it has been entered by human visitors interacting with the website. This tool automatically analyses the use of website visitors when interacting with the website, including forms. This feature prevents our contact form from being misused. By using and interacting with the website, you agree to the Google reCAPTCHA privacy policy. For details on how Google handles your data, please review their privacy policy.  

Retention and Disposal of Information

I retain your personal data for as long as required to provide services, meet legal obligations, or manage business operations.

Once no longer needed, your data will be securely destroyed.

Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You have the right to request access to or correction of your personal data. To make a request, please contact me in writing. I will respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days. If access is denied, we will provide a written explanation.

Concerns and Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact me in writing. I will address concerns promptly, usually within 30 days. If you are unsatisfied with the response, you may escalate the matter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Cookies and Google Analytics

We may use cookies and Google Analytics to enhance your online experience. These tools collect data about website interactions and user behaviour to optimize our services. Google Analytics may transfer data to servers outside Australia. You can manage cookie settings in your browser.

For details on how Google handles data, please review their privacy policy.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be stored and processed outside Australia, including in the United States. We take necessary measures to ensure data protection aligns with applicable laws.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. I am not responsible for their privacy practices. I recommend reviewing their privacy policies before interacting with any website or when sharing personal information.

If you have any concerns about how your personal information is handled or wish to discuss my compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles, please contact:

Colleen Pieters
Glow Within Counselling
4 O’Neil Court, Wakerley, 4154, QLD
Tel:0459037699
Email: admin@glowwithincounselling.com.au