Privacy and Confidentiality
Your privacy is important.
Information shared during counselling is treated as confidential and is managed in accordance with:
The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
Australian Privacy Principles
Victorian Health Records Act 2001
Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics
Information will generally not be shared without your consent unless required or permitted by law. Examples may include:
Serious concerns about your safety or the safety of another person
Child safety or mandatory reporting obligations
Court orders or other legal requirements
Professional consultation or supervision where identifying information is removed wherever possible
Where possible, any need to share information will be discussed with you before hand or done in collaboration with you during session.
Record Keeping
As part of ethical and professional practice, brief counselling records are maintained.
These records may include:
Contact information
Relevant history
Session notes
Risk assessments where required
Referral and treatment planning information
Records help support continuity of care and safe professional practice.
Client information is stored securely using professional practice management systems and appropriate security measures designed to protect personal information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.
Records are retained and managed in accordance with legal and professional obligations.
Online Counselling (Telehealth)
If you attend sessions online, reasonable steps are taken to protect privacy and confidentiality.
Like all forms of electronic communication, telehealth carries some limitations and technological risks. To support safety during online sessions, you may be asked to provide your current location and an emergency contact.
Your Rights as a Client
You have the right to:
Be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion
Participate in decisions regarding your care
Ask questions about therapy at any time
Decline any intervention or activity
Access information about fees and policies
Seek a second opinion
End counselling at any time
Raise concerns or provide feedback about services received
Professional Standards
I am committed to practising in accordance with the Australian Counselling Association's ethical framework, which includes:
Respecting client autonomy and informed choice
Maintaining professional boundaries
Protecting privacy and confidentiality
Working within professional competence
Ongoing professional development
Clinical supervision and reflective practice
Providing culturally responsive and inclusive care