Privacy Policy
Interoception Counselling (“we,” “us,” “our”) recognises that the personal and sensitive information shared by clients requires a high level of care, protection, and confidentiality. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and relevant NSW legislation, including the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).
By using our website, contacting us, booking appointments, or engaging in counselling services, you consent to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
Depending on the nature of your engagement with Interoception Counselling, we may collect the following information:
- Full name and preferred name
- Date of birth
- Contact information, including email address, phone number, and residential address
- Emergency contact details
- Referral information and GP details
- Personal information disclosed during counselling sessions
- Sensitive health information, including mental health history and treatment information
- Payment and invoicing details
- Website or booking enquiries submitted through forms, email, or telephone
Some of this information is classified as “sensitive information” under Australian privacy law and is handled with additional care and protection.
How Information Is Collected
We collect information directly from you through:
- Intake and consent forms
- Emails, phone calls, and website enquiries
- Counselling sessions
- Online booking or practice management systems
- Referrals from healthcare providers (where consent has been provided)
We only collect information reasonably necessary to provide counselling services and operate our practice safely and effectively.
Purpose of Collecting Information
Your information may be collected, used, and stored for purposes including:
- Providing counselling and therapeutic services
- Assessing your needs and developing treatment plans
- Maintaining clinical records and session notes
- Scheduling appointments and communicating with you
- Processing payments and invoices
- Meeting legal, ethical, and professional obligations
- Responding to risk, safety concerns, or mandatory reporting obligations
We will only use your information for the purpose for which it was collected, related secondary purposes reasonably expected by you, or where otherwise required or authorised by law.
Confidentiality and Disclosure
Your information is treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent, except where disclosure is required or authorised by law.
Situations where disclosure may occur include:
- Where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another person
- Mandatory reporting obligations
- Court subpoenas or other lawful requests
- Professional supervision or consultation in accordance with PACFA ethical requirements (where identifying details are minimised wherever possible).
- Where otherwise required under Australian law
Where practical and appropriate, we will seek your consent prior to disclosure.
Storage and Security of Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Security measures may include:
- Password-protected electronic systems
- Secure practice management software
- Encrypted storage and communications where available
- Locked storage for paper records
- Restricted access to client records
Client records are retained in accordance with Australian legal and professional requirements. Generally, records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years after your last appointment. Records relating to minors may be retained until the client reaches 25 years of age or longer where legally required.
Telehealth and Electronic Communication
While reasonable efforts are made to ensure secure communication platforms are used, electronic communication carries inherent privacy and security risks. By engaging in telehealth or communicating electronically, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
Access to Your Information
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and request corrections where appropriate. Requests should be made in writing to: info@interoceptioncounselling.com.au
We will respond within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with applicable legislation.
Website Data and Cookies
Our website may collect limited non-identifying information through cookies or analytics tools to improve website functionality and user experience.
This may include:
- Browser type
- Device information
- Pages visited
- General website traffic data
This information is generally anonymous and not used to personally identify users.
Third-Party Services
Our website or practice may use third-party platforms or software providers for booking, record keeping, telehealth, invoicing, forms, or payment processing. These providers maintain their own privacy policies and security practices.
Interoception Counselling uses Halaxy, a practice management platform, for appointment scheduling, record keeping, invoicing, client forms, and secure storage of client information. Halaxy maintains its own Privacy Policy and security practices.
We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any third-party services they engage with through our website or practice.
Complaints
If you have concerns regarding your privacy or how your information has been managed, please contact us in writing at: info@interoceptioncounselling.com.au
We will endeavour to investigate and respond promptly.
You may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Updates to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice operations. The current version will always be available on our website.
Last updated: 05 June 2026
