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Privacy Policy

ddcounselling.com.au > Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to DD Counselling (“we,” “us,” or “our”). Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 and, where applicable, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

By accessing or using our website ddcounselling.com.au, booking services, or interacting with us, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is necessary to provide our counselling services and operate our website. This may include:

a. Personal Identifiable Information (PII):

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Residential address
  • Emergency contact details
  • Payment and billing details (for invoicing purposes)

b. Sensitive Information:

  • Mental health history
  • Medical history relevant to counselling
  • Personal concerns or goals shared during sessions
  • Notes from therapy or consultations

c. Website Usage Data:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Access times
  • Pages visited
  • Cookies (see Section 6)

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal and sensitive information directly from you when:

  • You contact us via phone, email, or our website form
  • You book a counselling session
  • You attend a session (in person or online)
  • You fill out a client intake or consent form
  • You subscribe to our newsletters or updates

We may also collect information indirectly through:

  • Referrals from healthcare providers (with your consent)
  • Use of cookies and analytics tools on our website

4. Why We Collect and Use Your Information

We collect your information to:

  • Provide and manage counselling services
  • Assess your needs and tailor therapeutic support
  • Communicate with you about appointments, changes, or relevant updates
  • Process payments and manage accounts
  • Comply with legal and ethical obligations
  • Improve our services and website functionality

5. Disclosure of Information

We do not share your personal or sensitive information with third parties except:

  • With your explicit consent
  • With emergency services if there is an immediate risk of harm to you or others
  • When legally required (e.g., under court order or mandatory reporting obligations)
  • With your GP or healthcare provider, with your permission
  • With third-party service providers (e.g., for secure storage, billing), under strict confidentiality agreements

6. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device to:

  • Remember preferences
  • Enable website functionality
  • Collect anonymous analytics

You can disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

We may use tools like Google Analytics to understand visitor behavior and improve our website. Data collected is aggregated and does not personally identify you.

7. Data Storage and Security

Your personal and sensitive data is stored securely using industry-standard measures. We use:

  • Encrypted communication (SSL/TLS)
  • Secure practice management software
  • Access controls and password protection
  • Regular data backups

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, and unauthorized access or disclosure.

8. Access to and Correction of Your Information

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information

To do so, please contact us using the details in Section 11. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.

9. Data Retention

We retain client records in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines:

  • For adults: Minimum of 7 years after the last service
  • For minors: Until the individual turns 25 years old, or 7 years after last service (whichever is later)

After this period, records are securely destroyed or deleted.

10. Your Rights Under the GDPR (If Applicable)

If you are located in the EU/EEA, you may have additional rights under the GDPR, including:

  • The right to withdraw consent
  • The right to data portability
  • The right to object to data processing
  • The right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or would like to make a request or complaint, please contact:

DD Counselling
Email: info@ddcounselling.com.au
Phone: 0433 426 968
Website: ddcounselling.com.au
Address: Perth, Australia

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or our practices. The latest version will always be available on our website with the effective date updated at the top of the page.

We recommend reviewing it regularly for any changes.