Privacy Policy

Sure Self Counselling & Psychotherapy, owned and operated by Zoe Lavender (ABN: 60 376 293 301), is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This policy outlines how we handle the personal information of our clients and website visitors. All data handling complies with Australian privacy laws. International clients accessing services agree to these standards. For more on the Australian Privacy Principles, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au

Personal Information Collection

Personal information refers to any data that can identify an individual, including name, address, phone number, email, and date of birth. We may collect this information through various means, such as:

Verbal communication, email, or letter
Social media
Our online booking system and intake forms via Google Workspace
Referrals from GPs or other healthcare providers

Why We Collect It: We collect personal information to provide our services, offer information, and conduct marketing. We may also use your information for purposes related to these primary functions, in cases where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure.

When we collect personal information, we will explain the purpose and intended use where relevant and practicable.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information includes details about an individual’s health, racial or ethnic origins, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, family court orders, or criminal record. We handle sensitive information only:

For the primary purpose for which it was obtained
For a directly related secondary purpose
With your consent, or as required or authorized by law

Storage and Security of Personal Information

We store your personal information securely to protect against misuse, loss, and unauthorized access. Information is stored in:

Hard Copy: Physical client files, stored securely for at least seven years.
Digital Storage: Information collected via Wix is transferred to Google Workspace for review, where a hard copy is retained, and the digital form is then deleted. Sensitive data is kept offline for security.

You may unsubscribe from our mailing lists anytime by contacting us.

Disclosure of Personal Information

We respect client confidentiality and only disclose personal information to third parties under these circumstances:

Legal Requirements: Disclosure may occur as required by law (e.g., court orders, subpoenas, mandatory reporting).
Health and Safety: If there is an immediate risk of harm, relevant information may be disclosed to protect health and safety.

It is unlikely we will disclose information to parties outside Australia, except where third-party providers (e.g., Google Workspace) use international servers. All data is handled per Australian privacy standards.

Clinical Supervision and Confidentiality

To provide the highest quality of care, Sure Self Counselling & Psychotherapy adheres to the ethical guidelines set by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Part of these guidelines includes discussing client work with a qualified clinical supervisor. This process ensures that all clients receive the best possible care and support.

Please note that any information shared in supervision is strictly anonymous, and no identifying details are disclosed. Supervision is conducted in a manner that maintains client confidentiality and upholds the ethical standards of the ACA.

Third-Party Service Providers

We may engage third-party service providers for administrative purposes (e.g., Stripe for payments, Google Workspace for communications). These providers adhere to strict privacy standards. For more information, please view their privacy policies:

Stripe: https://stripe.com/au/privacy
Google Workspace:

https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/google_cloud_australian_privacy_principles.pdf

Website Privacy and Cookies

Our domain is hosted on an Australian server, while our website platform, Wix, operates on international servers. For more details, see Wix’s Privacy Policy.

Our website may use cookies (small text files stored on your device) to remember your preferences and improve functionality. You can manage cookie settings in your browser, but disabling cookies may affect site features. We may also use Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel to track visitor activity, helping us understand user interests, improve content, and create relevant marketing. You may see ads based on interactions with our site on social media.

Links to Other Websites

Our site may contain links to third-party websites or resources for informational purposes. Sure Self Counselling & Psychotherapy is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of these external sites. Accessing these links is at your discretion; we recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any sites you visit.

Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you. Requests must be made in writing and may incur a small administrative fee. We may request identification to confirm access requests. We aim to keep your information accurate; if updates are needed, please notify us promptly.

Maintaining the Quality of Your Personal Information

We are committed to ensuring your personal information is accurate, complete, and up to date. If you identify inaccuracies, please contact us so we can update your records.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may periodically update this privacy policy. Changes will be communicated via email or on our website.

Your Consent

By continuing to use this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this privacy policy.

If you believe your personal information has not been handled in accordance with the Privacy Act, please contact us directly. We will investigate and aim to resolve any concerns promptly. If unresolved, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au

If you have any questions regarding privacy matters, please contact us at contact@sureself.au

Sure Self Counselling & Psychotherapy Privacy Policy V1.1, updated February 2025.