Robert Sayers - Privacy Policy

Your privacy matters and I take the confidentiality of your counselling records extremely seriously.  If you have any concerns relating to the collection or storage of your personal information, please do not hesitate to contact me via the details below.

 

This policy is guided by the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained within the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

1. What information may be collected

Personal information may be collected when you contact, book or engage with services. This may include:

  • Name and contact details

  • Email address and phone number

  • Appointment and booking information including emergency contact details

  • Information shared through enquiry or contact forms

  • Payment and transaction information

  • Health or wellbeing information relevant to counselling or supervision services

  • Notes and records relating to sessions where clinically or professionally appropriate

Providing personal information is generally voluntary, however some information may be necessary to provide services safely and effectively.

2. How information is collected

Information may be collected through:

  • Website contact forms

  • Email communication

  • Online booking through Acuity Scheduling

  • Zoom or telehealth appointments

  • In-person sessions

  • Payment processing systems

  • Direct communication before, during or after services

The website may also collect limited technical information such as browser or device information through cookies or website analytics to support website performance and functionality.

3. How personal information is used

Personal information is collected and used to:

  • Respond to enquiries

  • Arrange and manage appointments

  • Provide counselling and supervision services

  • Maintain appropriate professional records

  • Process payments and health fund claims where relevant

  • Communicate regarding appointments or services

  • Meet professional, legal or ethical obligations

Personal information is not sold or shared for marketing purposes.

4. Confidentiality and disclosure

Counselling and supervision services are confidential and privacy is taken seriously.

Personal information will generally not be disclosed to third parties unless:

  • You provide consent

  • Disclosure is required or authorised by law

  • There is a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or others

  • Records are subpoenaed or otherwise legally required

  • Limited disclosure is necessary for professional or administrative purposes consistent with ethical and legal obligations

Where third-party platforms are used, such as booking, telehealth or payment systems, those providers manage information under their own privacy and security policies.

5. Telehealth and online services

Online sessions may be conducted using Zoom or other secure telehealth technologies.

While reasonable steps are taken to use reputable and secure platforms, no online transmission or digital storage method can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Clients are encouraged to participate in telehealth sessions using private and secure internet connections where possible.

6. Payment and health fund processing

Payments may be processed through Acuity Scheduling and associated payment providers, or via electronic bank transfer where applicable.

Where health fund claiming is available, relevant information may be collected and shared as required to facilitate claims.

Payment information is generally handled by third-party payment providers rather than stored directly by Robert Sayers.

7. Storage and security of information

Reasonable steps are taken to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Information will be stored securely in electronic formats and encrypted for service delivery and professional record keeping.

Records may be retained for periods required by professional, ethical or legal obligations.

8. Access to and correction of information

You may request access to personal information held about you and may request corrections if information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.

Requests may be made using the contact details below.

Access may be limited in some circumstances where permitted or required by law.

9. Website links and third-party services

This website may contain links to external websites or use third-party services including booking, telehealth or payment systems.

These services operate under their own privacy policies and practices. Users are encouraged to review those policies where relevant.

10. Contact and privacy concerns

Questions, requests or privacy concerns may be directed to:

Robert Sayers
Email: info@robertsayers.com.au

If you believe your privacy has been handled improperly, concerns are welcomed and will be responded to respectfully and in a timely manner.