As part of providing this service and ensuring your safety The Holding Space Counselling needs to collect and record personal information from you. We respect the privacy and confidentiality of your information and adhere to the Australian Privacy Principles.

 

Please read our Privacy Policy, which outlines the information we collect from you, how we use that information, its storage, security, and other important features.

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You are entitled to access your personal information kept on file and retained for a period of 7 years, when you advise us in writing and identify the information required. Exceptions are noted under the NSW Health Record and Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act).

 

Privacy and Confidentiality 

I am a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association - Member Number 18506  -  and as such is required to abide by the ACA Code of Ethics ensuring that your safety, privacy and autonomy are paramount.  This means that I cannot share any information that you share with me including your being a client of mine without your explicit consent.

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All personal information gathered by The Holding Space Counselling will remain confidential except when required, as follows:

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1. It is subpoenaed by a court; or

2. Involves endangerment to the welfare of a child or young person or

3. Failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of The Holding Space Counselling, place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; o

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In each of these cases I will endeavour, where possible, to talk with you about the need to breach our confidentiality agreement.

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Other times information would be shared included when your prior approval has been obtained to:

a) provide a written report to another professional or agency. e.g. GP, school or a lawyer;

b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or health provider, referral partner, or booking service;

c) when consulting with colleagues, or in the course of supervision, your counsellor/supervisor will be required to conceal your identity and any associated parties involved; and to preserve your privacy at the utmost professional manner in accordance with the ACA Code of Ethics.

 

Consequence of Not Providing Personal Information

If you do not wish for your personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this consent form, Sydney Online Counselling and Coaching may not be in a position to provide the service to you.

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