Privacy Policy – Island Counselling
Last updated: August 2025
1. Introduction
Island Counselling provides in-person and telehealth counselling for individuals, couples and older adults in Cowes, across Phillip Island, and throughout the Bass Coast region.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
This policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information when you use our services or visit our website.
2. What information we collect
We only collect information that is reasonably necessary to provide our counselling services and manage our practice. This may include:
Personal details:
Health and wellbeing information:
Website and online booking information:
3. How we collect information
4. Why we collect and use your information
We use your personal information to:
5. Confidentiality & disclosure
Your counselling sessions and personal records are confidential. We will not share your personal information without your consent unless:
6. Storage & security
We store records securely in password-protected or encrypted systems, and restrict access to authorised personnel only.
Electronic data is stored on secure servers; physical records are stored in locked filing cabinets.
7. Cookies & website tracking
We use cookies and analytics tools to help us understand how our website is used and to improve the visitor experience.
You can disable cookies in your browser, but some parts of the website may not function properly.
8. Access & correction
You may request access to your personal information or ask for corrections if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date.
9. Contact us
If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, please contact:
Island Counselling
187 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922
Phone: +61 482 388 601
Email: [email protected]
10. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the APPs, please contact us in writing.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.
This policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.
1. Introduction
Island Counselling provides in-person and telehealth counselling for individuals, couples and older adults in Cowes, across Phillip Island, and throughout the Bass Coast region.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
This policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information when you use our services or visit our website.
2. What information we collect
We only collect information that is reasonably necessary to provide our counselling services and manage our practice. This may include:
Personal details:
- Name, contact details (email, phone, address)
- Date of birth and emergency contact information
Health and wellbeing information:
- Relevant personal history, presenting issues, counselling session notes
Website and online booking information:
- Appointment preferences, communication history
- Non-identifying data such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited, collected through tools like Google Tag Manager, Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity and Bing Webmaster Tools
3. How we collect information
- Directly from you during appointments, by phone, email, or when you complete forms on our website
- Through secure online booking tools (e.g., Calendly)
- Automatically via cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website
4. Why we collect and use your information
We use your personal information to:
- Provide counselling services tailored to your needs
- Manage appointments, billing, and follow-up communication
- Respond to enquiries and feedback
- Maintain client records in compliance with professional standards
- Improve our website and online services through analytics
5. Confidentiality & disclosure
Your counselling sessions and personal records are confidential. We will not share your personal information without your consent unless:
- Required by law
- There is a serious risk of harm to you or others
- Disclosure is required to protect a child or vulnerable person
6. Storage & security
We store records securely in password-protected or encrypted systems, and restrict access to authorised personnel only.
Electronic data is stored on secure servers; physical records are stored in locked filing cabinets.
7. Cookies & website tracking
We use cookies and analytics tools to help us understand how our website is used and to improve the visitor experience.
You can disable cookies in your browser, but some parts of the website may not function properly.
8. Access & correction
You may request access to your personal information or ask for corrections if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date.
9. Contact us
If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, please contact:
Island Counselling
187 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922
Phone: +61 482 388 601
Email: [email protected]
10. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the APPs, please contact us in writing.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.
This policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.