Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Ken Reid Counselling, your trust and emotional safety are our highest priorities. We handle all personal and health information in accordance with:

• The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

• The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics, particularly Sections A.2 (Informed Consent), B.1 (Confidentiality), and C.4 (Use of Technology)

We are committed to transparency, respect, and protection of your information at every stage of your counselling experience.

​

What Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide effective counselling and to meet our ethical and legal obligations. This may include:

• Personal details (name, contact information, emergency contact)

• Relevant health or psychosocial information (so we can tailor support appropriately)

• Session notes (for clinical continuity and supervision)

• Billing and administrative information

​

How Your Information Is Stored

• Records are stored in secure, password-protected, encrypted systems compliant with Australian data-security standards.

• Cloud storage providers are selected for compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

• Physical records (if any) are kept in locked storage accessible only to authorised staff.

• Electronic communications (email, SMS, telehealth) are transmitted using secure platforms, though full confidentiality of online communication cannot be guaranteed.

​

Record Retention and Destruction

Client records are retained for seven (7) years after your final session, or until the age of 25 for clients under 18 at the time of service, in line with ACA guidelines. After this period, records are securely destroyed using professional data-disposal methods.

​

Confidentiality and Its Limits

Everything discussed in counselling is kept strictly confidential except in the following legally or ethically mandated situations:

1. You provide written consent for information to be shared.

2. There is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others.

3. There is a legal obligation (e.g., subpoena or court order).

4. There is a duty to report concerns of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person.

5. Information is shared in clinical supervision for professional accountability; identifying details are always removed.

When possible, you will be informed before any disclosure occurs.

​

Use of Technology and Digital Communication

Ken Reid Counselling uses secure telehealth and scheduling platforms that comply with Australian privacy regulations.

• Sessions are never recorded without explicit consent.

• Emails and online forms are used only for administrative purposes.

• Clients are advised to avoid sending sensitive information by SMS or social media.

​

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and request copies of your personal record.

• Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information.

• Withdraw consent for information sharing.

• Lodge a privacy complaint if you believe your information has been mishandled.

All requests can be made by email: kenreidcounselling@gmail.com

​

Cross-Border and International Clients

All counselling services are provided under Australian law and professional standards.
Clients located outside Australia acknowledge that data may be stored on secure servers located in Australia, and that privacy protections may differ from their country of residence.

​

Third-Party Services and Data Handling

We occasionally use third-party services for scheduling, payment, or file storage (for example, Halaxy or Stripe). These providers maintain their own privacy policies and comply with applicable privacy laws. No data is sold, shared, or used for marketing purposes.

​

Concerns or Complaints

If you have questions or concerns about your privacy or confidentiality:

• Contact Ken Reid Counselling directly at kenreidcounselling@gmail.com

• If unresolved, you may contact the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) for further guidance.

​​

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or when regulations change to ensure it remains compliant with the ACA Code of Ethics and the Australian Privacy Principles.

​

​