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PRIVACY POLICY

Your privacy and confidentiality matters. This policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, and protected when you visit this website or engage in counselling services, both online and in person. We follow the Australian Privacy Principles to ensure your information is handled lawfully, securely, and with care.


Please take a moment to read this policy so you understand your rights and how your information is managed.

Effective Date: 3 October 2025


Kindred Counselling (“Kindred”, “we”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the ethical guidelines of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and store your personal information, and how you may access or correct your information.


1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:

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  • Personal details: name, date of birth, contact information.

  • Sensitive information: health history, presenting issues, counselling notes.

  • Administrative information: billing details, appointment records.

  • Digital information: information submitted via our website or online booking system.

 

We only collect personal and sensitive information relevant to the counselling services we provide.

 

2. How We Collect Information

  • Directly from you (e.g. during sessions, forms, emails, calls).

  • Through online bookings and telehealth platforms you choose to use.

  • Where applicable, from other professionals, but only with your consent (e.g. GP, psychologist, lawyer).

 

3. Purpose of Collection
We collect information for the purposes of:

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  • Providing safe, effective counselling services.

  • Maintaining accurate client records.

  • Managing bookings, billing, and administration.

  • Meeting our ethical and legal obligations.

 

We will not use your information for direct marketing without your explicit consent.

 

4. Storage and Security
Your information is stored securely in compliance with Australian privacy law and professional standards.

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  • Electronic records are stored in encrypted, password-protected systems.

  • Physical files (if any) are kept in locked storage.

  • Only authorised practitioners and staff have access.

  • Records are retained for a minimum of 7 years after the last contact (or until a minor client turns 25), as required by law.

 

5. Disclosure of Information
We will not share your information without your consent except where:

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  • Required by law (e.g. subpoena, mandatory reporting).

  • There is a serious risk of harm to you or others.

  • Professional supervision requires discussion of cases in a de-identified manner.

 

6. Access and Correction
You have the right to access and request correction of your personal information. Requests can be made in writing to: kr@thisiskindred.com.au.


7. Complaints
If you believe your privacy has been breached, you may:

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  1. Contact Kindred directly at kr@thisiskindred.com.au.

  2. Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

  3. Raise the matter with the ACA or PACFA if it relates to ethical practice.

 

8. Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website.
 

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