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Counsellor taking notes while listening to a client in a private therapy session, representing confidentiality and trust

Privacy Policy

At Rising Phoenix Counselling, your privacy matters deeply. Creating a space that feels safe, respectful, and confidential is an important part of our work together.

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I am committed to protecting the personal information you share with me in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988, Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and PACFA Code of Ethics.

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1. Information I Collect and Protect

To support our work together, I may collect and securely store:

  • Personal details such as your name and contact information

  • Emergency contact information

  • Session notes and reflections

  • Any relevant health information you choose to share

 

2. How I Use Your Information

Your information is used to support you in a personalised and professional way, including:

  • Supporting you within a safe and confidential therapeutic space

  • Keeping accurate and confidential records

  • Managing appointments and communication

  • Meeting my professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities

 

3. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Confidentiality is an important part of therapy. There are, however, some situations where information may need to be shared:

  • If there is a serious and imminent threat to your life, health, or safety, or that of another person

  • When required by law, such as through a court subpoena or mandatory reporting obligations

  • When you provide written consent

  • For professional supervision, where identifying details are removed

 

4. Security and Storage

I take reasonable steps to protect your information, including:

  • Secure and encrypted electronic storage systems

  • Restricted access to personal information

  • Secure disposal of records after the required retention period

 

Records are retained for a minimum of 7 years (or until the age of 25 if the client was a child at the time of service) in line with legal and professional requirements, after which they are securely destroyed.

 

5. Online Sessions and Communication

Sessions are conducted via secure telehealth platforms such as Zoom.

  • Sessions are not recorded

  • You will be guided on how to create a private space for your sessions

While reasonable care is taken, email and online communication may carry some level of risk. You are welcome to raise any preferences or concerns about communication methods.

 

6. Use of Third-Party Platforms

I use secure third-party platforms to support my services, including website hosting, telehealth, and clinical note-taking systems (such as Wix, Zoom, and NovoPsych/NovoNotes). NovoNotes is used to support the creation of clinical notes within a secure, purpose-built platform designed for psychology and counselling practices. Any temporary transcripts generated are deleted, and session recordings are not stored. These providers have their own privacy and security measures in place, and where possible, I choose platforms that align with Australian privacy expectations. Some of these service providers may store data on servers located outside of Australia. By using these services, you consent to the transfer of information to these overseas facilities.

 

7. Website Analytics and Cookies

This website may use analytics and cookies (including Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site and to improve your experience.

  • Data is anonymised where possible

  • No personally identifiable information is collected through analytics

  • Information is stored on secure servers

 

8. Your Rights

Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal information

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information

  • Raise concerns about privacy or confidentiality

  • Request information about record retention and deletion

  • Make a complaint if you believe your privacy has been breached

If needed, you may also lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

 

9. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal or operational requirements. The most current version will always be available at:

www.risingphoenixcounselling.com.au/privacy-policy

 

10. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy, you are welcome to get in touch:

Email: support@risingphoenixcounselling.com.au
Website: www.risingphoenixcounselling.com.au
Location: Online (Australia-wide)

 

Priscilla Schwartzman (She/Her)
Psychotherapist and Counsellor
PACFA Registration: 29505

Last updated: 06/04/2026

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