Privacy Policy

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At Joanne Maughan Counselling & Coaching, your privacy and confidentiality are treated with the utmost care, respect, and professionalism. We are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and ethical counselling standards.

We understand the importance of creating a safe, secure, and confidential environment where clients feel supported throughout their counselling journey.

Your personal and health information is collected, stored, and managed carefully to support the delivery of counselling and coaching services, appointment management, and professional record keeping.

We are committed to safeguarding your information and maintaining transparency about how your information is collected, used, stored, and protected.

To learn more, please review our full Privacy Policy below.

Joanne Maughan Counselling & Coaching
Privacy Policy 

This Privacy Policy outlines how Joanne Maughan Counselling & Coaching (JMCC) collects, stores, uses, protects, and manages your personal and sensitive information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), Australian Privacy Principles, and professional ethical standards.

1. Definitions

1.1 “We, us, our, JMCC” refers to Joanne Maughan Counselling & Coaching.
1.2 “Website” refers to the Joanne Maughan Counselling & Coaching website.
1.3 “You” or “your” refers to any individual engaging with JMCC services.
1.4 “Services” refers to counselling, coaching, telehealth, psychoeducation, and related support services.
1.5 “Session” or “Appointment” refers to your scheduled counselling or coaching session.
1.6 “Privacy Act” refers to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
1.7 “CRM” refers to Customer Relationship Management systems and practice management software used by JMCC.

2. Purpose & Scope

2.1 This Privacy Policy applies to all personal and sensitive information collected through the website, intake processes, appointments, communication methods, and delivery of JMCC services.
2.2 JMCC is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining confidentiality throughout your engagement with services.

3. Types of Information Collected

3.1 Personal Information may include:
(a) Full name
(b) Date of birth
(c) Address
(d) Telephone number
(e) Email address
(f) Emergency contact information
(g) Payment details
(h) Appointment history
 

3.2 Sensitive Information may include:
(a) Mental health information
(b) Emotional wellbeing information
(c) Medical or health-related information relevant to services
(d) Information disclosed during counselling or coaching sessions
(e) Referral letters or supporting documentation

4. How Information is Collected

4.1 Information may be collected through:
(a) Website contact forms
(b) Intake forms
(c) Online bookings
(d) Phone conversations
(e) Email communication
(f) Counselling or coaching sessions
(g) Third-party referrals where consent has been provided
 

4.2 JMCC endeavours to collect information directly from clients wherever possible.

5. Purpose of Collection

5.1 Information is collected to:
(a) Provide counselling and coaching services
(b) Manage bookings and appointments
(c) Maintain professional records
(d) Communicate regarding appointments or services
(e) Process payments and invoices
(f) Meet legal and ethical obligations
(g) Improve service delivery
 

5.2 De-identified information may be discussed during professional supervision in accordance with professional ethical obligations.

6. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

6.1 JMCC is committed to maintaining confidentiality in accordance with ethical and legal requirements.
6.2 Personal information will not be disclosed to third parties without consent unless:
(a) Required by law
(b) There is risk of serious harm to yourself or others
(c) Child protection concerns arise
(d) Court orders or subpoenas require disclosure
(e) Mandatory reporting obligations apply
 

6.3 Where possible and appropriate, clients will be informed if disclosure is required.

7. Storage & Security of Information

7.1 JMCC takes reasonable steps to protect information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
7.2 Information may be stored securely using password-protected practice management systems, encrypted storage, and secure cloud-based software.
7.3 Physical records, where applicable, are stored securely.
7.4 Records are retained in accordance with legal and professional requirements before secure destruction or de-identification occurs.

8. Online & Telehealth Services

8.1 JMCC uses secure online and telehealth platforms designed to protect privacy and confidentiality.
8.2 While reasonable efforts are made to maintain security, no online transmission can be guaranteed entirely secure.
8.3 Clients accessing telehealth services are responsible for:
(a) Ensuring a private environment
(b) Maintaining the security of their device and internet connection
(c) Not recording sessions without written consent
(d) Reporting any privacy concerns promptly

9. Access & Correction Requests

9.1 Clients may request access to personal information held by JMCC, subject to legal and ethical limitations.
9.2 Clients may request corrections to inaccurate or outdated information.
9.3 Requests for access or correction should be made in writing.
9.4 Identity verification may be required prior to releasing information.

10. Data Breach Response

10.1 In the event of a data breach, JMCC will:
(a) Assess the potential risk and impact
(b) Take steps to contain the breach
(c) Notify affected individuals where required
(d) Comply with obligations under Australian privacy legislation
(e) Review and strengthen security procedures where necessary

11. Direct Communication

11.1 JMCC may contact clients regarding:
(a) Appointment reminders
(b) Booking confirmations
(c) Service-related updates
(d) Administrative matters
11.2 Clients may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.

12. Professional Supervision

12.1 In accordance with professional ethical standards, Joanne Maughan participates in professional supervision and ongoing professional development.
12.2 Client discussions used in supervision are de-identified to maintain confidentiality.

13. Policy Updates

14.1 JMCC may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
14.2 Updated versions will be published on the JMCC website.

14. Contact Information

Joanne Maughan Counselling & Coaching
Phone: 0437 244 624
Email: joanne@joannemaughancoaching.com
Website: joannemaughancoaching.com