1. Introduction

At Flow of Life Psychotherapy, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients’ personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, store, use, and, when necessary, disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Our practice is guided by the best practice principles recommended by PACFA.

2. Personal Information We Collect

a. Personal and Contact Information

We may collect your name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, and other contact details.

b. Health and Sensitive Information

We may collect sensitive information, including details about your mental, emotional, or physical health, and any other information you provide that helps us understand and support your therapeutic needs.

c. Service-Related Information

This includes information collected via our intake forms, online booking system, session notes, and other records related to your care.

3. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information to:

• Provide and manage effective psychotherapy services.

• Understand your needs and tailor our services accordingly.

• Communicate important information such as appointment details, changes to our services, and updates about our practice.

• Comply with legal, professional, and ethical obligations.

4. How We Collect Your Information

Personal information is collected by various means including:

• Information provided directly by you during intake and through verbal communication.

• Data submitted via our online booking system and website.

• Written communications received via email, SMS, or post.

• Referrals from other health professionals or trusted contacts.

5. Storage and Security of Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or loss. Our security measures include:

• Secure digital storage on protected servers.

• Locked filing cabinets for hard copies.

• Restricted access to personal information only to authorised staff members.

We do not store credit card or banking details beyond the processing of your payment. Unnecessary information is securely disposed of in accordance with our retention obligations.

6. Disclosure of Your Information

Your personal information will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

• When required by law (e.g. in response to a court order or for public health and safety).

• To trusted third-party service providers (such as IT or administrative support) who are contractually required to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.

• Where necessary for professional consultation, supervision, or in situations involving a serious and imminent threat to life, health, or property.

• It is unlikely that any of your personal information will be disclosed outside Australia.

7. Access to and Correction of Your Information

You have the right to access personal information we hold about you. Should you find any inaccuracies, you may request corrections. Requests for access or amendments may be subject to a reasonable fee, in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

8. Your Consent and Rights

By using our services and website, you consent to the collection, storage, and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. You have the right to:

• Access and correct your personal information.

• Request further details on how your information is being used.

• Withdraw your consent where possible, noting that certain legal or professional obligations may require us to retain some records.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Flow of Life Psychotherapy reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy as required. Any significant changes will be communicated to you via email or published on our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

10. Complaints

If you believe your personal information has been mishandled, please contact us directly so that we may address your concerns promptly. If you remain unsatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). For more information on how to make a complaint, please visit www.oaic.gov.au.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Flow of Life Psychotherapy

Email: FlowofLife.Mel@gmail.com

Phone: (61) 490 691 709