Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 17/06/26

1. Introduction

Stephen Howard Counselling and Psychotherapy ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal information.

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect:

Name, address, email address, and telephone number
Date of birth and emergency contact details
Referral information
Health and wellbeing information relevant to counselling services
Session notes and clinical records
Payment and invoicing information
Correspondence between you and us
Website usage information collected through cookies and analytics tools

3. How Information Is Collected

Information may be collected through:

Website enquiry forms
Email communications
Telephone conversations
Intake and consent forms
Counselling sessions
Telehealth consultations
Third-party referrals where authorised

4. Purpose of Collection

We collect personal information to:

Provide counselling and psychotherapy services
Assess suitability for services
Maintain clinical records
Communicate regarding appointments
Process payments
Meet legal, ethical, insurance, and professional obligations
Improve website and service delivery

5. Disclosure of Information

Personal information will not be disclosed without your consent except where:

Required by law
There is a serious and imminent threat to life, health, or safety
Mandatory reporting obligations apply
Disclosure is required by a court or tribunal
Information is shared with professional supervisors or consultants under confidentiality arrangements

6. Storage and Security

Reasonable steps are taken to protect information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Records may be stored electronically, physically, or both.

7. Access and Correction

You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us.

Requests will be managed in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.

8. Website Analytics and Cookies

This website may use cookies and analytics services to improve functionality and understand visitor usage.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

9. Contact

Privacy enquiries may be directed to:

Stephen Howard Counselling and Psychotherapy
Email: info@stephenhoward.com.au
Phone: 0439 974 544
Website: stephenhoward.com.au