Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information while providing grief counselling services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information with care, compassion, and confidentiality.
 

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

We collect, use, and disclose personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and any other applicable privacy laws in Ontario. We collect only the information necessary to provide counselling services and operate our practice responsibly.
 

2. What Personal Information We Collect

Personal information may include:

• Contact details (such as name, email address, phone number)

• Intake and counselling-related information relevant to your care

• Appointment details, billing information, and payment records

You may choose not to provide certain information.
 

3. How We Use Personal Information

We use personal information to:

• Provide grief counselling and related support services

• Schedule, manage, and document appointments

• Communicate with you about services, changes, or administrative matters

• Process payments and maintain required financial records

• Meet professional, ethical, and legal obligations

Your information is not used for marketing purposes.
 

4. Consent

Your consent is required for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, except where permitted or required by law. Consent may be expressed (written or verbal) or implied, depending on the circumstances. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal and contractual restrictions.
 

5. Limits to Confidentiality

While counselling services are confidential, there are specific circumstances where disclosure may be required by law, including but not limited to:

• Risk of serious harm to yourself or others

• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person

• Court orders or other legal requirements

Where possible, we will discuss any required disclosure with you.
 

6. How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, or modification. Safeguards may include:

• Secure electronic record-keeping systems

• Password protection and encryption where appropriate

• Locked storage for physical records

• Limited access to information on a need-to-know basis
   

7. Retention of Records

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal, ethical, and professional record-keeping requirements.
 

8. Access to and Correction of Information

You have the right to request access to your personal information and to request corrections if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete. Requests must be made in writing and will be addressed within a reasonable timeframe, subject to any legal limitations.
 

9. Website Privacy

If you visit our website, limited technical information (such as IP address or browser type) may be collected to improve website functionality and security. Cookies, if used, do not collect personal counselling information.