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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 17/03/2025

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At Inner West Trauma Healing, I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). By accessing our website (www.innerwesttraumahaling.com.au) or engaging my services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.


1. Who We Are

Inner West Trauma Healing is a trauma psychotherapy practice based in Sydney’s Inner West, providing therapeutic services to adults. I am a sole practitioner dedicated to offering compassionate, trauma-informed care while safeguarding your privacy and personal information.

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

  • “I,” “we,” or “us” refers to Inner West Trauma Healing.

  • “You” refers to any individual whose personal information I collect, including clients, website visitors, and others who interact with my services.


2. What Information We Collect

I collect personal information that is necessary to provide my therapeutic services and operate my practice effectively. The types of information I may collect include:

2.1 Personal Information

  • Identity Information: Name, date of birth, gender, and contact details (e.g., email address, phone number, postal address).

  • Health Information: Medical history, mental health history, treatment notes, diagnoses, referrals, and other health-related information provided during therapy sessions or consultations.

  • Payment Information: Billing details, payment history, and banking or credit card information (if applicable) for processing payments.

2.2 Sensitive Information

As a trauma psychotherapist, I often collect sensitive information, including health and mental health details. This information is collected only with your consent and is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.

2.3 Website Usage Information

When you visit www.innerwesttraumahaling.com.au, I may collect non-personal information such as:

  • IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system.

  • Pages visited, time spent on the website, and referral sources (e.g., links from other sites).
    This data is collected using cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on the website. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
     

3. How We Collect Your Information

I collect personal information in the following ways:

  • Directly from You: When you contact me, book an appointment, attend a therapy session, or fill out forms (e.g., intake forms, consent forms).

  • From Referrals: With your consent, I may receive information from referring health professionals, organizations, or other third parties involved in your care.

  • Through the Website: Via contact forms, email subscriptions, or website analytics tools.

  • During Therapy: Through notes, assessments, and discussions as part of the therapeutic process.


4. Why We Collect Your Information

I collect and use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • To Provide Therapeutic Services: To assess, plan, and deliver psychotherapy services tailored to your needs, including maintaining accurate client records and treatment plans.

  • To Manage Appointments and Payments: To schedule sessions, send reminders, process payments, and manage billing.

  • To Communicate with You: To respond to inquiries, provide updates about your therapy, or share relevant information about my services.

  • To Meet Legal and Professional Obligations: To comply with legal requirements (e.g., mandatory reporting in cases of harm or court orders) and professional standards (e.g., record-keeping obligations).

  • To Improve My Services: To analyze website usage and client feedback to enhance the quality of my practice and online presence.

I will only use or disclose your sensitive information (e.g., health data) for the primary purpose of providing therapeutic care, unless I have your consent or an exception applies under the Privacy Act.


5. How We Store and Protect Your Information

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. These steps include:

  • Secure Storage: Client records and personal information are stored securely in password-protected electronic systems and/or locked physical filing systems.

  • Access Controls: Only I, as the sole practitioner, have access to your personal information, unless disclosure is required or permitted by law (see Section 6).

  • Data Encryption: Where possible, electronic communications and storage systems use encryption to safeguard your data.

  • Retention and Disposal: I retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law (e.g., health records are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years after the last interaction). When no longer needed, records are securely destroyed or de-identified.
     

6. When and How We Disclose Your Information

I treat your personal information with the utmost confidentiality and will not disclose it to third parties except in the following circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: I may share your information with other health professionals, support services, or family members if you provide explicit consent.

  • For Referrals or Collaborative Care: With your consent, I may share relevant information with other professionals involved in your care (e.g., GPs, psychologists, or specialists).

  • Legal Obligations: I may disclose information if required by law, such as in cases of mandatory reporting (e.g., risk of harm to self or others), court orders, or to comply with professional audits.

  • Emergencies: In situations where there is a serious and imminent threat to your safety or the safety of others, I may disclose information as necessary to protect life or prevent harm.

I do not share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
 

7. Accessing and Correcting Your Information

Under the Privacy Act, you have the right to access the personal information I hold about you and request corrections if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date.

  • To Request Access: Contact me using the details in Section 11. I will respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually within 30 days) and provide access unless an exception applies under the law.

  • To Request Corrections: If you believe your information is incorrect, let me know, and I will update it promptly where appropriate.
    Please note that I may need to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections. In some cases, access may be denied (e.g., if it poses a serious risk to your health or safety), and I will provide a written explanation if this occurs.


8. Cookies and Website Analytics

My website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect non-personal data about usage. This helps me understand how visitors interact with the site and improve its functionality.

  • You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

  • If you choose to disable cookies, some features of the website may not function optimally.

I may use third-party analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to collect anonymized data about website usage. These tools do not identify you personally, and the data is used solely for improving my online services.


9. Overseas Disclosure

I do not currently transfer personal information overseas. All data is stored within Australia, in compliance with Australian privacy laws. If overseas disclosure becomes necessary in the future (e.g., for secure cloud storage), I will inform you and obtain your consent unless an exception applies under the Privacy Act.


10. Complaints and Concerns

If you have concerns about how I handle your personal information or believe there has been a breach of your privacy, please contact me directly using the details in Section 11. I will investigate your complaint promptly and respond within 30 days.
If you are not satisfied with my response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):


11. Contact Us

For any questions about this Privacy Policy, to access or correct your information, or to raise a concern, please contact me at:

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices, legal requirements, or industry standards. Any updates will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. I encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how I protect your privacy.

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