Important Information

Cadence Point Counselling – Privacy, Ethics, and Client Rights

Privacy Policy

Cadence Point Counselling is the data controller of your personal information. We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the ethical guidelines of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

Information We Collect

When you visit our website or engage our services, we may collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, time zone, and usage statistics.

• Personal Information: Name, email, phone number, city of residence, and any information you voluntarily provide via contact forms, intake documents, or session notes.

Why We Collect Your Data

We collect only the minimum necessary data to:

• Respond to enquiries and manage bookings

• Deliver counselling services

• Maintain secure and confidential records

• Fulfil legal obligations and ethical responsibilities

Data Security

All personal data is stored securely and encrypted where applicable. We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. However, no data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

Third Parties and External Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites and encourage you to review their policies independently.

Ethical Practice

Cadence Point Counselling adheres to the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and Practice, which governs all aspects of therapeutic engagement. You can view the full ACA Code here:
ACA Code of Ethics and Practice – Version 15 (PDF)

Key ethical commitments include:

• Confidentiality: All sessions are confidential, with exceptions only where legally required (e.g., risk of harm, mandatory reporting).

• Client Autonomy: You have the right to make informed choices about your care.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Services are delivered with respect for diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

• Professional Integrity: All services are provided within the scope of training, accreditation, and ethical boundaries.

Informed Consent

Before commencing counselling, clients will be invited to complete an intake form that outlines:

• The nature and scope of counselling services

• Confidentiality and its limits

• Session structure and duration

• Fees, cancellation policy, and payment terms

• Your rights and responsibilities as a client

By submitting the intake form and attending sessions, you provide informed consent to engage in counselling under these terms.

Your Rights

As a client, you have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity

• Access your personal records upon request

• Request corrections to inaccurate information

• Withdraw consent or discontinue counselling at any time

• Receive referrals to other services if needed

If you are a resident of the European Union, you also retain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.

Crisis Support

Cadence Point Counselling is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact:

• Emergency Services: 000

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467