Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Online Counselling Services

Georgia Murphy Online Counselling (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your personal information and complying with applicable privacy and data protection laws, including the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and, for international users, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information.

We provide non-clinical counselling services and emotional support to clients worldwide. We are committed to confidentiality, transparency, and the ethical practice of counselling in accordance with the Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics (Australia) and relevant international standards.

1. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information when you:

• Contact us via our website, email, or social media
• Book or participate in a session
• Sign up for a newsletter or free resource
• Use our website and digital services (e.g., through cookies and analytics)

Types of data collected:

• Name, email address, and contact details
• Information provided during sessions or contact (e.g., concerns or goals)
• Website usage data (e.g., IP address, browser type, pages visited)
• Communication metadata (e.g., time, date, and method of communication)

2. Purpose of Collection

We collect your information to:

• Provide counselling services
• Respond to inquiries and communicate with you
• Send relevant information about services or updates (with consent)
• Monitor and improve website performance
• Meet legal and ethical obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on the following legal bases:

• Your explicit consent (to collect personal or sensitive information)
• Performance of a contract (providing booked sessions)
• Compliance with legal obligations (recordkeeping)
• Legitimate interests (website analytics and service improvement)

4. Confidentiality & Security

Your information is kept confidential and will not be shared without your consent, except when required by law (e.g., serious risk of harm to yourself or others, court orders).

We take reasonable steps to protect your data, including:

• Secure servers and encrypted communications where possible
• Password-protected devices and files
• Limiting access to authorised personnel only

Despite our efforts, please be aware that online communication may not be 100% secure. We recommend avoiding sensitive disclosures, including specific names and addresses, via email or social media.

5. Use of Third-Party Services

We use trusted third-party providers to support our services. These providers may collect or process personal data on our behalf:

These services may collect data such as cookies, IP addresses, and interaction metrics. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

6. Data Retention

• Client records are securely stored and retained for a minimum of 7 years in accordance with professional and legal standards (or 7 years from a minor turning 18).
• Website analytics and cookie data are anonymised or deleted after a set retention period (usually 14 months for Google Analytics).
• Emails and messages may be stored as part of service documentation and reviewed periodically.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of incorrect data
• Request deletion of data (where lawful and appropriate)
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Object to certain processing activities
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

8. International Users

Please note that your data may be transferred to the United States where our business is registered. We will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.

9. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated regularly to reflect legal or operational changes. The revised version will be published on this page with the updated effective date.

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data.