MIND- BODY- SPIRIT – CONNECTION

Privacy and Confidentiality

1. Introduction Welcome to Moqshar Counselling.
Protecting your personal information and maintaining confidentiality is of paramount importance. This Privacy Policy outlines how personal and health information is collected, stored, used, and disclosed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the ethical guidelines set forth by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

2. Information We Collect
To provide professional counselling and support services safely and effectively, we may collect the following types of information: Personal Identification Details: Full name, date of birth, residential address, email address, and telephone numbers. Emergency Contact Details: Name and phone number of a nominated next-of-kin or emergency contact. Health & Clinical Information: Relevant medical history, mental health history, notes taken during counselling sessions, and assessments. Administrative & Financial Records: Billing details, payment history, appointment dates, and correspondence.

3. How Information Is Collected
Information is generally collected directly from you through: Initial enquiry forms, emails, or telephone calls. Intake documentation, questionnaires, and client agreements completed prior to or during sessions. Notes and observations recorded during counselling sessions.

4. Purpose of Collection and Use
Your information is collected solely for the purpose of providing professional counselling services. Specifically, it is used to: Assess, plan, and deliver tailored counselling and mental health support. Coordinate appropriate care, referrals, or consultations when requested by you. Manage administrative tasks, including appointment scheduling, invoicing, and billing. Comply with professional, legal, and regulatory obligations.

5. Confidentiality and Limits of Privacy
As an ACA-registered counsellor, professional ethics mandate strict confidentiality. Your session details and records will not be shared without your explicit consent, except in the following legal and ethical circumstances: Risk of Harm: If there is an immediate, serious, and imminent risk of harm to yourself or another person. Mandatory Legal Disclosure: If client records are subpoenaed by a court of law. Child Protection: If there is disclosure or reasonable suspicion of harm, abuse, or neglect involving a child or young person. Professional Supervision: Clinical material may be discussed anonymously with a qualified clinical supervisor for professional governance and quality assurance, ensuring your identity is protected.

6. Data Storage and Security
We take the security of your data seriously and implement robust technical and administrative safeguards: Digital Records: Stored securely using password-protected systems, encrypted cloud storage, and secure practice management software hosted on compliant servers. Physical Records: Any handwritten notes or physical documents are stored in a secure, locked filing cabinet accessible only by the practitioner. Retention: Client records are securely retained for a minimum period as required by professional indemnity insurance standards (typically 7 years for adults, or until a minor turns 25), after which they are securely destroyed.

7. Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to request access to the personal and clinical information held about you. Requests for access or correction should be submitted in writing. In rare circumstances where providing direct access may cause psychological harm or breach third-party confidentiality, alternative access arrangements (such as a summary of notes) may be offered in consultation with you.

8. Website and Digital Tracking (Cookies)
When visiting our website, standard web analytics and tracking pixels (such as Meta tracking pixels) may be utilized to understand site traffic, measure advertising performance, and improve user experience. These tools collect aggregated or technical browser data in accordance with standard web protocols.

9. Complaints and Enquiries
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to lodge a complaint about how your personal information has been handled, please contact us directly:

Practitioner: Leonard Edward Turner
Email: info@moqshar.com.au
Phone: +61 456 206 070

If you are not satisfied with our response to a privacy complaint, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).