Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 2026

At Nara Centred Therapy, your privacy is important. This policy explains how your personal and health information is collected, stored, and used, in line with Australian privacy legislation and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) guidelines.

1. Collection of Personal Information

We collect information necessary to provide counselling and psychotherapy services. This may include:

  • Personal details (name, contact info, date of birth)

  • Health and medical history relevant to therapy

  • Session notes and clinical observations

  • Billing and payment information

Information is collected directly from you whenever possible.

2. Use of Personal Information

Your information is used for:

  • Providing safe and effective counselling

  • Maintaining accurate clinical records

  • Administrative purposes (appointments, billing, correspondence)

  • Complying with legal or professional obligations

3. AI-Assisted Record-Keeping

Some session notes may be transcribed or summarised using AI Scribe to support clinical documentation. AI Scribe is fully secure and encrypted.

  • If you do not consent to AI Scribe, please notify the practitioner; your session will be reduced by 10 minutes to allow for manual note-taking.

4. Confidentiality & Disclosure

  • All client information is treated as confidential.

  • Information is not shared without your consent, except where legally required (e.g., risk of harm, court orders).

  • Staff and supervisors accessing records are bound by confidentiality obligations.

5. Storage and Security

  • Client records are stored securely, both digitally and physically.

  • Electronic data is encrypted and password-protected.

  • Physical records are kept in a secure, locked location.

6. Access & Correction

  • You have the right to access your personal information held by Nara Centred Therapy.

  • You may request corrections to ensure accuracy.

  • Requests can be made in writing or via email.

7. Retention of Records

  • Clinical records are retained in accordance with PACFA and professional standards.

  • Records are kept for a minimum of 7 years after the last session or as otherwise required by law.

8. Communication & Electronic Privacy

  • Email and online communication are encrypted where possible, but complete security cannot be guaranteed.

  • We recommend secure communication for sensitive information.

9. Complaints

  • If you have concerns about how your information is handled, please discuss them with the practitioner first.

  • You may also contact PACFA or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

10. Changes to this Policy

  • Nara Centred Therapy may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

  • The current version is always available on our website.