Your Privacy Matters: How Your Counselling Sessions Stay Safe and Confidential
Starting counselling can feel like a big step — and for many people, doing it online can bring extra worries about privacy. It’s natural to wonder: Is this safe? Who can see what I say?
I want to reassure you that your privacy and confidentiality are at the heart of how I work. As a registered counsellor, I follow the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and Practice, along with privacy laws in Australia. These standards require all counsellors to handle your personal information with care and to keep what you share in sessions strictly confidential.
What confidentiality means in counselling
Anything you tell me in session stays between us. By law and under the ACA Code of Ethics, counsellors can only break confidentiality in very limited situations — for example, if there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to you or someone else, or if we are legally required to by a court order. These exceptions are rare, and I will always explain them to you clearly.
How your information is protected online
All sessions are held through secure, encrypted telehealth platforms that meet privacy standards. This means your conversations are protected from unauthorised access. As required under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles, your records are stored securely and handled with care.
Your rights and peace of mind
You have the right to know how your information is collected, stored, and used. I am always happy to talk through any questions you have — privacy shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the support you need.
A safe, confidential space — wherever you are
My goal is to create a safe, non-judgemental space where you can speak freely and feel heard, whether you’re sitting on your couch at home or joining from a private space at work.
If you’d ever like to know more about how your privacy is protected in online counselling, please feel free to get in touch. I’m always here to help you feel informed and at ease.
