Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Unwind Counselling collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a “User”) of the www.unwindcounselling.com website (“Site”). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Unwind Counselling.
Personal Identification Information: I may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, subscribe to the newsletter, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources I make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, phone number. Users may, however, visit this Site anonymously. I will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.
Non-personal Identification Information: I may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with this Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to this Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
How Collected Information is used: Unwind Counselling may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:
Information you provide helps me respond to your requests and support needs more efficiently; To personalize User experience I may use information to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on this Site. To improve this Site I may use feedback you provide to improve service; To process payments I may use the information Users provide about themselves when placing a service request in order to process the request. I do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to provide the service. To run a survey or other Site feature; To send Users relevant information; To send periodic emails I may use the email address to respond to inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. If User decides to opt-out of email contact the User can request this at any time.
How Your Information is Protected: I follow appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on this Site.
Sharing Your Personal Information: I do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. I may share generic demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with my business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above. I may use third party service providers to help operate this business and the Site on my behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. I may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given me your permission.
Changes To This Privacy Policy: I have the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When changes are made, I will update the date at the bottom of this page. Users are encouraged to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how I am updating practices to protect the personal information collected. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your Acceptance of These Terms: By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use the Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Confidentiality Policy
All services provided to you are strictly confidential. Information about you or your situation will not be released without your written consent except in the following circumstances:
1) If a client presents a risk of physical harm to themselves or others, I have a duty report to appropriate parties / authorities.
2) If a child is at risk of harm or neglect, I have a duty to report to Family & Children’s Services.
3) If clinical records are subpoenaed through a court order.
4) Non-identifying information about your case may be shared within the context of clinical supervision or case consultation with other clinical professionals for the purposes of obtaining clinical support or referral. Your personal information would remain anonymous.
Confidentiality in Public: If we see each other in a public setting, I will not initiate conversation or acknowledge that we know each other. My intention is to protect your privacy and prevent you from having to explain to someone how we know each other.
Confidentiality and Minors: Children under the age of 12 require parental consent to enter into therapy and parents have the right to access their clinical file. Children age 12 and older have the same rights to confidentiality as any adult. This means that parents do not have the right to access their clinical file and I am prohibited from sharing what your child and I discuss in session. Maintaining this therapeutic relationship is essential for your son or daughter to feel that they are able to have an open and honest conversation with me.
Collection and Use of Personal Information
Unwind Counselling has policies regarding the collection and use of personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, 2004 (PIPEDA) and Personal Health Information Protection Act 2004 (PHIPA). Unwind Counselling collects personal information from clients for the purpose of providing clinical and educational services.
Depending on the services the client is enrolled in the information collected could include: Information required to maintain a working file according the standards of the social work profession and OCSWSSW regulations including: name, date of birth, address, e-mail address, telephone number and other contact information; names of others who are significant to your situation (doctors, professional supports, family members etc.) and sometimes their contact information. We also collect information relevant to our work together including clinical notes, personal, medical and social history, employment information; signed documents, correspondence, information necessary for billing and scheduling. We utilize personal information in the following ways: providing services or information to clients; responding to questions and comments with respect to our services; contacting clients to evaluate services provided; providing receipts for services; providing information about agency activities.
Information will only be indirectly collected (from family members or professionals), if necessary or according to law when providing services, and is only done with consent or if required by law.
An individual’s express, written consent will be obtained before or at the time of collecting personal information. An individual’s implied consent is assumed for the collection of personal information if an individual verbally requests service before express consent can be obtained (for example: a telephone intake). Once consent is obtained from the individual, Unwind Counselling has implied consent to collect or receive supplementary information that is necessary to provide services. A client’s written consent will be obtained before disclosing personal or clinical information to third parties such as insurance companies, other health professionals or social service agencies.
File Storage
Clinical files will be retained and stored securely for the duration of service, and seven years afterwards as required by law. After this time, they will be shredded and disposed of securely. You have the right to view your clinical file. I will assist you to understand what has been written in your file. If you feel that something that has been written about you is incorrect, you have the right to request that the information be changed. To review your file please submit a request to me in writing
Right of Refusal & Complaint Policy
I, as the counsellor have the right to terminate services under the following conditions in accordance with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice:
a) The potential client is unable or unwilling to reimburse the member or the member’s employer for services rendered, wherever such reimbursement is both appropriate and required as a condition of providing service.
b) The potential client has repeatedly, and without adequate explanation, cancelled or changed the interview or meeting time to the extent that the counsellor experiences or believes that financial hardship and/or service disruption will occur.
c) The potential client behaves in a threatening or abusive manner such that the counsellor believes that their safety is at risk.
d) Complying with the potential client’s request for service would require the counsellor to violate ethical and legal requirements including, but not limited to: the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics; the Standards of Practice Handbook; the Criminal Code of Canada; the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
e) Complying with the potential client’s request would violate the counsellor’s values, beliefs and traditions to the extent that the counsellor would not be able to provide appropriate professional service.
f) The counsellor is aware of extenuating circumstances (e.g. a planned absence from the office, serious health problems, relocation of practice, etc.) that would make compliance with the potential client’s request for service impossible and/or not in the potential client’s best interests.
Complaint Policy
If an individual has a concern about my services, personal information handling practices, a written complaint may be submitted, and I will promptly respond.