Privacy Policy

Legal and Policies

Last updated: November 2025 | Next review: November 2026
Katherine Sharbanee Counselling and Therapy
ACA Level 2 Member 23794 | Telehealth Only Practice (Australia)

1. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to me. This practice is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

What Information is Collected
Personal information such as your name, contact details, relevant health information, and session notes may be collected to provide counselling services.

How Information is Collected
Information is gathered through secure Halaxy intake forms, contact forms on this website, and direct email correspondence.

How Information is Used
Your information is used only for purposes directly related to your care and administration, including:

  • Providing counselling and telehealth services

  • Processing payments through secure Halaxy payment links

  • Sending appointment confirmations or relevant information

Storage and Security
All records are securely stored within Halaxy, an encrypted and privacy-compliant practice management platform.
Katherine Sharbanee is the only person with access to client records, and all devices are password-protected.

  • Katherine Sharbanee Counselling and Therapy complies with the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your personal information, you will be notified in accordance with this legislation.

  • Client records are securely stored for a minimum of seven years after the last session, in line with professional and legal requirements.

Disclosure
Information is confidential except when:

  • Required by law (e.g. court order or mandatory reporting)

  • There is a risk of harm to self or others

  • You provide written consent to share information

Access and Corrections
You have the right to request access to, or correction of, your personal information.
Contact: Katherinesharbanee@gmail.com

Privacy Complaints
If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact me first.
If unresolved, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

2. Cookie Policy

What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit this website. They help the site function properly and provide anonymous data to improve your user experience.

How Cookies Are Used
This website may use cookies to:

  • Enable essential website functionality (e.g. navigation, security)

  • Analyse how visitors use the site (e.g. through Google Analytics or similar tools)

  • Remember preferences such as contact form details or accessibility settings

Managing Cookies
You can control or disable cookies through your web browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies may be placed by third-party services (for example, embedded videos, analytics, or booking platforms like Halaxy). These third parties are responsible for their own privacy and cookie practices.

By using this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy.

3. Counselling Service Terms

Nature of Service
I provide professional counselling and therapy for individuals and couples via secure telehealth sessions. All services are delivered ethically in accordance with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and Practice.

Appointments and Cancellations

  • Sessions are 60 minutes unless otherwise agreed.

  • Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur the full session fee.

  • Payments are processed securely through Halaxy.

Confidentiality
All counselling sessions are confidential within legal and ethical limits. Exceptions include:

  • Risk of harm to self or others

  • Child protection concerns

  • Legal or court-ordered disclosure

Crisis and Limitations
Telehealth counselling is not suitable for crisis situations or medical emergencies. If you are in crisis or immediate danger, please contact:

  • Lifeline – 13 11 14

  • Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

  • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

  • or 000 (Emergency Services)

4. Telehealth Policy

What Telehealth Is
Telehealth allows counselling sessions to take place via secure video or phone using Halaxy’s encrypted platform, compliant with Australian privacy standards.

Informed Consent
By engaging in telehealth services, you acknowledge that:

  • You understand the nature and limits of online therapy

  • You will take steps to maintain privacy and minimise interruptions

  • You are aware of potential risks (e.g. technology issues)

Technology and Safety
Please ensure:

  • You are in a quiet, private space for sessions

  • Your device and connection are secure and stable

  • You provide your current location at the beginning of each session (for emergency safety)

Emergencies During Sessions
If technical issues occur, I will attempt to reconnect or continue by phone.
If an emergency arises, please contact 000 or a crisis support service immediately.

Jurisdiction
Services are offered within Australia and governed by Australian law. Clients must be located within Australia during sessions unless otherwise agreed.

5. Social Media Policy

Katherine Sharbanee Counselling and Therapy maintains a professional presence on social media to share general wellbeing information, updates, and mental health resources.

Boundaries and Confidentiality

  • To protect client confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries, I do not accept or respond to friend requests, follows, or direct messages from current or former clients on social media platforms.

  • Any comments or public interactions on social media should be considered non-confidential.

Communication

  • Social media is not a secure or appropriate method for therapeutic communication, appointment scheduling, or emergencies.

  • Please use official channels such as email or the website contact form for all clinical or administrative matters.

Content
Social media posts are for general information and educational purposes only. They do not replace professional advice or create a therapeutic relationship.
If you see or share content from my social media pages, please be aware that this may compromise your confidentiality.

6. Website Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
Engaging with this website or submitting an enquiry does not create a therapeutic relationship.

If you are in crisis, please contact:

  • Lifeline – 13 11 14

  • Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

  • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

  • or 000 in an emergency.

Katherine Sharbanee Counselling and Therapy does not accept liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on website content or linked resources.

7. Contact

For questions regarding these policies or your personal information, please contact:
📧 Katherinesharbanee@gmail.com
🌐 Katherine Sharbanee Counselling and Therapy – Telehealth Only Practice (Australia)

8. Important Notice

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes about the operations and policies of Katherine Sharbanee Counselling and Therapy. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You are encouraged to seek independent legal or professional advice regarding your own compliance or obligations.
These policies are governed by the laws of Australia and apply to services delivered to clients located in Australia.