Privacy Policy
Talya Wollner Counselling ("Practice," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of British Columbia.
This policy applies to all clients and website visitors of Talya Wollner Counselling, whether services are provided online, in person, or through walk-and-talk therapy.
1. Personal Information We Collect
We collect only the personal information necessary to provide counselling services and to operate our practice responsibly. This may include:
Identifying information (such as your name, date of birth, address, email address, and phone number)
Emergency contact information
Health and mental health information relevant to counselling services
Session notes, assessments, treatment plans, and correspondence
Payment and billing information
Information you voluntarily provide through our website contact forms or email
We do not collect more information than is reasonably necessary for the purposes identified below.
2. How We Use Your Information
Your personal information is used for the following purposes:
To provide counselling and therapeutic services
To assess your needs and develop appropriate treatment plans
To communicate with you regarding appointments, services, or practice-related matters
To maintain clinical records as required by professional and legal standards
To process payments and manage billing
To comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations
Your information will not be used for any other purpose without your knowledge and consent, except where required or permitted by law.
3. Consent
Your consent is required for the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information, except where otherwise permitted or required by law. Consent may be expressed or implied, depending on the circumstances and the sensitivity of the information.
You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal and professional obligations. Withdrawal of consent may limit our ability to provide services.
4. Disclosure of Personal Information
Your personal information is kept confidential and will not be disclosed without your consent, except in the following circumstances:
When there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others
When there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person
When records are subpoenaed or required by law
For supervision or consultation purposes, where identifying details are minimized
To collect payment for services, where necessary
Any disclosure is limited to the minimum amount of information required.
5. Online Counselling, Booking Platforms, and Digital Communication
We offer online counselling services and appointment booking using secure, privacy-compliant platforms, including Jane App. Jane App is a Canadian-based practice management and booking system that complies with applicable privacy legislation, including British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
While reasonable steps are taken to protect your personal information, electronic systems and digital communication carry inherent risks. By engaging in online services or using our booking system, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
Email and website contact forms should not be used for sensitive or urgent matters. Confidential clinical information is not guaranteed to be secure when transmitted via standard email.
6. In-Person and Walk-and-Talk Therapy
For in-person and walk-and-talk sessions, reasonable precautions are taken to maintain privacy. However, confidentiality cannot be fully guaranteed in public or outdoor settings. By participating in walk-and-talk therapy, you acknowledge and accept these limitations.
7. Storage and Protection of Information
Personal information is stored securely in electronic and/or physical formats. Safeguards include:
Password-protected and encrypted digital systems
Secure storage of physical records
Limited access to information on a need-to-know basis
Records are retained for the period required by professional standards and legal requirements, after which they are securely destroyed.
8. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to your personal information and to request corrections if the information is inaccurate or incomplete. Requests must be made in writing and will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe, subject to legal limitations.
9. Website Analytics and Cookies
Our website may use basic analytics or cookies to understand website usage and improve functionality. This information does not identify you personally. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you choose.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice operations. The most current version will always be available on our website.
11. Professional and Regulatory Compliance
Talya Wollner Counselling practices in accordance with the standards, ethical codes, and record-keeping requirements of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and applicable professional regulatory bodies in British Columbia. Clinical records are maintained and retained in compliance with provincial legislation and professional guidelines.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact:
Talya Wollner Counselling
Email: talyawollnercounselling@gmail.com
This Privacy Policy is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Clients are encouraged to ask questions about privacy and confidentiality at any time.