Privacy Policy

At Julie McGovern, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care, respect, and transparency. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles can be obtained from the website of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

What is Personal Information?

Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. The personal information we may collect includes:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Postal address
• Information provided through enquiry forms, bookings, or consultations
• Health or wellbeing information relevant to the services provided

How We Collect Personal Information

We may collect personal information in a variety of ways, including:

• Through our website
• By phone, email, or written correspondence
• Through social media interactions
• During consultations, coaching sessions, or service enquiries
• Through cookies and website analytics tools
• From publicly available sources or third parties where appropriate and lawful

We take reasonable steps to ensure you are aware when information has been provided to us by a third party.

Why We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information to:

• Provide counselling, coaching, and wellbeing services
• Respond to enquiries and communicate with you
• Manage appointments and client records
• Improve our services and website experience
• Send newsletters, updates, or marketing communications where consent has been provided
• Meet legal and regulatory obligations

You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe link provided in emails.

Sensitive Information

Sensitive information may include information about your health, wellbeing, or other personal matters shared during consultations or service delivery.

We will only collect and use sensitive information:

• With your consent
• For the primary purpose for which it was collected
• For purposes directly related to the primary purpose
• Where required or authorised by law

Sensitive information is handled with a high level of confidentiality and care.

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve user experience and understand website traffic and usage patterns. Cookies do not typically identify you personally, but they may collect information such as browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the website.

You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings.

Disclosure of Personal Information

Your personal information will not be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

We may disclose personal information:

• Where you have given consent
• To service providers who assist in operating our business or website
• Where required or authorised by law
• To protect the safety, rights, or wellbeing of clients or others where legally permitted

Any third parties engaged by us are expected to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.

Storage and Security of Personal Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Information may be stored electronically or in secure physical files. We use reasonable safeguards including password protection, secure systems, and restricted access.

When personal information is no longer required, we will take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify it, unless we are required by law to retain it.

Access to and Correction of Your Information

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and request corrections if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.

Requests for access or correction can be made in writing using the contact details below. We may require proof of identity before releasing personal information.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites and encourage you to review their privacy policies separately.

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, business practices, or services. The latest version will always be available on our website.

Privacy Complaints and Enquiries

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact:

Julie McGovern
Email: juliemcgovern.counsellor@gmail.com 
Website: https://www.juliemcgovern.com.au