Privacy Policy
Introduction
Harmonious Oasis is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, store, use, and disclose personal information through the Harmonious Oasis website and services. We encourage you to read this Privacy Policy carefully before using the Harmonious Oasis website and services.
We take privacy seriously and are committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Your personal information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Definitions
“The Therapist,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our”: Refers to Shilpi Sharma and Harmonious Oasis.
“You” and “Client”: Refers to any individual using our website or services.
“Services”: Refers to the counselling services provided by Harmonious Oasis, including individual therapy, online counselling, and any other related services.
What Personal Information We Collect
Personal information is any information about an individual that can be used to identify them directly or indirectly. This includes, but is not limited to, your name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth.
Sensitive information is a specific type of personal information that includes details such as racial or ethnic origins, political or religious beliefs, sexual orientation, health or genetic information, family court orders, or criminal records. The breach of sensitive information could expose individuals to discrimination or embarrassment.
When you visit the Harmonious Oasis website, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the site, we collect information about the individual web pages or services you view, the websites or search terms that referred you to the site, and how you interact with the site. We refer to this automatically collected information as “Device Information.”
During registration or service use, we may also collect the personal data you provide to us, including but not limited to your name, surname, address, and payment information.
Why We Collect Personal Information
Collecting personal information enables us to assess and support you in addressing your identified concerns. Retaining this information helps us provide a relevant and informed service. Due to our duty of care, clients cannot remain anonymous. However, you may request to use a pseudonym, though a name listed on identification documents is required.
Why We Process Your Data
Our top priority is customer data security, and we may process only minimal user data, as much as is absolutely necessary to maintain the website. Information collected automatically is used only to identify potential cases of abuse and establish statistical information regarding website usage. This statistical information is not aggregated in such a way that it would identify any particular user of the system.
You can visit the website without telling us who you are or revealing any information that could identify you as a specific, identifiable individual. If, however, you wish to use some of the website’s features, receive our newsletter, or provide other details by filling out a form, you may provide personal data to us, such as your email, first name, last name, city of residence, organisation, or telephone number. You can choose not to provide us with your personal data, but this may limit your ability to take advantage of some of the website’s features. For example, you won’t be able to receive our newsletter or contact us directly from the website. Users who are uncertain about what information is mandatory are welcome to contact us via shilpi@harmoniousoasis.com.
How We Collect Personal Information
We collect personal information through various means, including:
Information you share verbally with us
Written communication received from you via email, SMS, or letter
Our online booking system
Our intake form
Social media interactions
Information provided by the guardian of clients under 18 years of age
Referrals from your GP or another treating practitioner or service
Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
Personal information collected by Harmonious Oasis is used to provide and enhance our services. We do not share your personal information with third parties without your consent, except as required by law or when necessary to protect your safety or the safety of others.
We may use your personal information to:
Provide counselling or therapeutic services
Assess your needs and develop appropriate intervention plans
Communicate with you regarding appointments or follow-ups
Manage our administrative and business functions
Storage and Protection of Personal Information
To protect your personal information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access, we store it securely using various methods, including hard copies and digital versions (either on a secure server or offline). Access to this information is restricted to approved individuals within our practice.
We do not retain any credit card or banking details once payment processing is finalised. We periodically dispose of unnecessary information securely, in compliance with our legal obligations and depending on the type of information.
If we become aware of a security breach, we will promptly investigate and take appropriate remedial action. In accordance with the Privacy Act, we will notify any individuals affected by the breach.
Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Once your information is no longer needed, we will dispose of it securely.
Children's Privacy
Harmonious Oasis is committed to protecting the privacy of minors. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18 without parental or guardian consent. If we discover that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a minor without such consent, we will take prompt steps to delete the information..
Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to other websites that are not owned or controlled by us. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such websites or third parties. We encourage you to be aware when you leave our website and to read the privacy statements of each website that may collect personal information.
Information Security
We secure the information you provide on computer servers in a controlled, secure environment, protected from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure. We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect against unauthorised access, use, modification, and disclosure of personal data in our control and custody. However, no data transmission over the internet or wireless network can be guaranteed.
Access to and Correction of Personal Information
You have the right to access and correct your personal information held by Harmonious Oasis. If you wish to access or correct your information, please contact us in writing. We will take reasonable steps to ensure that the information we hold is accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
Complaints and Enquiries
If you have any concerns or complaints about how we handle your personal information, please contact us. We take privacy complaints seriously and will respond promptly to address your concerns.
Legal Disclosure
We will disclose any information we collect, use, or receive if required or permitted by law, such as to comply with subpoenas, court orders, or other legal processes, and when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be available on our website, and we encourage you to review it periodically.
Contact Information
If you would like to contact us to understand more about this Policy or wish to contact us concerning any matter relating to individual rights and your personal information, you may send an email to shilpi@harmoniousoasis.com.