Privacy Policy
Joanne Chateau Counselling and Art Therapy · Last updated: April 2026
Your privacy matters. This policy explains how Joanne Chateau Counselling and Art Therapy ("the practice") collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information. The practice is committed to handling your information with care, confidentiality, and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
By using this website or engaging with the practice, you agree to the terms described in this policy.
Who we are
This practice is operated by Joanne Chateau, a PACFA-registered Clinical Counsellor and Art Therapist providing individual therapy and related services. References to "we", "the practice", or "Joanne" in this policy refer to Joanne Chateau Counselling and Art Therapy.
What information we collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
Your name, contact details (phone number, email address, and/or mailing address)
Date of birth and emergency contact information
Information relevant to your health, mental health history, and presenting concerns
Session notes and clinical records
Billing and payment information
Communication records (e.g. emails, booking requests)
Information you provide through online forms or enquiries on this website
Health information is considered sensitive information under the Privacy Act. The practice takes particular care in how this information is collected, stored, and used.
How we collect your information
We collect personal information in the following ways:
Directly from you when you make an enquiry, complete an intake form, or attend a session
Through our online booking system (Halaxy or equivalent)
Via email, phone, or contact form submissions on this website
In some cases, from third parties with your consent (e.g. a referring GP or another treating clinician)
Why we collect your information
Your information is collected and used to:
Provide safe, effective, and clinically appropriate therapy and counselling services
Manage appointments, scheduling, and billing
Communicate with you about your care
Meet professional, ethical, and legal obligations — including those set by PACFA
Respond to your enquiries and requests
We will not use your personal information for any purpose other than those described above without your consent.
How we store and protect your information
Your information is stored securely using password-protected, encrypted digital systems. Clinical records are maintained in line with professional standards and relevant legal requirements.
Paper records (where applicable) are stored in locked, secure storage. Only Joanne Chateau has access to your records, unless disclosure is required by law or with your consent.
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access or disclosure.
Confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality
Everything you share within sessions is treated as strictly confidential. There are, however, certain circumstances where the practice is legally or ethically required to disclose information without your consent. These include:
Where there is an immediate risk of serious harm to you or another person
Where the law requires disclosure (e.g. court subpoena, mandatory reporting obligations relating to children at risk)
Where disclosure is necessary to prevent a crime
Wherever possible, these situations would be discussed with you first.
Sharing your information
The practice does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We do not share your information with third parties except in the following circumstances:
With your written consent (e.g. when communicating with another treating health professional)
When required by law
With service providers who assist in operating the practice (e.g. secure booking or billing platforms), where those providers are bound by confidentiality and privacy obligations
Website and cookies
This website is hosted via Squarespace. Like most websites, it may collect non-identifiable data through cookies and analytics tools (such as page views and traffic sources) to help improve the user experience. This information does not identify you personally.
You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not function as intended.
This website does not collect sensitive personal information unless you actively submit an enquiry form or use the booking system.
How long we retain your information
Clinical records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years following your last contact with the practice, in accordance with professional and legal requirements. Records for clients who were minors at the time of treatment are retained until they reach the age of 25, or for seven years from the last session, whichever is longer.
After this period, records are securely destroyed.
Your rights
You have the right to:
Request access to the personal information the practice holds about you
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
Make a complaint if you believe your privacy has been mishandled
To exercise any of these rights, please contact the practice directly. Access to clinical records may be provided in summary form, in consultation with your treating clinician, to ensure the information is shared in a safe and clinically appropriate way.
If you are unsatisfied with how a privacy concern is handled, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au.
Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in practice, legislation, or professional obligations. The most current version will always be available on this website. Significant changes will be communicated to active clients where appropriate.
Contact
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how your information is handled, please reach out:
Joanne Chateau
Joanne Chateau Counselling and Art Therapy
Email: hello@joannechateautherapy.com.au
Phone: 0401 211 247
Location: Deakin Private Hospital, 63 Denison St, Deakin, ACT 2600