As a Registered Clinical Counsellor in British Columbia, I understand the importance of protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This policy outlines my commitment to safeguarding your personal data and upholding the principles and regulations set forth by my professional association the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. As a psychotherapist, I, Celia Laval, am responsible for complying with BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). These policies and procedures have been created in alignment with PIPA and PIPEDA to ensure the reasonable and responsible management of all personal information and personal health information under my control. In the case of WorksafeBC clients, the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is respected. Purpose The purpose of collecting personal information and personal health information is to provide effective psychotherapy, and other mental health services tailored to your individual needs. I will limit the collection to what a reasonable person would consider appropriate under the circumstances and ensure that it is necessary to fulfill the identified purpose(s). By doing so, I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients while respecting their privacy and abiding by the higher standard of confidentiality required by the privacy laws Collection of Personal Information I collect personal information through various methods, including client intake forms, online questionnaires, and during the course of therapy sessions. In every instance, I will limit the collection of personal information to what is necessary for the identified purpose(s) and ensure that it is relevant and not excessive. Use, Disclosure, and Retention of Personal Information I will use, disclose, and retain personal information in a manner that is consistent with PIPA regulations and the purposes for which it was collected. I will take all reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is not disclosed to unauthorized parties, and I will retain personal information only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of the identified purpose(s) or as required by law. Accuracy of Personal Information I strive to ensure the accuracy of collected personal information and will update and correct personal information as necessary. Clients have the right to access and request corrections to their personal information, and I will respond to such requests in a timely and appropriate manner. Safeguards for Personal Information I take various measures to protect personal information, including physical, organizational, and technological safeguards. These measures are designed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal information and to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. Openness and Transparency I am dedicated to providing clear and accessible information about my privacy policies and practices. I encourage clients to ask questions and raise concerns about their personal information or my privacy practices. I will make every effort to address these concerns and provide clients with any necessary clarification. Access to Personal Information Clients have the right to access their personal information held by me. Upon written request, I will provide clients with the information, subject to any legal limitations or restrictions. If there are any discrepancies or inaccuracies in the personal information, clients may request corrections or updates, and I will make the necessary changes in a timely manner. Challenging Compliance If clients have any concerns about my compliance with PIPA or the privacy practices outlined in this policy, they are encouraged to express their concerns to me. I am committed to addressing and resolving any issues or concerns clients may have about the handling of their personal information. If I cannot resolve a client’s concern, they may also contact the appropriate privacy regulatory authority for further assistance. Changes to Privacy Policy I reserve the right to update or modify this privacy policy from time to time in order to reflect any changes in my privacy practices, legal requirements, or other relevant factors. Clients will be notified of any significant changes to this policy, and the most current version will always be available on my website for review. Contact Information If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or the handling of your personal information, please feel free to contact me at 250-702-9129. I am committed to addressing your concerns and ensuring the privacy and security of your personal information. Agency Policy – Privacy Breech In the unlikely event of a privacy breech of your information, I will contact clients to let them know particularly if I think harm may result from the breech. In the case of WSBC clients, I will contact the appropriate person at WSBC. I will also take action to recover the information, and steps to prevent future problems.