This policy outlines the ways in which Hart&Seek handles the personal information of our clients. We take privacy seriously and are committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

The following website is owned and operated by HART&SEEK, registered business name The Trustee for Hart & Seek Trust, and ABN 87 834 140 257. This document sets out our Terms and Conditions you need to be aware of when using our services. All products and services advertised on this website are offered in compliance with Australian Consumer Law. We take our responsibility seriously. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us over at hartandseek.com.au.

My professional qualifications:

• Bachelor of Creative Arts, 2005-2007, La Trobe University

• Graduate Diploma (Education), 2009, La Trobe University

• Graduate Diploma (Counselling), 2012-2019, Australian College of Applied Psychology

Personal information

Personal information is any information about an individual that can be used to identify them directly or indirectly, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth.

Sensitive information is a type of personal information which includes details, for example, about a person’s racial or ethnic origins, political or religious beliefs, sexual orientation, health or genetic information, family court orders or criminal record. The breach of sensitive information is likely to leave people open to discrimination or embarrassment.

We may also collect credit card or bank account details, Australian Business Number (ABN), server address and online visit information.

Why we collect personal information

The sharing of personal information by a client to Hart&Seek assists us to assess and support the client in processing their identified concerns. Personal information is retained to enable us to provide a relevant and informed service. Within our practice and due to our duty of care a client cannot be anonymous. A client may request to use a pseudonym, but a name as listed on ID’s is required. Hart&Seek may not be able to provide the services in question if we are not provided with the personal information requested.

How we collect personal information

We collect personal information through a variety of means, including:

• the information you verbally share with us

• written communication received from you via email, SMS or letter

• our online booking system

• our intake forms

• social media

• the guardian of those under 18 years of age

• a referral from your GP or another treating practitioner or service.

Our storage of personal information

To protect the personal information we hold from misuse or loss we store it in several ways, all of which are secure and can only be accessed by approved individuals. The method of storage varies between types of information and includes both hard copies and digital versions (either on a secure server or offline). We do not retain any credit card or banking details once processing the payment is finalised. We also try not to retain unnecessary information, disposing of it securely from time to time depending on the type on information it is and our legal obligations. If we become aware of a security breach we will promptly investigate and, where appropriate, take remedial action and notify the individual affected in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Various methods for storing information securely include, but are not confined to:

• Safeguarding information in lockable storage cabinets

• Avoiding storage of personal information in public areas

•  Limiting physical access

• Placing electronic equipment in positions inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, and/or

• Employing passwords, varying levels of information systems access, antivirus software, and firewalls to prevent unauthorized usage.

Disclosure of your personal information and Duty of Care

A legal requirement to disclose personal information may override our privacy obligations; this is known as a ‘duty of care’. Situations where this may occur include the following:

• Where there is serious risk of abuse or physical harm to you or another person

• Where the disclosure is required under a law

• Where you would reasonably expect us to use or give that information, e.g. referral processes

• When the disclosure is necessary by or for a law enforcement agency or court subpoena (e.g. prevention, investigation, prosecution of punishment of criminal offences, protection of public revenue, preparation or implementation of a court or tribunal order).

  Other reasons for disclosure:

  • Oversight & Collaboration - To ensure optimal treatment outcomes, I may occasionally seek supervision or consult with fellow professionals. Any discussions will be conducted without divulging names or identifying details.

  • Authorised Sharing with Designated Third Party - You have the option to authorize the release of treatment information to a specified third party by signing a written consent form. Additionally, in cases where mandated by a court subpoena, disclosure may be necessary.

  • Debt Collection Procedures - In the event of payment default, your account may be transferred to a collection agency. Relevant details such as the outstanding balance, service dates, and pertinent identifying information may be disclosed to said agency. This information may subsequently be reflected on your credit report. It's important to note that the content of therapy sessions remains confidential and will not be disclosed.

In the event that a legal need for disclosure arises, the employee will inform their supervisor or manager prior to making the decision to breach confidentiality and privacy. This decision will also be communicated to the individual, unless such advice to the individual is not allowed by legislation.

Accessing your personal information

You may request access to personal information we hold about you. We may ask you to specify what information you require and may charge a fee where we provide access. We deal with all requests for access to personal information as required by the Privacy Act. We may refuse to provide access if the Privacy Act allows us to do so.

Integrity of your personal information

We try to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate and up to date. You may request an update or correction to personal information we hold about you and we will deal with all such requests as required by the Privacy Act.

Complaints

 If you think your personal information has not been handled in line with the Privacy Act, please contact us in the first instance. We will investigate your complaint and try to promptly resolve your complaint directly with you. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, then you may make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). For information about how to make such a complaint, please refer to the OAIC website http://www.oaic.gov.au/

Changes to this privacy policy

We may make changes to this privacy policy from time to time and in such cases we will notify clients by email or on our website.

Fees

The introductory 60-minute therapy session is priced at $160, with subsequent sessions charged at $140 each.

Cancellations

Should you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, kindly provide at least 24 hours' notice, via email or phone. Appointment cancellations made with a minimum of 24 hours' notice will not incur charges. However, failure to notify us within this timeframe will result in the full session fee being charged.

Late cancellation and no-show fees must be paid within 24 hours of receiving an electronic payment link from us. If a fee is not paid within this time frame, a reminder email will be sent. Failure to make payment will lead to a ban from future booking of our services and potential prosecution charges. Please note that no further sessions can be booked with us until late cancellation fees have been paid.

Session duration will not be extended by no shows, late arrivals or technical issues from your end. 

Service Delivery

Our services are delivered through a blend of online and in-person sessions.

Refund Policy

No refund will be payable for individual sessions.

No refund will be payable for school incursion cancellations.

No refund will be payable for ‘no shows’ after the event/workshop has commenced.

No refund will be payable to any technical issues that arise, before and during the booked session which have resulted from errors to the client´s phone, computer or internet connection.

Visitor Responsibilities

By accessing and utilizing this website, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to the following visitor responsibilities:

Compliance with Terms and Conditions

• You agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined for the use of this website.

• Non-compliance with these terms and conditions may lead to the termination of your website access.

Respect for Intellectual Property

• You acknowledge that all content, including text, images, videos, and trademarks, on this website is protected by intellectual property rights.

• You commit to refraining from infringing upon or misappropriating any intellectual property associated with this website.

Lawful Use

• You agree to utilise this website for lawful purposes and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

• You undertake not to engage in any illegal, unethical, or rights-infringing activities.

Accuracy of Information

• You are responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of any information you provide or submit through this website.

• You pledge not to knowingly furnish false, misleading, or fraudulent information.

Security and Privacy

• You shall not attempt unauthorised access to restricted areas of the website or other user accounts.

• You commit to respecting the privacy of fellow visitors and refraining from unauthorised collection, use, or disclosure of personal information.

Responsible Conduct

• You agree to engage in respectful and responsible behaviour when using this website, including interactions with other users or website administrators.

• You will abstain from disruptive, abusive, or harmful behaviour.

Disclaimer

• Your use of this website is at your own risk, and we do not guarantee its accuracy, availability, or functionality.

• We disclaim liability for any damages or losses arising from your use of this website.

By accessing and utilising this website, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these visitor responsibilities. Failure to adhere to these responsibilities may result in the termination of your website access.

Waiver of Liability:

By accessing and utilizing this website, you acknowledge and consent to the following:

The information provided on this website serves general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice or establish an attorney-client relationship.

The content on this website may not be entirely accurate, complete, or current. Your use of any information or materials on this website is undertaken at your own discretion and risk. We disclaim liability for any errors or omissions in the content.

This website may feature links to third-party websites beyond our control. We do not bear responsibility for the content, availability, or accuracy of such external sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement.

We do not warrant the security or continuous access to this website. We disclaim liability for any damages or losses resulting from unauthorized access to, or use of, the website.

In no event shall we be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your access to, or use of, this website. This encompasses, but is not limited to, any loss of profits, data, or business interruption.

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from your use of this website or any breach of these terms and conditions.

Copyright © 2024 Elise Zijai. All rights reserved.

The content, design, and images on this website are protected by copyright laws and other intellectual property rights. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, display, or use any of the materials on this website without prior written consent from Elise Zijai.

Unauthorised use of any materials on this website may violate copyright laws, trademark laws, privacy laws, and other regulations. Any unauthorised use may result in legal action. All trademarks, logos, and service marks displayed on this website are the property of their respective owners. For permission to use any materials on this website or inquiries regarding the copyright notice, please contact Elise Zijai via hartandseek.com.au/contact. By accessing and using this website, you agree to abide by the copyright and intellectual property laws and these terms and conditions.