Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 28/6/25
Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how \Holistic Seed collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).
1. Who We Are
Holistic Seed provides hypnotherapy and counselling services, as well as Energy Healing, Sound Healing, Remedial Massage and Akashic Readings. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all clients, in line with legal and ethical obligations, including those outlined by the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ASCH).
2. What Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal information: name, date of birth, contact details, emergency contact.
Health information: mental health history, medical history, treatment notes, GP/healthcare provider details, medications.
Administrative information: payment details, session notes, appointment history.
This information is collected directly from you, or from a third party with your consent (e.g. a referring GP).
3. Why We Collect Your Information
We collect this information for the purpose of:
Providing appropriate hypnotherapy and counselling services.
Assessing and managing your needs and treatment.
Communicating with you regarding appointments or relevant information.
Administrative and billing purposes.
Meeting legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations.
4. How Your Information Is Stored
All client records are stored securely to protect against loss, misuse, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes:
Paper records stored in locked cabinets.
Electronic records stored in encrypted, password-protected systems.
Records are retained in accordance with professional guidelines and legal obligations (usually for at least 7 years, or until a minor turns 25, whichever is longer).
5. Disclosure of Information
We do not share your personal or health information without your consent, except where required or authorised by law. Your information may be disclosed:
With your consent, to other health professionals (e.g., your GP).
Where there is a serious risk to your health or safety or that of another person.
If required by law (e.g., a court subpoena or mandatory reporting obligation).
6. Access to Your Information
You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information by contacting us in writing. We will respond within a reasonable time and may charge a small administrative fee. In some cases, access may be denied (e.g., if it poses a serious threat to life or health).
7. Website and Online Communication
If you use our website or contact us via email or online forms:
Your IP address, browser type, and pages visited may be logged for analytics and website improvement.
Any personal or health information submitted electronically will be treated with the same level of confidentiality and care as in-person communications.
We use secure systems; however, no internet transmission is 100% secure. Please avoid sending sensitive information via unsecured platforms.
8. Third-Party Services
We may use third-party services (e.g., booking software, online payment processors) which are required to adhere to privacy and security standards. These providers are only given access to the information necessary to perform their services.
9. Complaints
If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact us:
Lizzi Gage
Holistic Seed
lizzi@holisticseed.au
We will investigate your complaint and respond promptly. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – [www.oaic.gov.au](http://www.oaic.gov.au)
Office of the Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria) – [www.hcc.vic.gov.au](http://www.hcc.vic.gov.au)
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website. By continuing to use our services, you agree to the terms of the updated policy.
Contact
For questions about this policy or your personal information, please contact:
Holistic Seed