Privacy Policy

Last updated: 30 May 2026

At Sahara, your privacy is important. This policy explains how your personal information is collected, used, stored and protected in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the PACFA Code of Ethics 2017.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including:

• Your name, email address and phone number

• Time zone and preferred session times

• Reason for contacting us or a brief description of what you are seeking support with

• Any optional information you choose to share such as therapy history or presenting concerns

• Payment information processed via UPI or bank transfer

Some information collected may be considered sensitive information such as health information. This is collected only where necessary for the provision of therapy services and with your consent.

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

• Respond to enquiries and schedule appointments

• Provide online therapy services

• Communicate administrative information related to your care

• Meet legal, ethical and professional obligations under PACFA

We do not use your personal information for marketing purposes without your consent.

How We Store and Protect Your Information

• All information is stored on secure, password-protected systems

• Access is limited to Sahara and authorised service providers where required

• Reasonable steps are taken to protect your information from misuse, loss or unauthorised access

• Client records are retained for a minimum of seven years after the last contact, or longer where required by law

Disclosure of Information

Your personal information is treated as confidential and will not be disclosed without your consent, except where:

• Required or authorised by law

• Necessary to prevent serious risk to life, health or safety

• Shared with a professional supervisor with identifying details removed where possible

We do not sell or share personal information for any commercial purpose.

Third Party Services

Sahara uses trusted third-party platforms to deliver and support its services, including:

• Zoom / Google Meet- for secure online sessions

• Halaxy- a clinically compliant practice management platform used for session notes and client records, compliant with Australian Privacy Principles

These providers are required to comply with relevant privacy and data protection standards. Sahara is not responsible for the privacy practices of external platforms beyond reasonable due diligence.

International Clients

If you are located outside Australia, your personal information is collected, stored and managed in accordance with Australian privacy law. By engaging with Sahara's services, you consent to this arrangement.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information

• Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information

• Ask questions or raise concerns about how your information is handled

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [contact@saharacounselling.com]

Limits and Disclaimers

• This website does not provide crisis support

• A therapeutic relationship begins only after an initial session and an informed consent process

• Submitting an enquiry or contact form does not establish a therapeutic relationship

CONFIDENTIALITY & ITS LIMITS

Last updated: 30 May 2026

Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship at Sahara. What you share in sessions is private and will not be disclosed without your knowledge or consent.

As a PACFA-registered practitioner, this practice adheres to the PACFA Code of Ethics 2017 and the Australian Privacy Principles (Privacy Act 1988). Your information is stored securely and handled with care.

There are a small number of situations where confidentiality may be limited:

• Where there is a serious risk to your life or the life of someone else

• Where disclosure is required by law, such as a court order

• Where information is shared with a professional supervisor, in which case identifying details are removed where possible

In any of these situations, every effort will be made to discuss this with you first, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

These limits will be explained clearly before we begin working together as part of the informed consent process.

If you have any questions about confidentiality please contact - contact@saharacounselling.com