Privacy Policy

Business Name: Alison J Williams

Website: https://alijwilliams.com/

Last Updated: 14th April 2026

At Alison J Williams, I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care, transparency, and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Types of Information Collected

I may collect personal information that is necessary to provide you with counselling services and to manage our professional relationship. This includes:

• Identity Information: Your name, date of birth, and contact details (email, phone number, and address).
• Health Information: Information regarding your mental health,  medical history, and notes taken during sessions (this is considered  "sensitive information" under Australian law).
• Technical Data: Your IP address and usage data when you visit https://alijwilliams.com/.

2. How Information is Collected

Information is collected in several ways:

• Directly from you via website contact forms or booking systems.
• During initial intake and throughout the course of your counselling sessions.
• From third parties (such as a GP or psychiatrist) only where you have provided explicit consent.

3. Purpose of Collection

Your information is collected solely to:

• Provide high-quality, personalised counselling and telehealth services.
• Manage appointments, billing, and administrative tasks.
• Comply with legal and professional reporting obligations.

4. Non-Disclosure to Third Parties

I value your trust. I do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your information is only shared with third parties when:

• You have given written consent to share information with another health provider.
• It is required for processing payments through secure, encrypted gateways.
• There is a legal requirement to do so (e.g., a court subpoena).
• There is a serious risk to your life, health, or safety, or the safety of the public.

5. Data Security and Storage

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access.

• Practice Management: I utilise Halaxy, a secure,  encrypted practice management system. All patient records and personal  data are stored in accordance with Australian health privacy standards.
• Payment Security: Payments processed via Halaxy use bank-grade security and encryption. Your full credit card details are not stored on my local devices or the website server.
• Data Retention: In accordance with South Australian health record regulations, files are generally kept for 7 years (or until  a minor reaches age 25).

6. Recording of Sessions

To ensure the highest quality of care and for clinical record-keeping purposes, Alison J Williams may record counselling sessions (both online and in-person).

• Mandatory Consent: No session will ever be recorded without your explicit verbal or written consent at the commencement of the session. You have the right to refuse recording or to ask for the recording to be stopped at any time without providing a reason.
• Storage and Security: Recordings are treated as highly confidential health records. They are stored securely within our encrypted practice management system (Halaxy) or on a secure, password-protected offline drive.
• Access and Deletion: These recordings are for clinical review and are not shared with any third parties unless required by law. Recordings are retained and destroyed in accordance with South Australian health record retention guidelines.

7. Access to Your Information

You have the right to request access to the personal information I hold about you. You may also request that I correct any information you believe is inaccurate. All requests should be made in writing to the email address provided below.

8. Website Cookies

My website may use "cookies" to enhance your browsing experience. You can choose to set your web browser to refuse cookies, though some parts of the site may not function properly as a result.

9. Changes to this Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or my business practices. Any updates will be posted on this page.

10. Contact and Complaints

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to make a complaint about how your data has been handled, please contact:

Ali Williams Email: ali@alijwilliams.com

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

If you are not satisfied with my response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.