Privacy Policy

At Breathe + Reach Wellness, your privacy and dignity are central to the counselling relationship. I recognize that seeking support can feel vulnerable, and I am committed to protecting your personal information in a way that honours your safety, autonomy, and lived experience. This privacy policy outlines how your personal information is collected, used, and safeguarded in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of British Columbia.

• Respect & Autonomy: You have the right to know how your information is handled, and to make informed choices about what you share.
   
• Trauma-Informed Practice: I approach privacy with sensitivity to the ways in which past experiences may affect your sense of safety and trust.
   
• Anti-Oppressive Commitment: I work to reduce barriers to care, respect diverse cultural identities, and acknowledge the ways systemic oppression may impact privacy and access to services.
   
• Transparency: I will always explain why certain information is collected and how it will be used.
   

I collect only the personal information necessary to provide counselling services, which may include:

• Contact information: name, phone number, email address, home address, and emergency contact.
   
• Personal details for care: date of birth, relevant medical history, mental health history, and information you choose to share in counselling.
   
• Billing information: for payment and insurance purposes (if applicable).
   
• Session notes: brief clinical notes documenting your care. Writing notes in a strengths-based format.

Your information is collected to:

• Provide safe and effective counselling services.
   
• Communicate with you about appointments and services.
   
• Ensure continuity of care if you are referred to or working with other health professionals (with your consent).
   
• Meet legal and professional requirements for record-keeping.
   

• Records are stored securely in Cliniko Software and are password protected.
   
• Only the counsellor(s) directly involved in your care will have access to your records.
   
• Information is retained for the period of 16 years after the last contact, after which it is securely destroyed.

Your information will not be shared without your informed consent, except in the following situations where disclosure is legally or ethically required:

• If there is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others.
   
• If there is suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or risk of harm to a vulnerable person.
   
• If records are lawfully subpoenaed by a court.
   

Whenever possible, I will discuss these limits with you before any disclosure is made.

You have the right to:

• Ask questions about how your information is handled.
   
• Access and request a copy of your personal records.
   
• Request corrections to your personal information.
   
• Withdraw or limit consent to the collection or sharing of your information, except where required by law.

• Email, text, or online communication may not be fully secure. If you choose to communicate this way, I will do my best to protect your privacy but cannot guarantee confidentiality.
   
• Online sessions are conducted through secure, encrypted platforms either via Zoom Video or Cliniko Video.
  

If you have concerns about your privacy, I encourage you to bring them forward so we can address them together in a respectful and supportive way.

You also have the right to contact:

• Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC: https://www.oipc.bc.ca
   
• Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada: https://acctcounsellor.com/Inquiry_and_Complaint_Process

For questions or requests about your privacy, please contact:

Bobbie-Raechelle Ross | Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC-2833)

Breathe + Reach Wellness
breathereachwellness@gmail.com