Confidentiality

   Everything you say in a therapy session is confidential and I am ethically bound to honour your privacy. The only exception to this is when failure to disclose information would place you or another person at risk. In this case I will discuss it with you before taking appropriate action. In some circumstances you might give permission to communicate some information to another professional or agency, eg a GP or lawyer when a report is required or when you wish some information to be discussed with another person. In rare circumstances, client notes may be subpoenaed by a court.

Privacy

   The psychological services provided by Henshaw Consulting is bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.

Client Information

   Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet only accessible to Dr Sophie Henshaw. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, and other information which is relevant to the psychological service being provided. The information is gathered as part of your assessment, diagnosis and intervention. It is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables the provision of a relevant and informed psychological service.

Requests for access to client information

   At any stage you may request to see the information about you. The contents may be discussed and you may be given a copy. All requests for access to information should be lodged with your therapist. These requests will be responded to within 30 days and an appointment will be made to go through your notes with you in case there's any sensitive information that might distress you or technical information you may not understand. The privacy legislation allows your information to be withheld if it is likely to cause you overwhelming distress or harm (although this is extremely unlikely).

Concerns

   If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, please inform your therapist. The National Privacy Principles describe your rights and how your information should be handled. Ultimately, if you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, or access to, your personal information, you may do so with the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner on 1300 363 992, or GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 1042.