Privacy policy.

Effective Date: April 2025

At Peaceful Waters Psychotherapy, your privacy is deeply important to me. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, and protect the personal information you share when you visit this website or engage in therapy services. I am committed to maintaining your trust and safeguarding your information with care and transparency.

1. Personal Information I Collect

When you interact with Peaceful Waters Psychotherapy—whether through this website, email, or therapy sessions—I may collect the following types of information:

  • Contact details: such as your name, phone number, and email address when you submit an inquiry or book a consultation.

  • Booking information: provided through Jane, my secure scheduling platform.

  • Intake and consent forms: completed prior to your first session, containing personal health information relevant to your care.

  • Session notes and communications: stored in accordance with professional guidelines and ethical standards.

  • Website usage data: like IP address, browser type, and page interaction, collected through cookies and analytics tools to improve the site experience.

2. How Your Information Is Used

I use your personal information to:

  • Communicate with you about appointments and therapy-related matters

  • Deliver effective, personalized psychotherapy services

  • Respond to your inquiries and consultation requests

  • Maintain accurate and secure clinical records

  • Improve the functionality and user experience of this website

Your information will never be sold or shared for marketing purposes.

3. How Your Information Is Stored

All personal and health-related information is stored securely using encrypted, password-protected platforms in compliance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) of Ontario.

Client records are stored on Jane, a secure, Canadian-based health management system that complies with all provincial privacy regulations. Intake forms, consent documents, and therapy notes are handled with the highest level of confidentiality and care.

4. Confidentiality in Therapy

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. Everything you share in therapy is kept strictly confidential with the following exceptions, as required by law:

  • If there is reason to believe you or someone else is at risk of harm

  • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person

  • If records are subpoenaed by court order

In all cases, I will do my best to discuss any necessary disclosures with you beforehand.

5. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information or request a correction

  • Withdraw consent for me to collect or use your data (where applicable)

  • Ask questions or file a concern about how your information is handled

If you wish to access your records or make a privacy-related request, please email me at peacefulwaterspsychotherapy@gmail.com.

6. Online Therapy & Communications

If you choose virtual therapy, sessions will be conducted via secure, encrypted video platforms. I take every precaution to ensure the confidentiality of your online experience.

Please note that while email communication is convenient, it is not fully secure. Limit email communication to non-sensitive details, and use Jane for booking and secure messaging whenever possible.

7. Cookies and Website Analytics

This website may use cookies and analytics tools (like Google Analytics) to monitor visitor behavior and improve site performance. These tools do not collect personally identifiable information and are used solely for operational purposes.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings at any time.

8. Third-Party Services

My website may contain links to third-party websites or booking platforms (e.g., Jane). I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies if you have concerns.

9. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or the services I provide. I encourage you to review it periodically. The current version will always be available on this website.

If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy or this policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at peacefulwaterspsychotherapy@gmail.com or call 905-651-6756.

Thank you for trusting Peaceful Waters Psychotherapy with your care.