Confidentiality Policy

 

At Terra Soul Therapies, we are committed to providing a safe, ethical, and confidential space for therapeutic work. This confidentiality policy reflects our professional obligations under the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Code of Ethics and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) standards.

 

Commitment to Confidentiality

 

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. All information shared during sessions — whether spoken, written, or recorded — is treated with the utmost care and discretion. Your personal and health information will not be disclosed without your informed consent, except where required by law or professional ethics.

 

Exceptions to Confidentiality

 

There are specific situations where confidentiality may need to be breached in accordance with ethical and legal obligations. These include:

    •    Risk of Harm: If there is a clear and immediate risk to your safety or the safety of others.

    •    Legal Requirements: When information is required to be disclosed by law (e.g. court subpoena, mandatory reporting of child harm).

    •    Clinical Supervision: De-identified information may be discussed in professional supervision to ensure safe and effective care.

    •    Client Consent: When you provide written consent to share information with a third party (such as your GP or another health professional).

 

These conditions are consistent with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and the ethical guidelines set out by PACFA and AHPRA.

 

Informed Consent

 

Before commencing therapy, you will be asked to complete and sign an intake form. By marking the relevant section, you acknowledge that:

    •    You have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this confidentiality policy.

    •    You have had the opportunity to ask questions or discuss this policy with your therapist.

    •    You understand that you may withdraw your consent to participate in therapy at any time, except in circumstances where disclosure is legally required.

 

This ensures you are entering therapy with full awareness of your rights and responsibilities, and of the therapist’s ethical and legal obligations.

 

Record Keeping

 

Client records are stored securely and in compliance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988. Records are retained for the legally required period (currently seven years from the date of the last session, or until age 25 if therapy occurred during childhood). Your records are kept confidential and are not accessed or shared without your written consent, except as required by law.