PRIVACY POLICY
Your Privacy & Confidentiality Matter
I understand that taking the step to seek therapy requires trust and courage. Protecting your privacy and maintaining confidentiality isn't just a legal requirement – it's fundamental to creating the safe space you need for healing and growth.
What is Confidentiality?
Everything we discuss in our sessions together is strictly confidential. This means I cannot and will not share information about you, the fact that you're receiving services, or anything we discuss without your written permission.
In-Person Sessions
All in-person sessions in my Stratford office are completely confidential. Your information is kept secure in locked files, and I follow all professional standards for maintaining your privacy.
Online Sessions
For clients who choose online therapy, I use HIPAA-compliant video conferencing technology that meets the highest standards for security and privacy. Your sessions are encrypted and protected, ensuring the same level of confidentiality as in-person meetings.
Limited Exceptions to Confidentiality
There are very few situations where I might need to break confidentiality, and I will always discuss these with you if they arise:
Risk of serious harm to yourself or others - If I believe you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else
Child abuse or neglect - I am legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child
Elder or vulnerable adult abuse - Similar reporting requirements exist for vulnerable adults
Court orders - In rare cases, a court may order the release of information
Your Rights
You have the right to:
Know what information I collect about you and how it's used
Request copies of your records (with some limitations)
Request corrections to your records if you believe they're inaccurate
Choose how you'd like to be contacted (email, phone, etc.)
End therapy at any time
How I Protect Your Information
Physical Records: All paper files are kept in locked cabinets in my secure office Digital Records: Electronic records are password-protected and encrypted Communication: I use secure, encrypted methods for any digital communication Disposal: All records are destroyed securely when no longer needed
Contact Between Sessions
If you need to contact me between sessions, I recommend using the secure contact form on this website or the email address I provide. While I check messages regularly, please remember that email and text messages are not completely secure methods of communication.
For mental health emergencies: Please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room rather than sending an email or message.
Records and Storage
I maintain records of our work together as required by professional standards and regulations. These records typically include basic information about our sessions, treatment plans, and progress notes. Records are kept for the time period required by law and professional guidelines.
Questions About Privacy?
I believe in transparency when it comes to your privacy rights. During our first session, we'll review confidentiality in detail, and I'm always happy to answer any questions you have about how your information is protected.
Your trust is sacred to me, and I'm committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and privacy protection.
Website Privacy
This website may collect basic analytics information to help improve the user experience. No personal health information is collected through the website itself. Any information you share through contact forms is transmitted securely and handled with the same confidentiality standards as all other communications.
Last updated: June 2025
This privacy policy complies with Ontario privacy legislation and professional social work standards. For specific questions about your privacy rights, please don't hesitate to ask during our sessions.