Privacy Policy

At KJ Counselling Services, your privacy is a top priority. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website, complete an intake form, or attend a session with one of our counsellors. If you have questions at any time, please contact us at general@kjcounsellingservices.com.

1. Data Collection and Processing

We collect only the information necessary to provide safe and effective counselling services, including:

• Visitor Data: pages visited on our website, device type, browser type, IP address (used for security and personalization).

• Intake & Account Data: name, email, phone number, emergency contact, and intake form responses.

• Session Data: dates of sessions, messages exchanged with your counsellor, journal entries you choose to share, and your counsellor’s internal notes (“Clinical Record”).

• Payment Data: secure confirmation of payment through our payment processor (e.g., Stripe).

• Customer Service Data: any emails or calls you have with our team.

We collect this information to:

• Match you with the right counsellor and schedule sessions

• Communicate with you about bookings and care

• Keep records as required by professional standards

• Protect your safety in case of emergencies

• Monitor and improve the quality of our services

We do not record or store video sessions. Written and audio messages are stored securely so your counsellor can reference them, but you may request deletion (see Section 3).

2. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share limited information when necessary to:

• Provide Services: with your counsellor, our booking system, and secure payment processor.

• Comply with the Law: if legally required (e.g., subpoena, court order) or to prevent harm to yourself or others.

• Business Operations: with trusted service providers for website hosting, email delivery, and other necessary functions.

We never share your session content, journal entries, or private messages with advertisers or other third parties.

3. Data Retention, Erasure, and Access

• Retention: We retain your Clinical Record and basic account information for 10 years after your last session, as required by Canadian counselling regulations.

• Erasure: You may request to have your personal data erased (except where required by law) by emailing general@kjcounsellingservices.com.

• Access: You may request a copy of your data at any time. We will verify your identity before releasing any information.

4. Security and Confidentiality

We use strong safeguards to protect your data, including:

• Secure servers and encryption for all messages

• SSL encryption on our website

• Access controls to ensure only authorized staff and counsellors can view your data

Some of our service providers may store data outside of Canada. We use providers that follow strict privacy and security standards to protect your information.

5. Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience, keep the site secure, and understand how visitors use our services. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not work as intended.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights under privacy laws (e.g., Canada’s PIPEDA, EU/UK GDPR), including:

• The right to know what data we hold about you

• The right to request correction or deletion of your data

• The right to withdraw consent for marketing communications

We respond to all privacy requests in line with applicable law.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by email or through our website.