How your information is handled.

The Purpose Place is a health service provider, which means the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles apply to the information I hold about you. This page explains what I collect, why, and what happens to it.

What I collect, and why

When you become a client, I collect the information I need in order to work with you safely and well. That usually includes your name and contact details, your date of birth, relevant health and personal history, your reasons for seeking therapy, notes made during or after our sessions, and, where relevant, the details of a GP or emergency contact.

I collect this information from you directly. If information needs to come from anyone else, such as a GP or another practitioner, I'll ask your permission first, except in circumstances where the law requires or permits otherwise.

How it's stored

Your records are held in a secure, password-protected practice management system, with access limited to me. Health records are stored in Australia. Like most systems of this kind, it relies on some service providers based overseas for parts of its operation, and limited information may pass through them. Those providers are required to protect your information under contract and under the privacy laws that apply to them.

Your information is not shared with anyone else without your consent, except in the circumstances described below.

I keep client records for seven years from the date of our last session, after which they are securely destroyed. Where a client was under 18 when I saw them, I keep their records until they turn 25, or for seven years from our last session, whichever is longer.

When I might disclose information

What you tell me stays confidential. There are a small number of exceptions, which I'll explain in our first session and which are set out in your service agreement. These are where there is a serious and imminent risk to your life or safety or to someone else's, where a child or young person is at risk of harm, where records are subpoenaed or otherwise required by law, and where you have given me your written consent to share information with someone else, such as your GP.

Access, correction, and complaints

You have the right to ask for access to the personal information I hold about you, and to ask me to correct it if it's inaccurate or out of date. Just ask, and I'll explain the process. In limited circumstances access may need to be provided in a different form, for example through your GP, and if that applies I'll discuss it with you.

If you have a concern about how your information has been handled, please raise it with me first so I can try to put it right. If you're not satisfied with my response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au.

Getting in touch

Questions about this policy can be sent to info@thepurposeplace.com.au or raised in session.

This policy was last reviewed in August 2026.