Legal
Privacy Policy
Effective date: 30 August 2026
Introduction
Counselling & Supervision with Maria Sarina ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit mariasarina.com or contact us to enquire about or receive counselling services.
By using this website or engaging our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use this website.
Informed Consent
Informed consent is the process by which Maria Sarina ensures that you fully understand the nature of the counselling relationship before it begins — and that you agree to participate on that basis.
Before your first session, Maria will explain:
- The nature and purpose of counselling, and what you can reasonably expect from the process.
- The limits of confidentiality (see the section above), so you can make an informed decision about what you choose to share.
- Your right to ask questions, raise concerns, or withdraw from counselling at any time without penalty.
- How your personal information is collected, stored, and protected.
- The fees, cancellation policy, and any other practical arrangements relevant to your sessions.
- The professional standards and ethical framework Maria works within as a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Informed consent is not a one-time formality — it is an ongoing part of the therapeutic relationship. You are encouraged to ask questions at any point, and Maria will check in with you regularly to ensure you remain comfortable with how the work is progressing.
Limits to Confidentiality
Your privacy and confidentiality are important to us. However, confidentiality is not absolute.
Information you share in counselling may need to be disclosed in circumstances including:
- Immediate or serious risk of harm to yourself or another person.
- Risk to the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person or vulnerable person.
- Suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation where reporting or disclosure is required or authorised by law.
- Legal requirements, including where information is required by a court, subpoena or other lawful authority.
- Professional or regulatory requirements that require information to be disclosed.
- Emergency situations where sharing information is necessary to help protect someone's safety.
- With your consent, where you have authorised information to be shared with another person or service.
- Professional supervision or consultation, where relevant information may be discussed to support safe and ethical practice. Identifying information will be limited wherever reasonably possible.
What this means for you
- Maria will respect your privacy and keep your information confidential wherever legally and professionally possible.
- Information will only be disclosed when there is a lawful or professional basis to do so.
- Where appropriate and safe, Maria will discuss a proposed disclosure with you before information is shared.
- You are encouraged to ask questions about confidentiality and its limits at any time.
- If you are unsure about what can or cannot remain confidential, please ask before sharing information.
Your safety, the safety of others, and the protection of children and vulnerable people take priority where the law requires action.
Data Storage & Security
Your personal information is stored securely and protected against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. We take reasonable steps to ensure that the information we hold is accurate, up to date, and stored safely.
Client session notes and records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years from the date of last contact, or seven years after a minor client turns 18, in accordance with Australian professional standards.
Third-Party Services
This website may use third-party services (such as website hosting and analytics tools) that collect limited technical data. These providers are bound by their own privacy policies and are not permitted to use your data for any purpose other than providing services to us.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party for marketing purposes.
Your Rights
Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you.
- Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Request that we delete your information, subject to our legal and professional obligations to retain records.
- Withdraw consent for us to contact you at any time.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact Maria directly using the details below.
Children's Privacy
Where counselling services are provided to children under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent. Personal information relating to child clients is handled with the utmost care and in accordance with all applicable laws and professional standards.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about how we handle your personal information, please contact Maria Sarina: