1. Professional Confidentiality
Information shared during consultations and counselling sessions is held in strict professional confidence under the ethical standards established by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Your identity, clinical notes, attendance records, and personal disclosures are private and protected.
2. Legal Boundaries of Confidentiality
In accordance with British Columbia law and professional ethical mandates, counselling confidentiality has legal boundaries and may be breached only under the following specific circumstances:
- There is reasonable cause to believe you or another identifiable person is in imminent danger of severe self-harm or loss of life.
- There is reasonable reason to suspect that a child, youth, or vulnerable person is experiencing abuse, neglect, or harm.
- Records or testimony are formally subpoenaed or ordered by a court of law.
- With your explicit, written, and revocable consent (e.g., coordinating medical care with your family physician, psychiatrist, or submitting reports to your insurance provider/ICBC).
3. Collection & Protection of Personal Information (BC PIPA)
In compliance with the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), we only collect personal information necessary to deliver clinical counselling, administer scheduling, and fulfill legal record-keeping responsibilities.
This includes contact details (name, email, phone), intake questionnaires, clinical progress notes, and payment/billing records. All digital clinical records are stored securely in compliance with Canadian healthcare privacy regulations. Your personal information is never sold, rented, or disclosed to third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Virtual Sessions & Digital Security
Virtual telehealth appointments are conducted using encrypted video platforms designed for Canadian healthcare delivery. While strict administrative and technical safeguards are maintained, clients are encouraged to connect from a private, safe physical location where discussions cannot be overheard or intercepted.
5. Website Interactions & Third-Party Services
When you interact with our website:
- Contact Form: The website contact form builds a direct client-side email message to
admin@soothingsouls.ca. It is not stored in a public database. Because standard email is not an encrypted medical channel, please avoid including sensitive clinical history in standard website messages. - Online Scheduling: Consultations and therapy appointments are scheduled via Calendly. Information you provide during booking (name, email, phone, appointment time) is handled in accordance with Calendly's privacy and security terms.
- Website Analytics: We do not deploy invasive cross-site tracking cookies or sell visitor behavior data.
6. Accessing Your Records & Privacy Inquiries
You have the right to request access to your personal information and clinical records subject to legal exceptions under BC PIPA. If you have questions about how your records are maintained, or wish to submit a privacy inquiry, please contact:
Rimsha Qureshi, MACP, RCC #29320
Privacy Officer · Soothing Souls Counselling
Email: admin@soothingsouls.ca
Phone: 604-764-6786