Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2026

1. Legislative Framework

Soothing Souls Counselling operates in British Columbia, Canada, and is governed by the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA - British Columbia) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA - Federal Canada). Rimsha Qureshi, MACP, RCC #29320, is also bound by the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethical Conduct established by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

2. Collection of Personal Health Information

We collect personal information necessary to deliver safe, competent, and ethical clinical counselling services. This information may include:

• Contact details (name, email address, telephone number, emergency contact).
• Clinical intake records (health history, presenting concerns, psychological symptoms, current stressors).
• Administrative and billing records (session dates, payment history, extended health insurance details, ICBC claim numbers and Personal Health Numbers where applicable).
• Session progress notes documenting clinical impressions, treatment plans, and therapeutic goals.

3. Clinical Confidentiality and Its Legal Limits

All communications between client and counsellor are confidential. Information will not be released to any third party (including family members, employers, or medical professionals) without your informed, written consent, with the following legally mandated exceptions:

1. Imminent Risk of Severe Harm: If there is clear and imminent danger that a client poses a severe threat of harm to themselves or another person.
2. Child Protection: Under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, counsellors have a legal duty to report suspected abuse, neglect, or need for protection involving a minor (under 19 years in BC).
3. Vulnerable Adults: When required by legislation regarding the abuse or severe neglect of vulnerable adults unable to seek assistance.
4. Court Order or Subpoena: If clinical records are formally subpoenaed by a court of law.
5. Regulatory Audit: Quality assurance or regulatory audits conducted by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

4. Virtual Counselling Technology and Communications

Virtual counselling sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted video software (PIPEDA- and PIPA-compliant Canadian telehealth platform). Clients are responsible for ensuring they participate from a private, confidential physical space.

Web Form & Email Disclaimer: The contact form on this website and standard email (admin@soothingsouls.ca) are designed for administrative and scheduling inquiries only. They are not encrypted clinical healthcare channels. Please do not submit detailed medical or sensitive personal trauma details via web forms.

5. Record Retention Policy

In accordance with BCACC professional guidelines, adult clinical client files are securely retained for a minimum of 7 years following the date of the last clinical contact . For clients under the age of 19, records must be retained for 7 years past the client’s 19th birthday (until age 26) . After the statutory retention period expires, records are permanently and securely destroyed.

6. Website Analytics and Cookies

This website utilizes privacy-respecting analytics configured with IP anonymization to protect visitor privacy solely to measure aggregated traffic patterns (e.g., page views, button clicks) to improve usability. We do not use third-party marketing tracking pixels or behavioral re-targeting advertising cookies.

7. Minors and Age of Consent

Currently, Soothing Souls Counselling provides services primarily to adults (aged 19 and older) . Any youth counselling requires explicit verification of consent in accordance with the BC Infants Act and informed parental/guardian agreement where applicable.

8. Questions, Access Requests, and Complaints

You have the right to request access to your personal clinical file and to request corrections to factual inaccuracies. If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please direct your inquiry in writing to:

If you have unresolved ethical concerns regarding clinical practice or privacy conduct, you may contact the regulatory association:

BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
Website: bcacc.ca • Phone: 1-800-903-0808