Effective Date: July 9, 2025

Guiding You Counselling and Psychotherapy (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal health information in compliance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) of Ontario and the professional obligations set out by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal and health information when you visit our website or use our services.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal health information (“PHI”) that you voluntarily provide, including but not limited to:
• Your name, email address, phone number, or home address
• Health history or clinical information relevant to therapy
• Payment or billing information
• Information shared through contact forms or email

We only collect the minimum information necessary to provide care and operate ethically.

2. How We Use Your Information

Your information may be used to:
• Deliver psychotherapy and counselling services
• Communicate with you about appointments and resources
• Fulfill legal, regulatory, or ethical requirements
• Promote your safety and well-being

3. Consent

By submitting your personal information through this website or during sessions, you consent to its collection, use, and disclosure in accordance with this policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us. Please note that doing so may limit our ability to provide services.

4. How We Protect Your Information

We are committed to safeguarding your information by:
• Storing records securely with encryption and password protection
• Limiting access to authorized personnel only
• Reviewing and updating our privacy and security practices regularly

5. Disclosure of Information

We do not sell or share your personal health information. We may disclose it only:
• When required by law
• To protect your safety or the safety of others
• With your informed, written consent
• To clinical supervisors, professional advisors, or the CRPO when required

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:
• Access or request copies of your personal health information
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdraw or limit consent (with possible impact on services)
• File a complaint with us or with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

To contact the IPC:
Website: www.ipc.on.ca
Phone: 1-800-387-0073

7. Retention and Destruction

We retain your personal health records in accordance with legal and professional standards. In line with CRPO guidelines, records are stored for a minimum of 10 years after the last client interaction, or 10 years after a client turns 18, whichever is longer. After this period, records are securely destroyed or anonymized.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your personal health information is handled, please contact:

Cierra DoCouto
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
CRPO Registration #: 17131
Email: guidingyoutherapy@gmail.com
Phone: 289-402-8508

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or practice. The most recent version will always be available on this page with the updated effective date.