Privacy Policy

Updated: 20/01/2026

1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected when you visit this website or engage with counselling services provided by the practice. Protecting your privacy and confidentiality is taken seriously and handled in accordance with applicable South African legislation and professional ethical standards.
This practice complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and relevant professional guidelines applicable to registered counsellors.

2. Personal Information Collected
The practice may collect and process the following types of personal information:
2.1 Website-related information

• Name and surname

• Email address

• Contact number

• Information submitted via contact or enquiry forms

• IP address and basic website usage data (via cookies or analytics)

2.2 Client-related information (where services are rendered)

• Identifying information (name, date of birth, ID number where required)

• Contact details

• Medical, psychological, or psychosocial information relevant to counselling

• Information relating to minors (where parental consent is provided)

• Session notes and administrative records

Sensitive personal information is collected only where clinically necessary and with appropriate consent.

3. Purpose of Collection
Personal information is collected and used for the following purposes:

• Responding to enquiries and appointment requests

• Providing counselling services

• Maintaining clinical and administrative records

• Billing and practice management

• Complying with legal, ethical, and professional obligations

• Improving website functionality and user experience

Information will not be used for marketing without explicit consent.

4. Legal Basis for Processing
Personal information is processed on the basis of:

• Informed consent

• Contractual necessity (service provision)

• Legal and professional obligations

• Legitimate practice administration interests

For minors, consent is obtained from a parent or legal guardian.

5. Confidentiality and Disclosure
All client information is treated as confidential. Personal information will not be shared with third parties except:

• With explicit written consent

• Where required by law (e.g. court order, statutory duty to report)

• Where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to the client or others

• For professional supervision purposes (with identifying details removed where possible)

The practice does not sell or trade personal information.

6. Data Storage and Security
Reasonable technical and organisational safeguards are in place to protect personal information, including:

• Secure digital storage systems

• Password-protected devices and platforms

• Limited access to authorised persons only

• Secure handling of physical records (where applicable)

Records are retained only for the period required by law and professional guidelines.

7. Cookies and Website Analytics
This website may use cookies or analytics tools to:

• Improve website functionality

• Understand website traffic patterns

Cookies do not collect personally identifiable information unless voluntarily provided. Users may disable cookies via their browser settings.

8. Your Rights
In terms of POPIA, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information

• Request correction or updating of information

• Withdraw consent (where legally and clinically appropriate)

• Request deletion of information (subject to legal retention requirements)

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

Requests may be submitted in writing using the contact details below.

9. Third-Party Platforms
Where online booking, payment, or practice management platforms are used, these platforms have their own privacy and security policies. Reasonable care is taken to use reputable, POPIA-aligned service providers.

10. Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Any material changes will be reflected on this page with an updated revision date.

11. Contact Information
For privacy-related enquiries or requests, please contact:
Practice Name: Sherize Espag-Nel
Email: info@sherizeespag-nel.com