Privacy Policy – Gestalt Art Therapy Centre

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1. Introduction

Gestalt Art Therapy Centre (“GAT”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, register for membership, training, or workshops, or otherwise interact with us.

By using our website or engaging our services, you consent to the collection and handling of your information as described in this Policy.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect only the personal information necessary to provide our professional and educational services.
This may include:

• Full name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Billing or postal address

• Payment information (via PayPal or bank transfer — we do not store credit card details)

• Participation records (e.g., event, workshop, training, supervision, therapy, or counselling attendance)

• Feedback and communication preferences

• Professional details (e.g., occupation, qualifications, membership in professional associations)

• Website activity data (browser type, IP address, access times, pages visited)

We may also collect sensitive information, such as health or wellbeing details, only with your explicit consent and only when necessary to provide counselling, art therapy, or related therapeutic services.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information directly from you when you:

• Register or enrol in events, workshops, training, supervision, therapy, or classes (online or face-to-face)

• Make payments via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer

• Subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list

• Provide feedback, request certificates of participation, or fill out forms

• Contact us directly via email, phone, or our website

• Participate in surveys or complete feedback forms after events

We may also collect non-identifiable information automatically through cookies or analytics tools when you browse our website (see section 8).

4. Why We Collect Personal Information

We collect, hold, and use personal information to:

• Process registrations, invoices, and payments

• Deliver the services you have requested

• Maintain membership and participation records

• Issue certificates of completion or CPD/OPD recognition

• Provide updates, newsletters, and information about future events and training opportunities

• Gather feedback to improve our programs and services

• Respond to your enquiries and provide customer support

• Comply with legal and professional record-keeping obligations

We will not collect personal information unless it is reasonably necessary for one or more of these purposes.

5. Marketing Communications

By providing your email address, you consent to receiving newsletters, updates, and information about our services, workshops, and training opportunities.

You may unsubscribe at any time by following the “unsubscribe” link in our emails or by contacting us directly at gestaltarttherapy@gmail.com.

GAT complies with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth).

6. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

We may disclose your information only to:

• Trusted service providers who assist in delivering our services (such as website hosting, email platforms, or payment processors) and who are bound by strict confidentiality obligations;

• Professional organisations for verification of CPD/OPD hours (where applicable); or

• Regulatory or law enforcement authorities, where required by law.

If our service providers are located outside Australia, we take reasonable steps to ensure that your information is handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles and protected by comparable data protection standards.

7. Sensitive Information

We recognise that sensitive information (e.g., health or therapy-related data) requires higher protection.

Such information is collected only with your consent or where legally required, and is used solely for the purpose for which it was provided (e.g., counselling, supervision, or therapy sessions).

Sensitive information is stored securely and accessed only by authorised staff.

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to improve performance and user experience.

Cookies are small files that store user preferences and session data. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly.

Analytics tools may collect information such as your IP address, device type, pages visited, and time spent on the site. This data is anonymised and used only for statistical purposes.

9. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Security measures include:

• Password-protected databases and systems

• Encrypted payment gateways (e.g., PayPal)

• Limited access to staff on a need-to-know basis

• Secure data destruction when information is no longer required

While we use reputable platforms, no online system can be guaranteed as completely secure. You acknowledge that you provide information at your own risk.

10. Access and Correction

You have the right to access and correct your personal information at any time.

To make a request, please contact us in writing at gestaltarttherapy@gmail.com.
We will respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually within 30 days) and may verify your identity before releasing or amending information.

If we are unable to grant your request, we will provide written reasons for our decision.

11. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide our services and meet legal, taxation, or professional obligations.

Therapy and supervision records are maintained in accordance with Australian counselling and psychotherapy professional standards.
Once no longer required, information is securely destroyed or de-identified.

12. Cross-Border Disclosure

Some third-party service providers may store information on servers located overseas (such as in the United States or Europe).
GAT takes reasonable steps to ensure that any overseas recipients protect your information in a way consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles.

13. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and correct your personal information;

• Withdraw consent for us to use your data (where consent applies);

• Opt out of direct marketing communications; and

• Lodge a complaint if you believe we have breached your privacy rights.

14. Complaints and Enquiries

If you have concerns about how we have handled your personal information, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Gestalt Art Therapy Centre
Email: gestaltarttherapy@gmail.com
Website: www.arttherapygestalt.com
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

We take privacy concerns seriously and aim to respond promptly and fairly.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) via www.oaic.gov.au.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements.
Any updates will be published on our website with the revised date.
Your continued use of our website after such updates indicates acceptance of the amended Policy.

Compliant With:

• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

• Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

• Spam Act 2003 (Cth)

• Health Records and Information Privacy Regulations (where applicable)