Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Mellisonant Studio
Effective Date: 1 March 2026
Last Updated: 1 March 2026
1. Introduction
Mellisonant Studio is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal and health information collected in the course of providing clinical hypnotherapy, strategic psychotherapy, and related wellbeing services.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
By accessing our website, engaging our services, or providing personal information to us, you consent to the collection and use of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
2. What Personal Information We Collect
We may collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for the provision of therapeutic services. This may include:
Full name
Contact details (email address, phone number, address)
Date of birth
Emergency contact information
Relevant health or medical information
Psychological, emotional, or behavioural information relevant to therapy
Session notes and clinical observations
Payment and billing information
Correspondence between you and the practice
Some of the information we collect may be classified as sensitive information, including health information.
3. How We Collect Personal Information
We may collect personal information in several ways, including:
When you complete intake forms or consent forms
When you communicate with us via email, phone, or online platforms
During therapy sessions or consultations
When you make enquiries through our website or social media
When you book appointments online
When third parties provide information with your consent (for example, referrals)
Where possible, personal information will be collected directly from you.
4. Purpose of Collecting Personal Information
We collect and use personal information for purposes including:
Providing hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, or coaching services
Assessing your needs and suitability for therapeutic interventions
Maintaining accurate clinical records
Communicating with you regarding appointments and services
Managing payments and billing
Meeting legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
Improving our services and client experience
We will only collect information that is reasonably necessary for these purposes.
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
Your personal information will generally remain confidential.
However, information may be disclosed in the following circumstances:
With your explicit consent
Where required or authorised by law
Where there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others (in accordance with mandatory reporting laws)
Where records are subpoenaed or required by a court
To professional advisors (such as legal or accounting services) where necessary
To secure digital service providers used for appointment booking, communication, or record storage
We take reasonable steps to ensure that any third parties handling information comply with privacy obligations.
6. Storage and Security of Information
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Information may be stored in:
Secure electronic health record systems
Encrypted digital storage platforms
Secure physical files (if applicable)
Access to personal information is restricted to authorised personnel only.
7. Overseas Disclosure
Some digital services we use (such as telehealth platforms, email services, or cloud storage providers) may store data on servers located outside Australia.
Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure these providers comply with appropriate privacy and security standards.
8. Access to Your Information
You have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 1982.
You may also request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated.
Requests for access or correction should be made in writing to the contact details listed below.
Reasonable administrative fees may apply where permitted by law.
9. Anonymity and Use of Pseudonyms
Where lawful and practicable, individuals may choose to interact with our practice anonymously or using a pseudonym.
However, this may limit our ability to provide therapeutic services.
10. Data Retention
Clinical records are retained in accordance with relevant professional guidelines and legal requirements.
In many cases, health records must be retained for a minimum period (commonly 7 years for adults, or longer for minors) depending on applicable state or territory legislation.
When records are no longer required, they will be securely destroyed or de-identified.
11. Website Data and Cookies
Our website may collect limited non-identifying information such as:
IP addresses
Browser type
Pages visited
Website analytics data
This information is used to improve website performance and user experience.
Cookies may be used to enable website functionality and analytics.
12. Complaints
If you believe your privacy has been breached, you may lodge a complaint with us using the contact details below.
We will investigate complaints and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au
13. Contact Details
For questions, concerns, or requests relating to privacy, please contact:
Mellisonant Studio
Amy Sherer
amy@mellisonantstudio.au
14. Changes to this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice procedures.
The most current version will always be available on our website.