Pawsitive Directions
Animal Assisted Counselling
  • Home
  • Bookings
  • Services
    • What is Animal Assisted
    • Online/ Telehealth
    • In-Person Your Home
    • Walk & Talk
    • Public Spaces
    • Animal Wisdom Program
  • Pawsitive Directions
    • About Me
    • Blogg/Vlogg
    • Resources
  • Important Information
    • FAQ
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
  • More
    • Home
    • Bookings
    • Services
      • What is Animal Assisted
      • Online/ Telehealth
      • In-Person Your Home
      • Walk & Talk
      • Public Spaces
      • Animal Wisdom Program
    • Pawsitive Directions
      • About Me
      • Blogg/Vlogg
      • Resources
    • Important Information
      • FAQ
      • Policies & Procedures
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Disclaimer
Pawsitive Directions
Animal Assisted Counselling
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out

book your appointment here

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Bookings
  • Services
    • What is Animal Assisted
    • Online/ Telehealth
    • In-Person Your Home
    • Walk & Talk
    • Public Spaces
    • Animal Wisdom Program
  • Pawsitive Directions
    • About Me
    • Blogg/Vlogg
    • Resources
  • Important Information
    • FAQ
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer

Account

  • My Account
  • Sign out

  • Sign In
  • My Account
book your appointment here

Privacy Policy for pawsitive directions

Introduction

I care about your privacy and am committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit my website or use my services.

I aim to keep this clear, transparent, and easy to understand so you feel confident and comfortable working with me.

What Information I Collect

I may collect personal information that is necessary to provide my services effectively. This may include:

  • Your name
  • Contact details (such as email address and phone number)
  • Information you provide through website forms or enquiries
  • Details related to the services you are seeking
  • Intake and assessment information
  • Risk assessments and safety plans
  • Consent forms and service agreements
  • Appointment and payment details
  • Any other information you choose to share with me

I only collect information that is reasonably necessary for my work with you.

How I Collect Your Information

I collect personal information in a fair and lawful way, including when you:

  • Contact me via email (including any @pawsitivedirections.com.au)
  • Fill out forms on my website
  • Communicate with me by phone or in person
  • Booking systems (zanda)
  • Book or participate in services
  • Cookies and website analytics (see cookies policy)

  

Use of AI-Assisted Tools

To support documentation, we may use secure AI-assisted tools (e.g. for note-taking).

In line with our practice policies:

  • Only necessary information is processed 
  • Identifying details are minimised where possible 
  • All AI-generated content is reviewed by the counsellor 
  • AI does not replace professional judgement 

Clients will be informed and may discuss preferences around AI use at intake

How I Use Your Information

I use your personal information to:

  • Provide and manage my services
  • Manage bookings and communication
  • Maintain accurate clinical records
  • Respond to your enquiries, requests or complaints
  • Communicate with you about your bookings or services
  • Improve my website and offerings
  • Communicate important updates
  • Ensure your safety and wellbeing
  • Meet any ethical, legal or regulatory requirements and obligations

I will never use your information for unrelated purposes without your consent.

Sharing Your Information

I respect your privacy and do not sell or share your personal information unnecessarily.

I may only share your information when needed, such as:

  • You have made a request and/ or have provided written consent 
  • With trusted service providers who help me operate my business (e.g., booking or payment systems)
  • When required by law (e.g. mandatory reporting, subpoena)
  • It is necessary to prevent serious risk of harm to yourself or others (including animals)
  • To resolve disputes or enforce agreements

I will always aim to share only the minimum information required, any third parties I work with are expected to handle your information securely, responsibly and in accordance with privacy laws.


Storage and Security

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure. Through secure systems and responsible data practices.

This includes:

  • Using secure practice management systems and tools (zoom)
  • Password-protected and authenticated devices and systems
  • Restricted access to your information
  • Secure internet connections
  • Up-to-date cyber security protections - Business anti-virus and vpn protection (ESET)
  • Keeping records confidential

While I do my best to protect your data, no online system is completely secure, so I encourage you to take care when sharing personal information online.


Overseas Data Storage

Some systems used (e.g. telehealth platforms, cloud storage, AI tools) may store data outside Australia. We take reasonable steps to ensure these services meet appropriate privacy standards.


  

How Long Your Information Is Kept

Client records are securely stored and retained for a minimum of 7 years after your last session, in line with professional standards.


Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information 
  • Request corrections 
  • Ask questions about how your data is handled 
  • Make a complaint if you have concerns

To do so, please contact us on: administration@pawsitivedirections.com.au we will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Privacy Complaints

If you have any concerns about how your personal information has been handled, you can contact me at:

complaints@pawsitivedirections.com.au

I will review your concern in line with my “Complaints Handling Policy” and aim to resolve it fairly and promptly.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may contact your relevant state consumer protection authority or privacy regulator.

Cookies and Website Use

 

My website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve your experience. These help me understand how visitors use the site so I can make improvements.

You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer, although this may affect how the website functions.

For more details, please refer to my “Cookies Policy”.

Third-Party Links

My website may include links to other websites. I am not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites, so I recommend reviewing their policies if you visit them. 

Updates to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my services or legal requirements. The most current version will always be available on my website. 

Contact Me

If you have any questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact me:

info@pawsitivedirections.com.au


My Commitment

Your trust is important to me. I am committed to handling your personal information with care, respect, and transparency at all times.

Cancellation and refund policy for Pawsitive Directions

Introduction

At Pawsitive Directions, I aim to provide a fair and transparent booking experience for all clients. This Cancellation and Refund Policy outlines how bookings, cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds are managed.

By making a booking with me, you agree to the terms outlined below.

Payment Terms

  • All sessions must be paid in full at the time of booking.
  • Your booking is only confirmed once payment has been successfully received.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

I understand that plans can change, and I aim to be as flexible as possible while respecting both client and counsellors time and availability.


More than 48 Hours’ Notice

  • Cancellations or rescheduling made 48 hours or more before your scheduled session are eligible for:
    • A full refund (100%), or
    • Rescheduling at no additional cost
  • These changes can be made directly via our website or by contacting me via email. https://clientportal.zandahealth.com/clientportal/pawsitivedirections 

Between 24 and 48 Hours’ Notice

  • Cancellations made between 24 and 48 hours before the session are eligible for:
    • A 50% refund of the full session fee

Less than 24 Hours’ Notice

  • Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled session are not eligible for a refund
  • 100% of the session fee will be retained

Alternative Arrangements

I understand that unexpected situations can arise.

  • If you are unwell or unable to travel to the session location, you may request to switch your session to an online format, where appropriate
  • This option is subject to availability and suitability of the service
  • The price will reflect the service and the client will be given a credit to go towards the next session, refunds are not available for the difference.

Bundles and Prepaid Packages

For bundled or prepaid sessions:

  • Rescheduling is permitted in line with the notice periods above
  • Refunds are not provided for individual sessions within a bundle
  • If you wish to cancel an entire bundle or package, please contact:
    billing@pawsitivedirections.com.au
    and your request will be reviewed in line with this policy and applicable consumer requirements.

How to Cancel or Reschedule

To cancel or change your booking, you may:

  • Use the booking management option on our website (where available), https://clientportal.zandahealth.com/clientportal/pawsitivedirections

or

  • Contact us via email at: billing@pawsitivedirections.com.au

Please include:

  • Your name
  • Booking details (date and time)
  • Request (cancel or reschedule)

Refund Process

Where a refund is applicable:

  • Refunds will be processed back to the original payment method
  • Processing will occur within 5–10 business days after confirmation
  • You will receive confirmation once the refund has been issued

Please note that depending on your financial institution, it may take additional time for funds to appear in your account.

Exceptional Circumstances

Pawsitive Directions may, at its discretion, provide exceptions to this policy in cases of:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Unforeseen or exceptional circumstances

In such cases:

  • Please contact us as soon as possible at billing@pawsitivedirections.com.au
  • Requests outside of this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Supporting documentation may be requested.

Our commitment

This policy helps me manage my schedule fairly so I can continue providing consistent, high-quality support to all clients.

Contact Me

For any questions regarding this policy, cancellations, or refunds, please contact:

Email: billing@pawsitivedirections.com.au

Cookies Policy for pawsitive directions

Introduction

At Pawsitive Directions, I use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on my website. This Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, how I use them, and why they are important.

My aim is to keep this simple and transparent so you can feel confident about how your information is used.

What are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website.

They help the website recognise your device and remember certain information about your visit, such as your preferences or how you use the site.

Why Cookies are Important

Cookies help to:

  • Ensure our website functions properly
  • Improve your browsing experience
  • Understand how visitors use our website
  • Identify areas where we can improve our services

Without cookies, some parts of the website may not work as expected or may be less user-friendly.

Types of Cookies Used

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable basic features such as page navigation and access to secure areas.

Without these cookies, the website cannot operate effectively.


Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help to understand how visitors interact with the website by collecting anonymous information such as:

  • Pages visited
  • Time spent on the site
  • Any issues encountered

This helps to improve the performance and usability of the website.


Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow the website to remember your preferences, such as:

  • Form inputs
  • User settings

They help provide a more personalised experience.


Third-Party Cookies

In some cases, trusted third-party services may be used (such as analytics providers) that set cookies on my behalf to help better understand website usage.

These providers are required to handle your data securely and in line with applicable privacy laws.

How you can control cookies

You have control over how cookies are used.

You can:

  • Adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies
  • Set preferences when prompted on our website (if a cookie banner is in place)

Please note that disabling cookies may affect how certain parts of the website function.

How this relates to your privacy

Cookies may collect information that relates to you, but they generally do not identify you personally.

For more information on how we handle personal data, please refer to our “Privacy Policy”.

Updates to this policy

I may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or how cookies are being used.

The latest version will always be available on this website.

Contact Me

If you have any questions about the use of cookies, please contact me. 

Email: info@pawsitivedirections.com.au

Our Commitment

Cookies are always used responsibly and only where they provide clear value in improving your experience. Your trust is important to me, and I am committed to being transparent about how your information is used. 

Access to Records & Documentation Requests

I maintain confidential records in line with my professional, ethical, and legal obligations as a counsellor registered with the Australian Counselling Association. 


Keeping accurate and secure records is part of how I ensure your care is consistent, personalised, and held to the highest standard.


Records I hold may include your intake and consent forms, session notes, attendance records, invoices and payment records, and any written correspondence related to your care. All records are stored securely and handled in accordance with my Privacy Policy and confidentiality obligations.

Requesting access to your records

You have the right to request access to personal information I hold about you. 


This may include copies of your intake forms, consent documents, invoices and receipts, attendance records, and other personal information where legally permitted.


Requests must be made in writing to administration@pawsitivedirections.com.au. 


Before releasing any records I may need to verify your identity and confirm your written consent. 


I will acknowledge your request within 5 business days and aim to respond in full within 30 days. 


If additional time is needed I will let you know as soon as possible.


In some circumstances access may be limited — for example where releasing information could cause serious harm, impact the privacy of another person, or where legal restrictions apply. 


If this is the case I will explain this to you and discuss what alternative options are available.

Requesting corrections

If you believe any information I hold about you is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date, you have the right to request a correction. 


Please include the specific information you believe needs to be updated and the correct details in your written request. 


I will review and respond within a reasonable timeframe. 

Attendance confirmation letters

 

If you need written confirmation that you have attended counselling sessions — for example for an employer, insurer, or support service — I can provide a basic attendance letter confirming the dates attended, appointment frequency, and confirmation of attendance only.


Please note that attendance letters do not include clinical opinions, session content, recommendations, or detailed personal information. 


These letters are provided free of charge.

Fees for record preparation

 

The following are provided at no cost: copies of invoices and receipts, basic attendance confirmation letters, and copies of forms you have completed yourself.


Where a request requires significant administrative time — for example compiling a large file for release — a reasonable administrative fee may apply as permitted by law. 


You will always be informed of any fee before work begins, and your consent will be sought before proceeding.

Reports and third-party documentation

 

I am unable to provide reports or documentation for court matters, custody disputes, legal proceedings, formal assessments, diagnoses, or any documentation that falls outside my qualifications or ethical scope of practice as a counsellor.


If you require this type of documentation, I will do my best to help you identify an appropriately qualified professional who can assist.

Legally required disclosure

In some circumstances I may be legally required to release records or information without your consent — including where required by subpoena, court order, mandatory reporting obligations, or where there is a serious and immediate safety concern. 


Where it is appropriate and legally permitted to do so, I will always aim to discuss this with you first. 

How to make a request

To request access to your records or any supporting documentation, please contact me in writing at administration@pawsitivedirections.com.au. 


Please include your full name, date of birth, and a clear description of what you are requesting and why. 


I will respond as promptly as possible and guide you through the next steps.


If you have any questions about this process before making a formal request, you are always welcome to reach out and I will do my best to help.

Complaints policy for pawsitive directions

Purpose

The purpose of this Complaints Handling Policy is to ensure that all complaints received by Pawsitive Directions are managed in a fair, transparent, timely, and consistent manner. This policy provides a clear process for clients and stakeholders to raise concerns and outlines how those concerns will be addressed and, if necessary, escalated. 

Scope

This policy applies to all services provided by Pawsitive Directions, including interactions through the website, email, phone, and in-person engagements.

Definition of a Complaint

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction made by a client or stakeholder regarding services, staff conduct, processes, or outcomes, where a response or resolution is expected. 

Lodging a Complaint

Clients and stakeholders may submit complaints through the following channel:

  • Email: complaints@pawsitivedirections.com.au

When submitting a complaint, individuals are encouraged to provide:

  • Full name and contact details
  • Description of the issue
  • Relevant dates, times, and supporting information
  • Desired outcome (if applicable)

Anonymous complaints will be considered where sufficient information is provided.

Complaints Handling Process

Acknowledgement

  • All complaints will be acknowledged within 2 business days of receipt.
  • The complainant will receive confirmation that their complaint is being reviewed.

Assessment and Investigation

  • Complaints will be assessed based on severity, complexity, and risk.
  • A responsible staff member will be assigned to investigate the matter.
  • Additional information may be requested from the complainant if required.

Resolution

  • A formal response will be provided within 10 business days, where possible.
  • If additional time is required, the complainant will be informed of the delay and given an updated timeframe.
  • Resolutions may include explanation, apology, corrective action, or service improvement.

Record Keeping

  • All complaints and their outcomes will be documented and securely stored.
  • Complaint data will be reviewed periodically to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Escalation Process

If you are not satisfied with the outcome or handling of your complaint, you may request further review through the following steps. 


Internal Review

Please reply to the original complaint communication or contact me directly at complaints@pawsitivedirections.com.au to request a further review. 

I will consider the matter again with fresh consideration, independent of my initial response, and provide a final written outcome within 10 business days. 

If additional time is required, I will inform you of the delay and provide an updated timeframe.


 

External Escalation

If you remain unsatisfied following internal review, you have the right to escalate your concern to an external body. 

As a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Pawsitive Directions operates under the ACA Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. 

Complaints regarding professional conduct may be submitted directly to the ACA through their formal complaints process.

Australian Counselling Association (ACA) 

Website: www.theaca.net.au

Email: admin@theaca.net.au

Phone: 1300 784 333

For matters relating to consumer rights, privacy, or business conduct, you may also contact Consumer Affairs Victoria or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Pawsitive Directions will cooperate fully with any external review or complaints process undertaken by these bodies.

Confidentiality and Fairness

  • All complaints will be handled confidentially and in accordance with privacy obligations.
  • All parties involved will be treated with respect, impartiality, and fairness.
  • No complainant will suffer disadvantage or retaliation for raising a concern.

Continuous Improvement

Complaint outcomes and trends will be analysed to:

  • Improve service quality
  • Identify systemic issues
  • Enhance customer satisfaction

Where relevant, improvements will be documented in internal procedures and training.

Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in operations, regulatory requirements, or complaint trends. 

Last Updated - April 2026

Copyright © 2026 Pawsitive Directions - All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer - All people and animals in images are volunteers and not actual clients


Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept