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This page brings together the policies that apply when you use this website or my services. Please read them before booking. If you have any questions, email info@pawsitivedirections.com.au.
Contents
Last updated: November 2026
I care about your privacy and am committed to protecting your personal information. This policy explains how I collect, use, store, share and protect your personal and health information, in line with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles.
I only collect information that is reasonably necessary for my work with you. This may include:
Information about your health and wellbeing is sensitive information. I only collect it with your consent.
I will never use your information for an unrelated purpose without your consent.
I don't currently use AI note-taking. In future I plan to use Heidi, an AI note-taking tool, to help prepare session notes. Before Heidi is used in your sessions, I will ask for your consent, and you can tell me at any time if you would prefer it not to be used.
Only necessary information is processed and identifying details are minimised where possible. I review every AI-generated note, and AI never replaces my professional judgement.
I will not introduce any other AI tool without asking for your consent first.
I do not sell your personal information. I only share it when:
I also take part in regular clinical supervision. Your identity is kept anonymous wherever possible, and my supervisor is bound by confidentiality. I always share the minimum information needed.
I take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access or disclosure. Session notes and clinical records are kept in access-controlled, locked folders on my encrypted practice computer.
They are identified by a client number rather than your name, and backed up regularly in encrypted form. This also includes secure, password-protected practice systems with two-factor authentication, encrypted devices, business antivirus and a VPN on public networks, restricted access to records, and keeping all records confidential.
No online system is completely secure, so please take care when sharing personal information online.
Splose stores client information in Australia. Microsoft 365 stores email for Australian accounts in Australia. Zoom, GoDaddy and Google reCAPTCHA are based in the United States and may process information in the United States and other countries.
Before Heidi is introduced, I will confirm it stores Australian clients' information in Australia.
Before using any provider, I take reasonable steps to make sure it handles personal information in line with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Client records are kept securely for at least 7 years after your last session, as required by the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). After that they are securely destroyed.
Accessing and correcting your information
You can ask to see or correct the information I hold about you. Part 3 explains how.
If a data breach is likely to cause you serious harm, I will notify you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), as required by the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.
If you are concerned about how your information has been handled, please email complaints@pawsitivedirections.com.au. I will respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with my response, you can contact:
Contact
For any questions about this policy, email info@pawsitivedirections.com.au.
This website uses cookies, which are small text files stored on your device, to help it work properly and to understand how visitors use it.
When you first visit, you can accept or decline non-essential cookies using the cookie banner. You can also change your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies, although some parts of the website may not work as expected. Cookies generally don't identify you personally. Part 1 explains how I handle personal information.
What you share with me is private, and I take your confidentiality seriously. Your information is not shared without your consent, except in a small number of situations where I am ethically or legally required to act:
Reporting obligations are set by the laws of each state and territory, and they differ across Australia. For online sessions, the laws of the place where you are during the session apply, not the place where I am. If I ever need to make a report, it goes to the authority in your state or territory.
Wherever it is safe and appropriate, I will talk with you first, and I will only ever share the minimum necessary. You are welcome to ask me about confidentiality at any time.
As a member of the Australian Counselling Association, I keep confidential records in line with my professional, ethical and legal obligations.
Records may include your intake and consent forms, session notes, attendance records, invoices and correspondence about your care.
You have the right to ask for access to the personal information I hold about you.
Please email administration@pawsitivedirections.com.au with your full name, date of birth and what you are requesting.
I may need to confirm your identity first. I will acknowledge your request within 5 business days and aim to respond in full within 30 days.
In some circumstances access may be limited, for example where releasing information could cause serious harm or affect another person's privacy. If so, I will explain why and talk with you about other options.
If you believe information I hold is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date, email me with the details and the correct information, and I will respond within a reasonable time.
Copies of invoices, receipts and forms you completed are free. Where a request takes significant administrative time, a reasonable fee may apply as permitted by law. I will always tell you about any fee and ask for your agreement before starting.
I am unable to provide attendance letters, formal assessments or diagnoses, or anything else outside my qualifications and scope of practice as a counsellor.
I also don't write reports or letters of support on request for court matters, custody disputes or other legal proceedings.
If you need this kind of report, I will help you find an appropriately qualified professional.
If I receive a subpoena or court order for your records, I am legally required to respond.
I will seek legal advice, let you know where it is lawful and safe to do so, and only provide what the order requires.
All fees are in Australian dollars and must be paid in full at the time of booking. Your booking is confirmed once payment is received.
In-home and walk and talk fees include a $40 travel fee for locations within 20 minutes of Narre Warren or Merrifield.
Bundles are available for 60-minute sessions after your first session.
If you arrive late, your session will still finish at its booked time, and the missed time won't be made up at the end of the session.
The full session fee applies and isn't reduced or rebooked. If you haven't arrived or contacted me within 15 minutes of your start time, the session is treated as a no-show and the full fee applies.
If you are unwell or unable to travel, you can ask to switch to an online session where appropriate.
The online fee applies, and any difference is credited towards your next session rather than refunded.
Use the manage booking option in your Splose booking confirmation, or email billing@pawsitivedirections.com.au with your name, the booking date and time, and whether you want to cancel or reschedule.
Approved refunds are returned to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days of confirmation. Your bank may take extra time to show the funds.
In a medical emergency or other exceptional circumstance, please contact billing@pawsitivedirections.com.au as soon as possible. Requests are considered case by case, and supporting documentation may be requested.
Nothing in this policy limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
By using this website, booking services or attending sessions, you agree to these terms.
They should be read together with the other parts of this page.
Pawsitive Directions provides counselling for women aged 21 and over. Sessions are privately funded. I am not an NDIS provider, and Medicare rebates are not available. Pawsitive Directions is not a crisis service.
All first sessions are held online.
Using this website or sending an enquiry does not create a counselling relationship.
It begins once your booking is confirmed and you have completed and signed all required forms, including informed consent, the privacy agreement, any service-specific waivers (including animal assisted counselling risks), and intake and assessment forms.
Sessions cannot go ahead until these are complete.
To keep clients, animals and myself safe, I may change a session's format, decline an unsuitable location, reschedule or cancel a session, or end services.
This may happen if there is a risk to anyone's safety, the environment is unsafe or unsuitable, your needs are outside my scope of practice, an animal shows signs of stress, or professional boundaries are not respected. Where possible, I will offer alternatives or a referral.
Technology problems can occur, privacy partly depends on your own environment, and online sessions may not suit every situation.
Sessions must not be recorded by either of us without the other's written consent.
All people in images and videos on this website and my social media are volunteers, models or stock imagery, not clients. Animals shown are my own, volunteer animals or stock imagery.
Some animals pictured are not therapy animals and don't take part in sessions. Images are used to illustrate the kinds of services I offer. No images show real counselling sessions.
Client images, recordings or identifying details are never used without explicit, informed, written consent, and any client experiences shared are fully de-identified.
All content on this website, including text, images, branding, logos and program materials, belongs to Pawsitive Directions or is used under licence.
It may not be copied or used without written permission.
To the extent permitted by law, Pawsitive Directions is not liable for technical problems with the website or booking systems, interruptions to services outside my reasonable control, or decisions made using website information without professional advice.
Nothing in these terms excludes any guarantee or right you have under the Australian Consumer Law.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia.
Changes
These terms may be updated from time to time. The current version is always on this page.
The Animal Wisdom Program is a six-session personal development program inspired by the Animal Wisdom framework developed by Meg Kirby of the Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Institute (EAAPI).
It is facilitated by Pawsitive Directions for women aged 21 and over.
It is not counselling, mental health treatment or a crisis service, and taking part does not create a counselling relationship.
Registration secures your place for the full six sessions.
You must complete the intake documents before the first session.
New participants can't join part-way through, because each session builds on the last.
If you miss the start, you are welcome to register for the next intake.
Fees are priced per person.
You can pay for all six sessions upfront, or pay for each session as you go.
Fees are confirmed at registration and are non-transferable.
The upfront payment rule for counselling bundles (Part 4) doesn’t apply to the program.
Individual sessions can't be refunded separately.
To cancel before the program starts, email wisdomprogram@pawsitivedirections.com.au, and your request will be reviewed under Part 4 and the Australian Consumer Law.
Once the program has started, refunds are only given in exceptional circumstances, calculated on the sessions not yet attended.
If I cancel the program, you will receive a full refund. Open group participants will be offered a place in the next intake, and private groups can reschedule.
Missed group sessions can't be made up individually or carried over. Where appropriate, I will send you a catch-up pack covering what was missed.
Repeated non-attendance may affect your ability to continue.
Animal, wildlife and nature involvement is always guided by welfare, safety and ethical practice.
Animals are never required to take part and can disengage at any time. If you bring your own animal, you are responsible for its behaviour, welfare and any risks.
You must tell me before the session if your animal is unwell or has a contagious condition. In open groups where more than one participant brings a dog, each dog needs a written vet opinion on its health and suitability, dated within three months of the first session.
What is shared in the group stays in the group.
Participants are expected to treat each other, the facilitator and any animals or wildlife with respect and appropriate boundaries.
I may remove a participant whose conduct is harmful, disrespectful or disruptive to the group.
By registering, you confirm you have read these terms and understand the program is personal development, not counselling, and that full participation from the first session is needed.
I want to hear if something hasn't felt right. Raising a concern will never disadvantage you.
Email complaints@pawsitivedirections.com.au with your name and contact details, what happened (including dates), and the outcome you would like.
Anonymous complaints are considered where there is enough information.
Outcomes may include an explanation, an apology, a change to how I work, or another resolution. All complaints are handled confidentially and recorded securely.
I will cooperate fully with any external review.
As a counsellor in Victoria, I must comply with the General Code of Conduct for general health service providers, which sets out the standards you can expect.
You can read the code and find out how to make a complaint to the Health Complaints Commissioner at hcc.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 582 113.
The information on this website is general information only.
It is not counselling, psychological, medical or legal advice, and is not a substitute for support tailored to your circumstances.
I take reasonable care to keep it accurate and up to date.
Pawsitive Directions is not a crisis or emergency service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support:
This website may link to other websites.
I don't control or take responsibility for their content or privacy practices, so please review their policies.
Pawsitive Directions operates under the Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics and Practice, is a Premier member of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), and holds professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
Last updated: November 2026
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Pawsitive Directions is not a crisis service. In an emergency call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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Disclaimer - All people and animals in images are volunteers and not actual clients