Karenspurrier.co.za
1. Introduction
Karenspurrier.co.za (“the Practice”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy, confidentiality, and personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with:
- The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA)
- Applicable healthcare and ethical guidelines in South Africa
This policy applies to all website visitors, clients, and individuals who engage with our services.
2. Responsible Party
The Practice is the “Responsible Party” as defined under POPIA and is accountable for ensuring that your personal information is processed lawfully and responsibly.
For any privacy-related queries, you may contact us via the website contact details.
3. Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following types of personal information:
3.1 Personal Information
- Full name
- ID number or date of birth
- Contact details (email address, phone number, address)
3.2 Special Personal Information
Due to the nature of counselling and psychological services, we may collect sensitive information, including:
- Health and mental health information
- Therapy notes and assessments
- Medical or psychological history
This type of information is protected under POPIA and processed with strict confidentiality.
3.3 Website Data
- IP address
- Browser and device information
- Cookies and usage data
4. How We Collect Information
We collect information in the following ways:
- Directly from you when you complete forms or contact us
- During counselling sessions or consultations
- Automatically through website analytics and cookies
- From third parties where relevant and authorised
5. Purpose of Processing
We process your information only for lawful and specific purposes, including:
- Providing counselling and psychological services
- Managing appointments, billing, and communication
- Maintaining clinical records
- Complying with legal and professional obligations
- Improving website functionality and user experience
Processing is based on consent, contractual necessity, or legal obligations under POPIA.
6. Confidentiality and Professional Standards
All personal information shared within a counselling context is treated as strictly confidential.
We adhere to professional ethical guidelines, and your information will not be disclosed without your consent, except where required by law, such as:
- Risk of harm to yourself or others
- Legal or court requirements
- Mandatory reporting obligations
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including:
- Secure storage of physical and digital records
- Password protection and encryption
- Restricted access to authorised personnel only
These measures are designed to prevent loss, unauthorised access, or misuse of personal information.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by South African law and professional guidelines.
When no longer required, information will be securely deleted or de-identified.
9. Sharing of Information
We do not sell or rent personal information.
Information may be shared only where necessary, including:
- With authorised service providers (for example, booking or communication tools)
- When required by law or regulatory authorities
- With your explicit consent
10. Your Rights
Under POPIA, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Object to processing in certain circumstances
- Withdraw consent where applicable
Requests can be submitted via the Practice’s contact details.
11. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website may use cookies to improve functionality and user experience.
You may choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, although this may affect website performance.
12. Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect legal or operational changes.
The latest version will always be available on the website.
13. Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us via the website: