Privacy & Confidentiality

privacy/copyright… the serious stuff.

Your privacy and respect is of the utmost importance to me.

Melanie Xavier recognises that the sensitive information, which has been disclosed to us, needs special care and protection. I am required by law, as detailed in the Information Privacy Act 2000 (“The Act”), to comply with a strict code of conduct to maintain the privacy of all personal information on record. This Privacy Policy complies with the privacy principles set out in the Act and explains how I apply them in practice.

personal and sensitive information


Melanie Xavier collects the following personal and sensitive information, and undertakes to hold it in a secure manner.

  • Name and title

  • Full contact details

  • Academic and professional qualifications, work and supervision history

  • Professional conduct and professional development history

  • Any other comments/ relevant information

  • Medical History

Melanie Xavier collects, uses and holds only information relevant to the conduct of the business and required by as a member of Australian Association of Family Therapy.

Melanie Xavier undertakes to maintain a high quality of data on record and to update that information as appropriate to the function it serves. Additional personal information will only be collected if necessary in maintaining a high standard of service to clients and the individuals involved will be consulted by the means specified in the act. Additional sensitive information as defined in the Act, will only be collected with the consent of individuals involved and in accordance with the Act.

This website contains legally privileged information and copyright material of Melanie Xavier . You must not use, communicate, copy, display, distribute, modify, translate, reformat, incorporation, promote or exploit any of the content, including our online services, unless authorised by Melanie Xavier.

This website contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding the therapeutic practices of Melanie Xavier.
 

confidentiality

All interactions with Melanie Xavier, including content of your session, progress in counselling and your records, including the scheduling of appointments, are all protected under my confidentiality policy.  No record of your sessions, are contained in any academic, job placement or educational files. You may request in writing, that I release specific information about your session(s) to persons you designate.  It is asked that 14 days’ notice is given.
 

exceptions to confidentiality

I may consult with other qualified professionals to provide the best possible care. These consultations are for professional, ethical and training purposes, which is a mandatory requirement.

If there is evidence of clear or imminent danger of harm to self/ or others, or information regarding a crime (past, present or future), I am legally required to report this information to the authorities as I have a responsibility to ensure safety for yourself and others.

I have a duty of care as a mandatory reporter in South Australia.  If I strongly suspect physical or sexual abuse, neglectful treatment of any person under the age of 18 years, this must be reported to SAPOL or the Department of Child Protection.

A court order issued by a Judge may require Melanie Xavier to release information contained in records, or provide a subpoena to testify in a court hearing.