Graham Smith
Wellness and
Therapy
A legal disclaimer
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
1. Introduction
At Graham Smith Wellness and Therapy, I am committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal information in accordance with:
- The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of British Columbia
- Applicable Canadian federal privacy legislation (PIPEDA, where applicable)
- The ethical standards of professional counselling practice in British Columbia, including those of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCTC)
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information through our website and counselling services.
2. Personal Information We Collect
We collect only the personal information necessary to provide counselling services and operate our practice.
a) Information You Provide Voluntarily
This may include:
- Name
- Contact information (email address, phone number)
- Date of birth
- Emergency contact information
- Intake and assessment information
- Health and mental health information
- Session notes and clinical records
- Payment and billing information
b) Website Usage Information
When you visit our website, limited technical information may be collected, including:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Pages visited
- Date and time of access
This information is used solely for website functionality, analytics, and security purposes.
3. Purpose of Collection
Personal information is collected for the following purposes:
- To provide counselling and therapeutic services
- To conduct intake, assessment, and treatment planning
- To communicate regarding appointments and services
- To maintain clinical records as required by professional standards
- To process payments
- To meet legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations
4. Consent
We obtain informed consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information, except where permitted or required by law.
Consent may be express (written or verbal) or implied for routine administrative communication. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal and professional requirements.
5. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
Personal information is not sold, rented, or shared for marketing purposes.
Information may be disclosed only in the following circumstances:
- With your informed consent
- Where required or authorized by law
- Where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others
- To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person, as required by law
- For professional supervision or consultation (information is anonymized whenever possible)
6. Storage and Safeguards
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including:
- Secure electronic record systems
- Password-protected devices and files
- Restricted access to client information
- Secure storage of paper records
Personal information is stored in Canada whenever possible. Third-party service providers used for scheduling, billing, or record management are required to meet privacy and security standards consistent with BC privacy law.
7. Retention of Records
Client records are retained for the minimum period required under applicable laws and professional standards in British Columbia. After the required retention period, records are securely destroyed.
8. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to your personal information and request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information, subject to legal limitations.
Requests must be made in writing using the contact information below.
9. Limits of Confidentiality
Confidentiality may be limited in circumstances including:
- Risk of harm to self or others
- Suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person
- Legal requirements such as subpoenas, warrants, or court orders
These limits to confidentiality will be discussed as part of the informed consent process.
10. Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.
11. Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. The current version will be available on our website and will include the effective date.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact:
Graham Smith
Graham Smith Wellness and Therapy
1644 Grand Blvd E
North Vancouver, BC. Canada. V7L 3Y1
Phone: 306-361-0805