Flourish Counselling – Privacy Policy

Effective Date: December 6, 2025 (Revision of previous privacy policy)
Website: www.kirstensherlock.com
Owner: Kirsten Sherlock, Sole Proprietor

At Flourish Counselling, protecting your privacy is important. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it. This policy applies to the information you provide through our website, email, or other online communications.

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

Flourish Counselling follows the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), which governs how private organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

2. Use of AI Tools

Some content on our website (e.g., blogs, newsletters, or informational resources) may be generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated content may not be error-free and is for informational purposes only. AI is not used to provide clinical advice or counselling services.

3. What Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, such as:

  • Your name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Any information you provide in website contact forms or emails

Important: We do not collect clinical or therapeutic information through the website. Clinical information is only collected securely through Jane App, our private counselling platform.

We may also collect non-personal data, such as website analytics (pages visited, browser type, IP address) to improve website functionality. This data is not linked to you personally.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide to:

  • Respond to inquiries and messages

  • Provide information about our services

  • Schedule appointments and process payments securely via Jane App

  • Improve our website and services

  • Send newsletters or updates if you have opted in

We do not use your information for marketing from third parties.

5. Payments

All payments for counselling sessions or workshops are processed securely through Jane App, which encrypts your payment information. Flourish Counselling does not store your credit card details.

6. Cancellations & Refunds

1:1 Counselling Sessions: Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If notice is not given, the session fee will apply. In emergencies, fees may be waived—please contact us as soon as possible.

Workshops: Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a 50% refund. No refunds are available after this period.

7. How We Protect Your Information

We take privacy seriously and use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect your personal information.

  • Website data is secured with industry-standard encryption.

  • Payment and clinical data is collected and stored through Jane App, which is encrypted and PIPEDA-compliant.

  • We do not store your credit card information on our website.

Note: While we take precautions, no method of transmission over the internet or storage is 100% secure.

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies for basic functionality and website analytics.

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: Required for the website to function.

  • Performance Cookies: Help us understand website usage.

You may disable cookies in your browser; however, some website features may not work properly if you do so.

We do not use cookies for advertising, remarketing, or affiliate purposes.

We use Google Analytics in anonymized form to understand website traffic. You can opt out here: Google Analytics Opt-Out.

9. Retention of Information

  • Website and contact information is retained only as long as necessary to provide services or comply with legal obligations.

  • Counselling records are retained for a minimum of 7 years after the last session, or longer if required by law.

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you

  • Request corrections to your personal information

  • Opt-out of newsletters or marketing emails

  • Withdraw consent for us to use your information (except where required by law or necessary to fulfill contractual obligations)

To exercise any of these rights, please email info@kirstensherlock.com.

11. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services to help provide our services, including:

  • Jane App – for scheduling, clinical records, and payments

  • Analytics tools for website performance

These third-party providers are required to protect your personal information and may not use it for other purposes.

12. Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal information if required by law, subpoena, or to protect the legal rights, safety, or property of Flourish Counselling, our clients, or others.

13. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

14. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to other websites. Flourish Counselling is not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page. Your continued use of our website or services constitutes acceptance of any updates.

16. Questions

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Email: info@kirstensherlock.com