Privacy Policy

 

Privacy Policy for alignwithinwellness.ca

 Last updated: September 3, 2023

1.     Introduction

 Welcome to alignwithinwellness.ca  Align Within Wellness is a virtual wellness boutique providing counselling and health related services to individuals within British Columbia.

We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your person information when you use our website or services.

Please note that this Privacy Policy is written in regard to our website, alignwithinwellness.ca, and does not apply to any information that you provide, or we collect through other means, such as individual therapy. This Privacy Policy is not related to medical charts, appointment history, or any other personal data provided to your therapist to initiate services. If you decide to see a practitioner at Align Within Wellness, your Personal Information is collected and recorded electronically in the secure Canadian based online practice management system Jane App. The appropriate storage and management of these electronic records is dictated by The British Columbia College of Social Workers (BSSCW) and is in alignment with PIPEDA standards.

2.     Information We Collect

2.1  Information You Provide: We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you use our website or services. This may include your name, email address, postal address, phone number, and other information you provide through forms, registration, or communication with us.

2.2  Automatically Collected Information: I may collect certain information automatically, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, and other technical information when you visit our website. I may also use cookies and similar technologies to collect data for analytics and improving our website.

3.     How We Use Your Information

I may use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1  To provide and maintain our website and services.

3.2  To respond to your inquiries, requests, or comments.

3.3  To send you promotional materials, updates, or newsletters if you have opted in to receive them.

3.4  To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights and interests.

4.     Disclosure of Your Information

I may disclose your personal information to:

4.1  Service Providers: Third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and services.

4.2  Legal Authorities: When required by law or as necessary to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property.

5.     Your Choices

You have the right to:

5.1  Access and Correct: Access, correct, or update your personal information by contacting us.

5.2  Opt-Out: Opt-out of receiving promotional materials by following the instructions in my communications or contacting me.

6.     Security

I take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. However, no data transmission over the internet is completely secure.

7.     Changes to this Privacy Policy

 I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and the “Last Updated” date will be revised.

8.     Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at hello@alignwithinwellness.ca

Social Media Policy

 

Social Media Policy for alignwithinwellness.ca

 Effective Date: September 10, 2023

Introduction

Welcome to Align Within Wellness, a healing space committed to providing you with the highest quality counselling services. In today’s digital age, social media platforms and online communication have become integral parts of our lives. It is understandable that clients may wish to connect and share experiences through these public channels. However, it is essential to maintain a professional and ethical therapeutic relationship. This policy outlines guidelines for communication on social media to ensure your privacy and well-being are safeguarded.

 The use of social media in a counselling context requires careful considerations to ensure the privacy and well-being of clients and to maintain professional standards set forth by the British Columbia College of Social Work (BCCSW). As such, the BCCSW requires all Social Workers to present a social media policy.

1.     Purpose of this Policy

1.1  Provide guidance on the use of social media in a professional capacity.

1.2  Safeguard client confidentiality and privacy.

1.3  Maintain the reputation and ethical standards of Align Within Wellness.

2.     Purpose of Align Within Wellness’ Instagram Account

2.1  The purpose of Instagram account operated by Align Within Wellness is to connect individuals to ideas and practices related to mental health and wellness.

2.2  Content shared within this page is purely for educational purposes and is not a replacement for therapy.

2.3  Following this page also does not constitute the establishment of a client/therapist relationship.

2.4  Having a social media presence offers tools and ideas to individuals who perhaps cannot afford counselling or who are not able to initiate services at this time.

3.     Professionalism Boundaries and Ethical Conduct

3.1  Direct Messages: Align Within Wellness may be unable to respond to Direct Messages due to ethical boundaries and considerations.

3.2  Separation of Personal and Professional Accounts: I maintain separate personal and professional social media accounts to avoid any unintentional breaches or client confidentiality or policy violations.

4.     Friending and Following

4.1  Engagement with ‘followers’ ends at the invitation to begin a private connection. As such, representatives of Align Within Wellness will not accept friend requests from current or former clients on personal social media platforms. This action has the potential to blur the boundaries of professional and personal relationships. If you need to contact your clinician between sessions, please email.

4.2  We also kindly request that you refrain from attempting to connect with us on our personal social media accounts to protect your privacy and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.

5.     Confidential Communication

5.1  Our primary mode of communication is through secure and confidential channels, such as emails, phone calls, or our secure client portal.

6.     Seeking Client Information

6.1  I do not search for public information regarding clients. The only (and very rare) exception to this rule is during times of immediate crisis. If a mental health clinician has strong reasoning to be concerned about your welfare, and you have not been in touch via typical methods, accessing a search engine becomes necessary. This is extremely uncommon and if it were to occur, it will be documented and discussed at the following session.

7.     Business Review Through Online Testimonials

7.1  I appreciate your feedback and value your experience with Align Within Wellness. It is possible that you may find my counselling practice on sites such as Google, Bing, etc. Many of these types of engines search for business listings and automatically add a rating feature. Please know that this listing is not my request for a testimonial or ratings.

7.2  If you do choose to leave an online review or testimonial about our services, I ask that you refrain from sharing specific details or information that could compromise your privacy or confidentiality. Please use discretion.

7.3  I will be unable to comment on these reviews, positive or negative, due to confidentiality.

8.     Reporting Concerns

8.1  If you have concerns or questions related to our social media policy or any online communication, please bring them to my attention during your counselling sessions or email hello@alignwithinwellness.ca

9.     Reviews and Updates

9.1 This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in social media platforms, legal requirements, and ethical standards.  

10.  Conclusion

10.1 This social media policy is designed to protect your privacy, ensure professional boundaries, and maintain the highest ethical standards in our therapeutic relationship.

Terms and Conditions

 

Website Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: September 3, 2023

By accessing or using alignwithinwellness.ca, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this website.

1.     Use of the Website

1.1  Eligibility: You must be of legal age to use this website or have the necessary consent from a legal guardian.

1.2  Access and Account: You may need to create an account to access certain features on the website. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account information and for all activities that occur under your account.

2.     User Conduct

By using this website, you agree not to:

2.1  Violate any applicable laws or regulations.

2.2  Use the website for any unlawful or unauthorized purpose.

2.3  Interfere with or disrupt the operation of the website.

2.4  Engage in any activity that could harm or compromise the security of the website.

3.     Content

3.1  User-Generated Content: You may submit, post, or share content on the website. By doing so, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, and perpetual license to use, modify, or reproduce the content for website purposes.

3.2  Ownership: We retain ownership of all content on the website, including text, images, videos, and trademarks.

4.     Privacy

Your use of the website is subject to our Privacy Policy, which outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. You agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

5.     Intellectual Property

5.1  Copyright: All content on this website is protected by copyright laws and is the property of Align Within Wellness unless otherwise indicated.

5.2  Trademarks: All trademarks, logos, and service marks displayed on the website are the property of Align Within Wellness or their respective owners.

6.     Links to Other Websites

This website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of these websites. You access third-part websites at your own risk.

7.     Limitation of Liability

7.1  Disclaimer: This website if provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

7.2  Limitation of Liability: Align Within Wellness shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with the use or inability to use the website.  

8.     Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Align Within Wellness harmless from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including attorney’s fees, arising from your use of the website or violation of these Terms and Conditions.

9.     Changes to Terms and Conditions

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page and the “Last Updated” date will be revise.

10.  Contact Us

 If you have questions or concerns about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at hello@alignwithinwellness.ca