• Diane Laverdure, MSW, RSW, IFOT Therapist

    British Columbia College of Social Workers Registration No. 11287

    Carrying on business as Wolfsong Counselling: Effective March 2026

    Commitment to Confidentiality and Privacy:

    I am a sole practitioner providing therapeutic counselling services in British Columbia. I am committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of your personal information in accordance with British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act and applicable professional and ethical standards.

    As a sole practitioner, I am the primary and only person with routine access to your clinical information.

  • Personal Information I Collect

    Personal information means information about an identifiable individual. In the course of providing counselling services, I may collect:

    • Name, date of birth, and contact information, including phone number and email address

    • Emergency contact information

    • Personal health information relevant to counselling

    • Billing and payment information

    • Extended health insurance details, if applicable

    • Intake forms, correspondence, and session notes

    Information is collected directly from you unless otherwise authorized or required by law.

    Use of Personal Information

    Your personal information is used only for purposes related to:

    • Providing counselling and related services

    • Maintaining clinical records

    • Communicating with you about appointments and services

    • Billing, payments, and receipts

    • Meeting legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements

    • Preventing or reducing the risk of serious harm

    I will only collect, use, or disclose your information for the purposes identified above unless you provide additional consent or disclosure is permitted or required by law.

    Sharing of Information

    Your information is not sold. It is shared or disclosed only in limited circumstances, including:

    • With your explicit consent.

    • With selected third-party service providers who support the operation of my practice or website, such as Jane App, Squarespace, and email platforms.

    • When required by law, for your protection, or in response to a valid legal request.

    Safeguards

    As a sole practitioner, I take reasonable steps to safeguard your personal information, including:

    • Secure storage of paper files in locked cabinets

    • Secure electronic record-keeping and password-protected electronic devices

    • Encrypted practice management or record-keeping systems (if applicable)

    • Secure disposal (shredding or secure digital deletion) of outdated records

    • Limited access — only I have routine access to client files

    In the event of my incapacity, death, or unexpected closure of my practice, arrangements may be made for another qualified professional to securely manage or transfer client records in accordance with legal and ethical obligations.

    Electronic Communication

    Email and text messaging are not fully secure forms of communication. By choosing to communicate electronically, you acknowledge the associated privacy risks.

    Sensitive clinical matters are best discussed during sessions rather than by email or text.

    Website and Online Services

    If you participate in virtual counselling:

    • A secure, privacy-compliant video platform will be used.

    • You are responsible for ensuring privacy at your own location.

    While reasonable safeguards are used, no technology is completely risk-free.

    If online booking is available, information submitted through booking systems is stored securely through third-party providers that meet applicable privacy standards.

    My website may collect limited information, such as cookies or analytics, to improve your browsing experience. You may disable cookies in your browser if preferred. Please note that email and online forms are not always fully secure, and highly sensitive information should not be shared through these channels.

  • Consent

    By engaging in counselling services or providing personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information for the purposes described in this policy. Consent may be provided in writing, verbally, or implied through your participation in counselling services.

    You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual limitations.

    Limits of Confidentiality

    All information shared during counselling sessions is kept strictly confidential, with the following legal exceptions:

    • If there is risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

    • If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child.

    • If records are subpoenaed or ordered by a court

    • If disclosure is otherwise required by law.

    • If disclosure is necessary, only the minimum amount of information required will be shared.

  • Access to Your Information

    You have the right to:

    • Request access to your personal information

    • Request correction of inaccurate information

    • Ask how your information has been used

    Requests must be made in writing. A reasonable administrative fee may apply where permitted by law.

    Record Retention

    Client records are retained in accordance with professional and legal requirements in British Columbia, generally:

    • A minimum of 7 years after your last session

    • For minors, 7 years after reaching the age of majority

    After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

  • Questions or Concerns

    If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact me by email, mail, or phone:

    Wolfsong Counselling

    diane@wolfsongcounselling.ca

    1-778-865-6767

    If your concern relates to my professional conduct or practice as a registered social worker and cannot be resolved directly, you may contact the British Columbia College of Social Workers. If your concern relates to how your personal information has been collected, used, disclosed, protected, or accessed, you may contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia after first attempting to resolve the matter with me directly.

    Updates to This Policy

    This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal, professional, or operational requirements. The most current version will be available upon request.

    This policy is intended to align with British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act and with applicable standards and ethical requirements of the British Columbia College of Social Workers.