Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

Joy on the Journey Counselling is committed to your privacy and to providing clear information about how this website should and should not be used.

Part 1 — Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Joy on the Journey Counselling collects, uses, and protects your personal information in accordance with Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable British Columbia privacy legislation.

Who we are

Joy on the Journey Counselling is a private counselling practice operated by Sara Carpenter, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), based in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. Questions about this policy can be directed to info@joyonthejourneycounselling.com.

What information we collect

We may collect the following personal information:

• Contact details you provide when reaching out — your name, email address, and phone number
• Appointment and intake information submitted through our online booking system (Jane App)
• Information shared through email or written communication prior to or during the counselling relationship
• Technical data automatically collected when you visit our website — such as browser type, device, and pages visited (via Google Analytics, anonymized)

How we use your information

We use your personal information to respond to enquiries, schedule and manage appointments, provide counselling services, and improve our website. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Third-party services

Our practice uses the following third-party platforms, each with their own privacy policies:

• Jane App (janeapp.com) — online booking and practice management
• Google Analytics — anonymized website traffic analysis

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these services directly.

Confidentiality and counselling records

All information shared within the counselling relationship is held in strict confidence in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) and applicable BC law. Exceptions to confidentiality are limited and will be explained clearly at your first session.

Data storage and security

Client records are maintained through Jane App, which uses encrypted, PIPEDA-compliant storage hosted in Canada. We take reasonable precautions to protect your information from loss, theft, and unauthorised access.

Your rights

Under PIPEDA, you have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, request corrections to inaccurate information, and withdraw consent to the collection or use of your information (subject to legal and ethical obligations). To exercise these rights, contact us at info@joyonthejourneycounselling.com.

Cookies and analytics

Our website uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site. This data is anonymized and does not identify individual users. You may opt out via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. Our website may use cookies to improve your experience; you can set your browser to refuse cookies, though this may affect some functionality.

Children’s privacy

When counselling services are provided to minors, consent is obtained from a parent or guardian. Personal information about minors is handled with additional care in accordance with applicable legislation.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.

Part 2 — Disclaimer

Informational purposes only

The information provided on this website — including all pages, blog posts, articles, and other content — is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and does not constitute, professional counselling, psychotherapy, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Reading this website does not create a counsellor-client relationship between you and Joy on the Journey Counselling or Sara Carpenter, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC). A counselling relationship is established only through a formal intake process and a signed consent agreement.

Not a substitute for professional help

The content on this website is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact:

• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7)
• Your local emergency services: 911
• Your family doctor or a walk-in medical clinic

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Accuracy of information

While we make every effort to ensure the information on this website is accurate and current, we make no warranties of any kind about the completeness, accuracy, or suitability of the information provided. Any reliance you place on this information is at your own discretion.

External links

This website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. These links do not constitute an endorsement of those sites or their content, and we accept no responsibility for third-party content.

Jurisdiction

This website is operated from Langley, British Columbia, Canada. Any disputes relating to the use of this website are governed by the laws of British Columbia and Canada.

Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy and Disclaimer, please contact:
Sara Carpenter, RTC
Joy on the Journey Counselling · Langley, British Columbia
info@joyonthejourneycounselling.com