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Privacy Policy

Privacy Notice & Website Disclosure

Effective Date: May 01, 2025
Steady Heart Counselling – steadyheart.ca
Counsellor: Paul Cellarius, RCC

I. Introduction

This notice explains how Steady Heart Counselling and Paul Cellarius, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), collect, use, and protect personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act (British Columbia) (“PIPA”). By using this website or engaging in counselling services, you consent to the practices described in this Notice.

 

II. Professional Identity & Credentials

Name: Paul Cellarius
Designation: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Registration Body: BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
RCC Number: [Insert number]

Paul is not licensed as a psychologist, psychiatrist, physician, or U.S. therapist. All services are provided solely under his designation as an RCC in British Columbia. Counselling is not yet a provincially regulated health profession in BC.

 

III. Scope of Services

Steady Heart Counselling provides:

  • Individual counselling for adults and teens
  • Trauma-informed and relational therapy
  • Somatic and mindfulness-based approaches
  • Support for anxiety, depression, grief, identity, and relationship concerns
  • Psychoeducation and skill-building

 

Services Not Provided

  • Emergency or crisis intervention
  • Medical or psychiatric diagnosis
  • Medication management
  • Court-ordered assessments or custody evaluations
  • Legal, medical, or financial advice

 

IV. Not for Emergencies

Steady Heart Counselling does not provide emergency services. If you are in crisis, please contact:

  • 911
  • BC Crisis Line: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
  • BC Mental Health Support: 310-6789
  • Or your nearest hospital emergency department

 

V. Collection of Personal Information

Information is collected only as reasonably necessary for providing counselling and operating this website. This may include:

  • Contact information
  • Intake or therapy information
  • Appointment or payment details
  • Email or online inquiries
  • Website analytics information

 

VI. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

A. To Provide Counselling Services

Information is used for assessment, treatment, communication, and record-keeping.

 

B. With Your Consent

Identifiable information is shared with other professionals only with your explicit verbal or written consent (e.g., your doctor, another therapist, a school counsellor, a lawyer). Consent is documented and may be withdrawn at any time.

 

C. As Required or Permitted by Law

Disclosure may occur without consent in situations including:

  • Risk of serious harm to self or others
  • Suspected child or vulnerable-person abuse
  • Court orders or lawful investigations
  • Legal requirements under PIPA

 

D. For Clinical Consultation

De-identified information may be shared with a supervisor or consultant for quality of care. Your identity is never disclosed.

 

E. Administrative Purposes

Such as appointment reminders, billing, and secure payment processing. Personal information is never sold or rented.

 

VII. Your Rights Under PIPA

You may:

  • Request access to your personal information
  • Request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Withdraw consent for future use or disclosure (unless legally required)
  • Ask about privacy and record-keeping practices

Requests must be made in writing. Responses are provided within PIPA timelines (generally 30 days).

 

VIII. Storage, Security, and Retention of Records

  • Records are stored in secure encrypted systems
  • Paper files (if any) are kept in locked locations
  • Some digital services may store data in Canada or the U.S.
  • No digital platform can guarantee absolute security
  • Records are retained 7–10 years per BCACC guidelines, then securely destroyed

 

IX. Website Analytics and Cookies

This website may use:

  • Cookies
  • Google Analytics
  • IP logging
  • Performance and traffic monitoring tools

You may disable cookies in your browser settings.

 

X. Electronic Communication

Email, SMS, and online services have privacy limitations. By contacting Steady Heart Counselling electronically, you acknowledge these risks. Secure alternatives can be arranged for sensitive matters.

 

XI. Fees, Billing, and Payment

If fees are listed on this website, they represent current rates and may change with notice. Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise arranged. Clients are responsible for verifying third-party coverage. No information is sent to insurers without explicit consent.

 

XII. Terms of Website Use

  • This website is for general information only
  • Viewing the site does not create a therapeutic relationship
  • A therapeutic relationship begins only after a formal intake and agreement
  • Content may not be copied without permission
  • External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement

 

XIII. Contact for Privacy Questions or Concerns

Privacy Officer:
Paul Cellarius, RCC
Steady Heart Counselling
Email:  paul@steadyheart.ca 

If unresolved, you may contact:
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC
https://www.oipc.bc.ca

 

XIV. Updates to This Notice

This Notice may be updated periodically to reflect legal, technological, or policy changes. The current version will always appear on this page with a revised effective date.