This Communication Policy outlines how I communicate with current and prospective clients and how personal information is handled through various communication methods. This policy is intended for website use and is designed to align with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of British Columbia and the ethical standards of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

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This policy applies to non-clinical communications and does not replace the privacy, consent, or confidentiality information provided in my Intake and Informed Consent documentation.

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1. Purpose of Communication

Communication with my practice is intended to:

• Respond to general inquiries about counselling services

• Schedule, reschedule, or confirm appointments

• Provide information related to services, availability, and fees

• Share administrative or logistical information

Website and electronic communications are not intended for counselling, crisis support, or emergency services.

 

2. Methods of Communication

I may communicate with you through the following methods:

• Website contact forms

• Email

• Telephone or voicemail

• Secure video conferencing platforms (for scheduled sessions only)

Each method of communication carries different levels of privacy and security. Reasonable steps are taken to protect your personal information; however, no method of electronic communication can be guaranteed to be fully secure.

 

3. Website Contact Forms

If you choose to contact me through the website, you may be asked to provide limited personal information such as your name and email address. Information submitted through website contact forms is used solely to:

• Respond to your inquiry

• Determine whether my services may be an appropriate fit

Website contact forms are not intended for sharing sensitive personal, clinical, or emergency information.

 

4. Email Communication

Email is commonly used for administrative purposes such as scheduling and general inquiries. While reasonable precautions are taken, email communication is not fully secure and may be subject to interception or misdelivery.

By choosing to communicate via email, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

 

5. Telephone and Voicemail

Telephone communication may be used for scheduling or brief administrative matters. Voicemail messages may be left unless you request otherwise. Messages will be brief and will not include sensitive clinical information.

 

6. Response Times

I aim to respond to non-urgent communications within 1–3 business days. Please note that I do not monitor messages continuously and may not be available outside of regular business hours.

 

7. Emergencies and Crisis Situations

I do not provide crisis or emergency services through my website, email, or voicemail. If you are in immediate danger or require urgent support, please contact:

• Local emergency services (911)

• National Crisis Line (988)

 

8. Record Keeping

In accordance with professional and legal obligations, certain communications (such as emails or messages related to scheduling or service provision) may be documented or retained as part of administrative records.

 

9. Consent and Withdrawal

By contacting me through the website or other communication methods, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information for communication purposes as described in this policy.

You may request alternative communication methods or withdraw consent for certain forms of communication at any time, subject to reasonable limitations.

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10. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about this Communication Policy or your communications with my practice, you may contact:

Alysha Punnett
Alysha Punnett Counselling Services
Email: hello@alyshapunnettcounselling.com
Website: www.alyshapunnettcounselling.com

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11. Updates to This Policy

This Communication Policy may be updated from time to time. The most current version will be available on my website.