Who this policy covers

This website, hypnotherapyaustralia.au, is run by Ernest McLeod, clinical hypnotherapist trading as The Hypno Coach (ABN 36 051 889 105). I provide a health service and hold health information. So I follow the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988, whatever the size of the practice.

What I collect

• When you request a consultation: your first name, phone number and state, and the best time to call. Your email and the general area you’d like help with are optional. Your browser also tells me your time zone.
• If you become a client: contact and payment details, and the health information you share with me for your sessions, such as what you’re working on, relevant history, and my session notes.
• When you use the website: standard technical information such as pages visited and device type, collected through cookies and Google Analytics. This tells me how the site is used, not who you are, and you can block these cookies in your browser settings.

How I use it

To call you back about your request. To provide and follow up your sessions, and send your session audio recordings. To take payment, and to meet my legal and professional duties. I don’t sell your information and I don’t use it for advertising lists. I only email you about anything else if you’ve agreed to it.

Health information

Health information is “sensitive information” under Australian privacy law. I only collect what I need to work with you, with your consent, and I keep it confidential. I only share it without your consent where the law requires or allows it. One example is a serious threat to someone’s life, health or safety.

Who else handles your information

I use a few services to run the practice. They are website hosting, email, Google Analytics, appointment reminders (Apptoto), card payments (Stripe), Google Meet for sessions, and Trustpilot if you choose to leave a review. Some of these services may store data outside Australia. I choose providers that protect data properly, and I only give them what they need.

How it’s kept and for how long

Session notes are stored in encrypted storage and kept for seven years after your last session, then securely destroyed. Sessions are only audio or video recorded if you agree to it in writing first. A recording may be reviewed confidentially with an external health professional, for example for supervision, and never shared otherwise without your consent.

Automated decisions

I don’t use automated decision-making. No computer program makes decisions about you or your care. Website analytics only show how the site is used in general.

Your rights

You can ask to see the information I hold about you, and to correct it if it’s wrong. Email info@thehypnocoach.org and I’ll respond within 30 days. If you’re unhappy with how I’ve handled your information, tell me first so I can put it right. If you’re still not satisfied, you can complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, or to the health complaints body in your state. In South Australia that is the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner, which also publishes the Code of Conduct I work under.

Contact: Ernest McLeod, info@thehypnocoach.org. Last updated 28 September 2026.