Privacy Policy

For: sharhamilton.com (“Site”). “We,” “us,” and “our” refer to Shar Hamilton. 
 

Last updated: January, 2026

1. Who we are
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and protect personal information when you use our Site, contact us, request services, or subscribe to our content. We are a private‑sector organization in British Columbia and our privacy practices are governed by BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

2. What this Policy covers
It covers personal information (information about an identifiable individual) collected through the Site (e.g., contact forms, newsletter sign‑ups, bookings), through email/phone, and during client intake if you become a counselling client. PIPA sets rules for private‑sector organizations in BC on collection, use, disclosure, access, correction and security of personal information.

3. Do not share emergencies or confidential clinical details via the Site
The Site and email are not monitored for emergencies. If you are in crisis or at risk of harm, call 911 or your local crisis line. The Site’s forms are for general inquiries only; please avoid sharing sensitive clinical information online. (We will provide secure intake processes if you become a client.)

4. What we collect

• Contact details: name, email, phone, and message content (when you use forms or email us).

• Optional booking details: preferred days/times (if you request an appointment).

• Website/Cookie data: device, browser, IP address, pages viewed, and interactions for security and analytics. Your Wix‑hosted site uses essential cookies by default; additional cookies may be added if you enable analytics/marketing tools.

• Client records (only if you become a client): information you provide during intake and sessions, kept in accordance with professional standards and PIPA.

5. Why we collect it (purposes)

• To respond to inquiries and provide services you request (consent).

• To operate, secure, and improve the Site (legitimate purposes under PIPA).

• To send articles or updates you subscribe to (consent; you may unsubscribe anytime).

• To meet legal and regulatory obligations (e.g., accounting, record keeping). PIPA requires organizations to collect, use, and disclose personal information only for reasonable purposes and with appropriate consent, subject to limited exceptions.

6. How we get consent
We rely on your express consent (e.g., form submission, subscription) and implied consent where appropriate. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal/contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. See Sections 10–11 on access, correction and contact options.

7. Use of cookies and tracking
Wix places essential cookies for security, stability, and core site functions (e.g., session management). If we enable analytics, marketing pixels or third‑party apps, additional non‑essential cookies may operate; we will display a cookie banner and obtain consent where required. Learn more about cookies used by Wix sites in Wix’s help center.

8. Where data is stored and international transfers
The Site is hosted on Wix. Wix uses a multi‑cloud infrastructure (including its own data centers plus AWS and Google Cloud) with servers in North America and Europe. As a result, your personal information may be stored or accessed outside BC/Canada and subject to the laws of those jurisdictions.

9. Disclosure to third parties
We may disclose personal information to:

• Service providers (e.g., hosting, email, analytics) who assist us in operating the Site and must handle data confidentially;

• Professional service providers (e.g., accountants) as required;

• Law enforcement or regulators, where required or authorized by law. PIPA permits certain disclosures without consent in limited circumstances.

10. Security
We take reasonable organizational, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or loss, consistent with PIPA’s requirements.

11. Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes above or to meet legal requirements, after which we securely delete or anonymize it, as required by PIPA.

12. Your rights
Subject to limited exceptions, you may request access to or correction of your personal information in our custody/control. If you have concerns about our handling of your personal information, you may contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC (OIPC).

13. Children and youth
Our Site is not directed to children under 13. Counselling services for minors require the consent of a parent/guardian or as permitted by law.

14. Links and third‑party content
Our Site may link to external sites. Their privacy practices are independent of ours; please review their policies.

15. Contact
Privacy Officer: Sharlene Hamilton
Email: sharhamiltoncounselling@gmail.com
If we cannot resolve your concern, you may contact the OIPC at (250) 387‑5629 or info@oipc.bc.ca, or by mail at PO Box 9038 Stn. Prov. Govt., Victoria, BC V8W 9A4.

16. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy periodically. The “Last updated” date reflects the most recent changes.