Legal & Compliance

BRYSK Counselling & Consulting Services (“BRYSK,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the confidentiality, privacy, and security of personal information and personal health information in accordance with applicable Ontario and Canadian laws, including the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and, where applicable, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, disclosed, stored, retained, and protected in the course of providing professional counselling and consulting services.

Nothing in this Privacy Policy creates contractual or fiduciary obligations beyond those required by applicable law or professional regulatory standards.

This Policy applies to:

• All counselling and consulting services provided by BRYSK
• All clients, prospective clients, and former clients
• Website visitors and individuals communicating with BRYSK
• Electronic, verbal, written, and digital communications

For the purposes of this Policy:

• Personal Information means information that identifies an individual.
• Personal Health Information (PHI) means identifying health-related information as defined under PHIPA.
• Services means counselling, psychotherapy-related support, and consulting services provided by BRYSK.

We collect only information that is reasonably necessary for providing services, including:

4.1 Personal Information

• Name
• Contact information
• Date of birth
• Emergency contact information

4.2 Personal Health Information

• Health history (as relevant to services)
• Mental health history and presenting concerns
• Assessments and clinical notes
• Treatment plans and progress records
• Session summaries and clinical observations

4.3 Administrative and Financial Information

• Billing and payment details
• Insurance information (where applicable)
• Appointment history

4.4 Technical and Website Data

• IP address
• Browser/device information
• Cookies and analytics data
• Website interaction logs

Information is collected and used strictly for purposes including:

• Providing counselling and consulting services
• Clinical assessment, treatment planning, and service delivery
• Appointment scheduling and administrative communication
• Billing, payment processing, and insurance claims (if authorized)
• Professional supervision, consultation, and quality assurance (de-identified where possible)
• Legal, regulatory, and professional compliance obligations
• Risk management and safety considerations
• Business operations and continuity

We do not use personal information for marketing unrelated to services unless explicit consent is obtained.

Consent is obtained in accordance with PHIPA and applicable law.

Consent may be:

• Express (written, verbal, or electronic), or
• Implied (based on the nature of the service relationship)

Clients may withdraw consent at any time, subject to:

• Legal obligations
• Professional standards
• Insurance requirements
• Safety and risk considerations
• Our ability to continue providing services

Withdrawal of consent may limit or terminate service provision.

We do not disclose personal information or PHI except as permitted or required by law, including:

• With client consent
• To prevent or reduce a serious risk of harm to self or others
• As required by law (including mandatory reporting obligations)
• In response to court orders, subpoenas, or lawful regulatory demands
• To insurance providers with authorization
• To healthcare providers involved in care coordination with consent
• To contracted service providers under confidentiality and privacy obligations

All third-party service providers are required to protect information using safeguards comparable to or greater than those required under PHIPA.

BRYSK may communicate using electronic means such as email, phone, text messaging, or video conferencing.

While reasonable safeguards are used, electronic communication carries inherent risks, including:

• Unauthorized interception
• Data loss or transmission error
• Security breaches outside our control
• Device compromise or user error

By choosing electronic communication, clients acknowledge and accept these risks to the extent permitted by law.

BRYSK is not liable for unauthorized access or disclosure resulting from factors outside our reasonable control.

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to:

• Improve user experience
• Monitor site performance and security
• Understand general usage trends

Cookies can be disabled through browser settings, but this may affect functionality.

BRYSK may use third-party providers for:

• Cloud storage and data hosting
• Practice management systems
• Email and communication platforms
• Payment processing
• Scheduling tools
• IT and cybersecurity support

These providers may store or process data outside Ontario or Canada.

We take reasonable steps to ensure contractual safeguards are in place; however, absolute control over third-party systems cannot be guaranteed.

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of information, including:

• Access controls and role-based permissions
• Password protection and authentication systems
• Encryption where appropriate
• Secure storage systems
• Confidentiality agreements with staff and contractors
• Privacy and security training

Despite these safeguards, no system can guarantee absolute security.

Records are retained only for as long as required under:

• PHIPA requirements
• Professional regulatory standards
• Insurance requirements
• Legal obligations
• Business and clinical necessity

After retention periods expire, records are securely destroyed or permanently de-identified in accordance with accepted professional practices.

Subject to legal limitations, clients may:

• Request access to their records
• Request correction of factual inaccuracies
• Withdraw consent (subject to legal and clinical limits)
• Inquire about our privacy practices
• File complaints with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

Requests may require identity verification and may be subject to legal restrictions or exemptions under PHIPA.

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

BRYSK, its owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from:

• Unauthorized access to information despite reasonable safeguards
• Third-party service provider failures
• Electronic communication risks
• Events beyond reasonable control

Nothing in this section excludes liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

While BRYSK is committed to protecting confidentiality, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to:

• Legal reporting obligations
• Court orders or regulatory requirements
• Risks inherent in electronic communication
• Security threats beyond reasonable control

We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time.

The most current version will always be posted on our website with the updated date. Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy where permitted by law.

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

The parties agree that the courts of the Province of Ontario sitting in the City of Toronto shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of or relating to this Policy, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to BRYSK Counselling & Consulting Services using the contact information provided on our official website.

By accessing, booking, or receiving services from BRYSK Counselling & Consulting Services (“BRYSK,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use or continue using our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and BRYSK to the fullest extent permitted by law.

BRYSK provides professional counselling, psychotherapy-related support, and consulting services delivered by a regulated healthcare professional in Ontario.

Services may include:

• Psychological and psychosocial assessment
• Treatment planning and counselling interventions
• Individual, couples, or family counselling
• Professional consulting services
• Psychoeducation and support services

No Guarantee of Outcomes

You acknowledge that counselling and therapeutic services are not an exact science and that outcomes vary by individual. BRYSK does not guarantee any specific results, improvements, or outcomes.

Services may be delivered via:

• Secure video conferencing platforms
• Telephone sessions
• In-person sessions (where applicable)

Client Responsibility for Technology

For virtual services, you are solely responsible for:

• Internet connectivity
• Device functionality
• Privacy of your environment
• Use of secure communication locations

BRYSK is not responsible for service disruption due to technical failures, internet interruptions, or third-party platform issues.

By booking an appointment, you agree to the following:

• Appointments must be scheduled in advance
• A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellation or rescheduling
• Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) will be charged the full session fee
• Missed appointments (“no-shows”) will be charged the full session fee
• Repeated late cancellations or missed appointments may result in termination of services

Emergency cancellations may be considered at BRYSK’s sole discretion.

BRYSK reserves the right to enforce cancellation fees without exception, unless prohibited by applicable law.

You agree to pay all applicable fees for services rendered.

• Payment is required prior to or at the time of service, unless otherwise agreed in writing
• Accepted payment methods may include Interac e-Transfer, credit/debit cards, and insurance reimbursement (where applicable)
• Fees are subject to change with 30 days written notice
• You remain fully responsible for all unpaid balances

Collections and Recovery

Outstanding balances may be:

• Subject to interest charges where permitted by law
• Sent to third-party collection agencies
• Pursued through legal action

You agree to be responsible for all reasonable costs of collection, including legal fees on a full indemnity basis where permitted.

BRYSK does not guarantee insurance coverage or reimbursement.

You are solely responsible for:

• Confirming eligibility with your insurer
• Submitting claims
• Understanding policy limitations or exclusions

Denial of insurance reimbursement does not affect your obligation to pay for services received.

BRYSK maintains confidentiality in accordance with PHIPA, professional ethics, and applicable law.

However, confidentiality is not absolute and may be broken in circumstances including:

• Risk of serious harm to self or others
• Mandatory reporting obligations (e.g., child protection laws)
• Court orders, subpoenas, or legal demands
• Regulatory investigations
• With your explicit written consent

You acknowledge and accept these legal limits.

You acknowledge that all electronic communication (email, video, messaging, phone) carries inherent risks, including:

• Unauthorized access or interception
• Data breaches beyond BRYSK’s control
• Technical failures or delays
• Third-party platform vulnerabilities

By using remote services, you assume these risks to the fullest extent permitted by law.

BRYSK shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or unauthorized disclosure arising from electronic communication or technology failure, except where required by law.

The therapeutic relationship is strictly professional.

Accordingly:

• Dual relationships are prohibited
• Social media contact is not permitted
• Personal relationships outside therapy are not allowed
• Communications are limited to therapeutic or administrative purposes

BRYSK reserves the right to terminate services if professional boundaries are compromised.

You agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Attend scheduled appointments or provide proper notice of cancellation
• Engage respectfully in services
• Follow clinical recommendations where appropriate
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Pay all fees when due

Failure to comply may result in termination of services.

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

BRYSK, its owners, employees, contractors, and agents shall not be liable for any:

• Indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages
• Loss of data, privacy, or confidentiality resulting from third-party actions
• Outcomes or decisions made by clients based on services provided
• Technical failures or disruptions in service delivery

You acknowledge that you use services at your own risk.

Nothing in this section excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded under applicable law.

Either party may terminate the therapeutic relationship at any time.

BRYSK may terminate services immediately where:

• Clinical appropriateness is no longer indicated
• Safety or risk concerns arise
• Payment obligations are not met
• Professional boundaries are breached
• Continued services are deemed clinically or operationally inappropriate

Upon termination, BRYSK may provide referrals where appropriate but is under no obligation to continue services beyond termination.

Clients remain responsible for all fees incurred prior to termination.

You acknowledge that you are not relying on any representation, promise, or guarantee not expressly stated in these Terms.

All services are provided based on professional judgment and clinical discretion.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BRYSK, its owners, employees, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your use or misuse of services
• Your breach of these Terms
• Your violation of applicable laws
• Your disclosure of confidential information by your own actions

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

You agree that the courts of the Province of Ontario sitting in the City of Toronto shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

BRYSK reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time.

The most current version will be posted on our website. Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

By engaging with BRYSK, you may receive administrative communications related to your services.

You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time, subject to clinical and legal record-keeping obligations.

Questions regarding these Terms may be directed to BRYSK Counselling & Consulting Services using the contact details provided on our website.

The content provided on this website, including all text, graphics, images, resources, blog posts, and other material (collectively, the “Content”), is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.

The Content is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as:

• Professional counselling or psychotherapy advice
• Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
• Legal or financial advice
• A substitute for professional consultation or care

While reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy, BRYSK Counselling & Consulting Services (“BRYSK,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any Content.

Any reliance you place on such Content is strictly at your own risk.

Use of this website or communication through this website does not create a therapist–client, counsellor–client, or professional relationship between you and BRYSK.

A professional relationship is only formed through:

• A formal intake and consent process, and
• A signed or agreed service arrangement with BRYSK

Viewing this website, submitting forms, or contacting BRYSK does not establish any duty of care or therapeutic relationship.

The Content on this website is not intended to be used for crisis situations or urgent mental health needs.

If you are experiencing:

• A medical emergency
• Thoughts of self-harm or harm to others
• A mental health crisis

You must immediately contact:

• Emergency services (911), or
• The nearest hospital emergency department, or
• A qualified crisis support service in your area

BRYSK does not provide emergency or crisis intervention services through this website or electronic communication channels.

All counselling and consulting services provided by BRYSK are delivered under formal professional engagement agreements and are subject to clinical judgment, professional standards, and applicable laws.

No guarantees are made regarding:

• Treatment outcomes
• Improvement of symptoms or conditions
• Specific results from counselling or consulting services

Outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances, participation, and external factors beyond BRYSK’s control.

All electronic communications, including email, messaging, video conferencing, and web-based interactions, involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Unauthorized access or interception
• Data breaches or cybersecurity incidents
• Technical failure, delay, or disruption
• Third-party platform vulnerabilities

Although reasonable safeguards are used, BRYSK does not guarantee the absolute security, confidentiality, or integrity of electronic communications.

By using electronic communication channels, you acknowledge and accept these risks to the fullest extent permitted by law.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

BRYSK, its owners, directors, employees, contractors, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of or in connection with:

• Use of or reliance on this website or its Content
• Inability to access the website or any interruption in service
• Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in Content
• Actions taken or not taken based on Content
• Third-party websites, platforms, or services
• Electronic communication or data transmission failures

This includes, without limitation, any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including loss of data, profits, goodwill, or reputation.

Nothing in this Disclaimer excludes liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

This website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by BRYSK.

BRYSK:

• Does not endorse or assume responsibility for third-party content
• Does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or reliability of external websites
• Is not responsible for any damages or losses arising from third-party websites or services

Accessing external links is at your own risk.

The website and all Content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise.

BRYSK disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to:

• Fitness for a particular purpose
• Non-infringement
• Accuracy or reliability of Content
• Uninterrupted or error-free operation

This Disclaimer is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

You agree that any dispute arising from or related to this Disclaimer, the website, or its Content shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario sitting in the City of Toronto, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

If any provision of this Disclaimer is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

BRYSK reserves the right to modify, update, or replace this Disclaimer at any time without prior notice.

The most current version will always be posted on this website with the updated date. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any revisions to the extent permitted by law.

For questions regarding this Disclaimer, please contact BRYSK Counselling & Consulting Services using the contact information provided on our official website.