What information does Ashley Bargent collect?

Depending on how you interact, information collected may include: your name, email address, phone number and preferred contact method; information submitted through the website contact form; appointment, scheduling and payment information; information you voluntarily share during a consultation; information required to provide counselling or coaching services; clinical notes, assessments and other records related to counselling services; and technical information such as your IP address, browser type and website activity.

How is your information used?

Your information may be used to: respond to questions and consultation requests; schedule and manage appointments; determine whether counselling or coaching may be appropriate; provide counselling or coaching services; maintain accurate professional and clinical records; process payments and provide receipts; communicate service-related information; operate, secure and improve the website; and meet legal, ethical and professional obligations.

How is personal health information handled?

Personal health information is handled in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and the standards of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Coaching and counselling are different services, but information shared in either setting will be treated respectfully and confidentially in accordance with the legal and professional requirements that apply.

What are the limits to confidentiality?

Information shared during counselling or coaching is treated as confidential. It will not be disclosed without your consent unless disclosure is permitted or required by law. Limits to confidentiality may include circumstances involving: a serious and immediate risk of harm; suspected abuse or neglect where reporting is legally required; a court order or other legal requirement; professional consultation or supervision conducted in a manner that protects your identity; or other circumstances permitted or required by applicable law.

Are email, text and online communication secure?

Email, text messaging and website forms may not be completely secure. Please use these channels primarily for scheduling and general administrative communication rather than detailed personal or clinical information. Electronic communication should not be used for emergencies or urgent mental health concerns. If you are in immediate danger or require urgent assistance, call 911 or contact an appropriate crisis service.

How is information protected?

Reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards are used to protect personal information against loss, theft, unauthorized access, use, alteration or disclosure. These measures may include password protection, access controls, secure record systems and appropriate disposal practices. However, no method of electronic communication or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

How long is information retained?

Personal and clinical information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to provide services and satisfy applicable legal, insurance and professional record-keeping requirements. When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted, destroyed or anonymized, as appropriate.

Can I access or correct my information?

You may ask to: access personal information held about you; request a correction to information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete; ask how your information has been used or disclosed; withdraw consent where legally permitted; or raise a question or concern about how your information is handled. Certain legal exceptions may limit access to some information.

Committed to protecting
your privacy

Last updated: 09 / 17 / 2026

At Ashley Bargent Coaching & Counselling (ABCC), maintaining the privacy of clients’ personal information is essential. Your Counsellor/Coach is committed to collecting, using, and disclosing personal information responsibly and only to the extent necessary for the services she provides. Your Counsellor/Coach will make her best efforts, to the best of her abilities, to protect client information. ABCC adheres to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004).

Definition of Personal Information

Personal information is information that could potentially identify an individual. This includes demographic characteristics (such as gender, age and address); physical and mental health issues; or activities and views (such as religion or political opinions).

Collection of Personal Information

Your Counsellor/Coach collects, uses, and discloses personal information in order to best serve her clients. She collects personal information and creates and maintains client files to assess clients’ needs, to advise them of their options and to provide appropriate services.

Protection of Personal Information

Your Counsellor/Coach understands the importance of protecting personal information. All client records are confidential. You must provide written consent if you wish your Counsellor/Coach to disclose identifying information about you to another service provider.
‍

However, there are some specific ethical or legal circumstances when this confidentiality requirement is waived. By law, your Counsellor/Coach is required to reveal information when there is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect, when clients pose a significant danger to themselves or others, or when the court issues an order and/or subpoena for records or testimony.

Communication via Email and Voicemail

From time to time your Counsellor/Coach may need to use email or voicemail to communicate with you. Your Counsellor/Coach will make her best efforts to keep your information secure, but because email and voicemail services are beyond her control, she cannot make guarantees against data breaches.

You agree to use email for administrative purposes only, not for emergencies or for communicating clinical or sensitive information. In an emergency, you agree to call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. Your Counsellor/Coach checks email and voicemail often during weekdays (but not necessarily daily) and responds to messages in order of importance.

‍

Let's Talk

Let's start with a conversation.

You don't need to have a plan before reaching out. If you're feeling stuck or ready for a change, we'll explore what's going on and decide together what the next step looks like.

Book a Free Consultation

Committed to protecting your privacy