Privacy Policy
How we protect and handle your personal information
Last Updated: December 2024
This Privacy Policy describes how GrowthCoach Canada collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our coaching services and website.
Introduction
At GrowthCoach Canada, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us in any capacity.
We understand that personal growth coaching involves sharing sensitive and personal information, and we take our responsibility to protect this information very seriously. This policy applies to all users of our services, including individuals seeking coaching, corporate clients, and website visitors.
By using our services or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We collect various types of personal information that you provide to us directly, including:
- Contact information (name, email address, phone number, mailing address)
- Professional information (job title, company, industry)
- Coaching-related information (goals, challenges, personal development needs)
- Payment information (billing address, payment method details)
- Communication records (emails, chat logs, session notes)
- Feedback and testimonials
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage:
- IP address and device identifiers
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on site
- Referring website
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
Sensitive Information
In the course of providing coaching services, we may collect sensitive personal information that you choose to share during coaching sessions. This may include information about your mental health, personal relationships, career challenges, and other private matters. We treat all such information with the highest level of confidentiality.
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
Service Provision
- Providing personalized coaching services
- Scheduling and conducting coaching sessions
- Developing customized coaching plans and materials
- Tracking your progress and goals
- Processing payments and managing billing
Communication
- Responding to your inquiries and requests
- Sending appointment reminders and follow-ups
- Providing coaching resources and materials
- Sending newsletters and updates (with your consent)
- Conducting satisfaction surveys
Business Operations
- Improving our services and website functionality
- Analyzing usage patterns and preferences
- Ensuring security and preventing fraud
- Complying with legal obligations
- Maintaining business records
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:
Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, such as:
- Payment processing companies
- Cloud storage and hosting providers
- Email and communication platforms
- Scheduling and calendar systems
- Analytics and website improvement services
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law or in good faith belief that such disclosure is necessary to:
- Comply with legal obligations or court orders
- Protect and defend our rights or property
- Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing
- Protect the personal safety of users or the public
Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to appropriate confidentiality protections.
Data Security
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices include:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure server infrastructure and hosting
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
- Access controls and authentication measures
- Regular backup and disaster recovery procedures
While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to promptly addressing any security incidents.
Your Privacy Rights
Under Canadian privacy laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access and Correction
- Request access to your personal information we hold
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Receive a copy of your personal information in a portable format
Deletion and Restriction
- Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
- Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Communication Preferences
- Opt-out of marketing communications
- Update your communication preferences
- Withdraw consent for optional data processing
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Our retention periods are based on:
- The nature of the information and services provided
- Legal and regulatory requirements
- Business and operational needs
- Dispute resolution and legal claims
Generally, we retain coaching-related information for seven years after the completion of services, and website usage data for two years. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and provide personalized content. We use the following types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and security
- Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
- Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.
International Data Transfers
Your personal information may be stored and processed in Canada or other countries where our service providers operate. When transferring information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your privacy rights, including:
- Contractual protections with service providers
- Compliance with applicable data protection laws
- Implementation of technical and organizational security measures
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will:
- Post the updated policy on our website
- Update the "Last Updated" date
- Notify you via email if you have an active coaching relationship
- Obtain your consent if required by law
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
GrowthCoach Canada
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (416) 555-0123
Address: 123 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5K 1N2
We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and transparently.