Privacy Policy

Thinkwell Philosophical Counselling ("Thinkwell", "we", "us", or "I") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) in South Africa.

By visiting our website, submitting an inquiry, booking a session, or engaging our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

1. What We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide philosophical counselling services and communicate with you.

We collect only the information necessary to provide philosophical counselling services and communicate with you.

• Information you provide directly:

  • Name, email address, phone number (via contact forms, booking requests, or during sessions).

  • Details about your concerns or goals shared during inquiries or sessions (e.g., life challenges, values, or philosophical questions).

  • Payment details (processed securely via third-party providers; we do not store full card information).

• Information collected automatically:

  • Website usage data (e.g., IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent) via basic analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics or similar, if used).

  • Cookies for essential site functionality (e.g., remembering form progress). We do not use tracking cookies for advertising.

• Information from sessions:

  • Notes taken during counselling for continuity and quality (stored securely and confidentially).

We do not collect sensitive personal information (e.g., health diagnoses, religious beliefs, or biometric data) beyond what you voluntarily share in philosophical dialogue.

2. What We Use It For

Your information is used solely to:

• Schedule and conduct philosophical counselling sessions (individual, on-site, or ethics consulting).

• Respond to inquiries and provide requested guidance.

• Process payments and issue invoices.

• Improve our services and website functionality.

• Send occasional newsletters or updates.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (under POPIA)

We process your information based on:

• Your consent (e.g., submitting forms, opting into newsletters).

• Contractual necessity (e.g., providing booked services).

• Legitimate interest (e.g., maintaining session notes for continuity).

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We share information only when necessary and with strict safeguards:

• Payment processors (e.g., PayFast, Stripe, or bank transfers) for transactions.

• Secure online platforms (e.g., Zoom for virtual sessions, Calendly for booking).

• Legal authorities if required by law (e.g., imminent harm or court order).

All third-party providers are POPIA-compliant or equivalent.

5. Data Storage and Security

• Personal data is stored securely on encrypted devices and cloud services (e.g., password-protected notes, South African or EU-based servers).

• Session notes are kept confidential and destroyed or anonymised after an appropriate period (typically 5 years or upon request).

• We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information.

• Request correction or deletion of your data.

• Object to processing or withdraw consent.

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa).

To exercise these rights, contact us at john@praxis.co.za.

7. Children's Privacy

Services are intended for individuals 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 18 without parental consent.

7. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses minimal essential cookies. Analytics (if enabled) are anonymised where possible. You can manage cookies via your browser settings.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this page from time to time. If we do, we’ll post the changes here and update the “last updated” date below.

Last updated: January 2026