Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
Privacy Policy
Melissa Thomson | Joyful Excellence
ABN 39 826 289 629
Effective date: 1 November 2026
I am committed to protecting your privacy and to handling your personal information in line with the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
This policy explains how I collect, use, store and share your personal information when you visit my website, subscribe to my newsletter, download a resource, book a call, attend a workshop, take part in coaching (including ELEVATE), access an online course or membership, or contact me about speaking or the podcast.
1. What personal information I collect
- Your name, email address, phone number and other contact details.
- Your role, workplace and the information you share when you book a call or enquire about my services.
- Coaching information you choose to share, including your answers to diagnostic, reflection and feedback forms, and notes from our sessions.
- Session recordings and transcripts, where a session is recorded.
- Wellbeing information, such as how you are managing stress, energy or overwhelm. This can be health information, which the law treats as sensitive. I only collect it when you choose to share it as part of your coaching.
- Payment and billing details. Card payments are handled by secure third-party processors, and I do not store your full card details.
- How you use my website, through cookies and analytics tools.
2. How I collect it
I collect information directly from you when you:
- subscribe to my newsletter or download a free resource
- book a call or session through my online booking system
- complete a diagnostic, reflection, survey or feedback form
- take part in coaching sessions, workshops, online courses or memberships
- contact me by email, phone, WhatsApp or social media
- make a payment.
3. Why I collect it
I use your personal information to:
- deliver coaching, workshops, courses, speaking and podcast services
- tailor your coaching, and track your progress across your program
- respond to your enquiries, manage bookings and send invoices
- send you my newsletter, resources and occasional offers (you can unsubscribe at any time using the link in each email)
- improve my programs, content and website.
I do not sell or rent your personal information to anyone.
4. Coaching information, recordings and AI
Coaching conversations are confidential. Your coaching agreement sets out the few situations where I may need to share information, such as where someone's safety is at risk or the law requires it.
Sessions may be recorded and transcribed to support your coaching. Any notes or transcripts used with digital or AI-assisted tools are de-identified first. Your name and personal details are never shared with these tools. Recordings are deleted 90 days after your program ends.
My work, ideas and words are my own. I use a small number of secure, privacy-checked AI tools for administrative support, such as editing, organising and reporting.
Wellbeing and health information is kept out of AI tools.
5. How I store and protect your information
Your information is stored using secure, reputable online platforms. These include Squarespace and Acuity Scheduling (website and bookings), Google Workspace (email, documents and forms), Zoom (online sessions), WhatsApp (messages between sessions), Stripe (payments) and Xero (invoicing).
I take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access. These include two-factor authentication on my accounts, and referring to coaching clients by a code rather than by name in my working files.
I keep personal information only for as long as I need it to provide my services and to meet my legal, tax and business record-keeping obligations. After that, I securely delete it or de-identify it.
6. Sharing with third parties
I only share your personal information with the service providers listed above, to deliver my services to you, or where the law requires it. These providers have their own privacy and data protection obligations.
7. Overseas storage
Some of these providers store data outside Australia, including in the United States. By using my services, you consent to your information being stored overseas by these providers.
8. Accessing or correcting your information
You can ask to see the personal information I hold about you, or ask me to correct or delete it, by emailing melissa@melissathomson.live. I will respond within a reasonable time.
9. Complaints
If you have a concern about how I have handled your personal information, please contact me first at melissa@melissathomson.live and I will respond promptly. If you are not satisfied with my response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
10. Changes to this policy
I may update this policy from time to time. The current version will always be on this page, with its effective date at the top.
Contact
Melissa Thomson
Email: melissa@melissathomson.live
Website Disclaimer
Melissa Thomson | Joyful Excellence
By accessing and using this website (https://www.melissathomson.live), including any content, coaching services, podcast episodes, online courses, memberships or downloadable materials, you agree to the following disclaimer.
1. No professional advice
All content on this website, including coaching sessions, online programs, podcasts, blog posts, emails and other communications, is provided for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical, psychological, legal, financial or other professional advice.
If you need specific advice, please seek support from a qualified professional relevant to your situation.
2. Personal responsibility
You are responsible for the decisions you make and the actions you take based on this website and its content. I provide guidance and tools for growth, and the results and progress you make are your own.
3. Coaching services
Coaching is a collaborative and exploratory process. It is not therapy, counselling, or a substitute for medical or mental health care. By engaging in coaching with me, you confirm that you are mentally and physically able to take part, and that you understand the nature of coaching.
4. Online courses and memberships
Any online courses, programs or membership spaces I offer are provided in good faith. Results vary and depend on your own effort and circumstances. You agree to use the material at your own discretion and pace.
5. Podcast content
The views and opinions expressed by guests in any podcast episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect my views. Please use your own judgement before acting on any information.
6. External links
This website may contain links to external websites or resources. I am not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites.
7. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, I am not liable for any loss, injury, claim or damage of any kind resulting from your use of this website, coaching, course or membership content. Nothing in this disclaimer excludes, restricts or modifies any rights you have under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Contact
For questions about this disclaimer, please contact:
Melissa Thomson
Email: melissa@melissathomson.live