Terms & Policies
Communication:
Email communications are unencrypted and therefore not confidential. For this reason, I prefer not to discuss the content of our work together over email, and ask that these means of communication be limited to logistical matters. I will not be responsible or liable for breach of confidentiality if you choose to communicate by these means.
I recommend using an encrypted communication service like Signal for any information that you want to remain confidential. I am open to using Signal to communicate between sessions. Phone calls that last more than 10 minutes will be charged at my hourly rate.
Cancellation Policy:
I have a 24 hour cancellation policy for all appointments and consultations. With the exception of emergencies, if you are unable to notify me of your cancellation within 24 hours, you will be charged full price for the session.
Scope of Practice:
I am a spiritual counselor educated in psychology, not a therapist. It is important that you understand that this is not psychotherapy or health care of any kind. This work is not being done under a license as a mental health practitioner, and as such, the same rights, privileges, and restrictions are not extended to this work. If you feel like psychotherapy or counseling would be helpful, I will be happy to give you an outside referral.
Confidentiality:
It is my intention and commitment to you to protect your personal information and confidentiality to the best of my ability, always. I will always act to maximize your privacy even when you waive your confidentiality. I will not disclose any of your information, or the fact that we are engaged in a professional relationship, to anyone under any circumstances, EXCEPT as follows:
1. If I believe that you are likely to do harm to yourself or to another person, I will take steps to protect you and/or the other person.
2. If I believe that either a minor child or a vulnerable adult has been abused or neglected, I will report this to either Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, or a law enforcement agency. I will, in most cases, discuss my concerns with you first.
3. If information is subpoenaed by a court. Again, I will do my best to protect you in these cases but may be forced to share your personal information.
4. If you commit or threaten a crime against me or within my office premises, your information may be disclosed. This includes damage to property.
5. I sometimes share information with other practitioners, often for the purposes of consultation, but also to maintain safety for all of us. In general, we all strive to maintain confidentiality and not reveal any identifying information. However, in a situation where we learn something about a client which indicates that this work may be unsafe for us or them, we may share the minimal amount of information to help us assess safety, including your identity.
You may request that I destroy the file I keep of your records at any time.
Consulation:
I seek on-going consultation from other professionals as part of my desire to bring you the best possible care. Thus, at times, I may share pieces of your story with a consultation group or colleague. When doing so I will protect your privacy and limit the information I share to the minimum necessary.
Professional Boundaries:
It is my intention to maintain a relatively comfortable, safe, and professional environment where I consider your best interests my priority. Because I have the utmost respect for you and our relationship, professional boundaries are essential so that no harm or damage is done. I uphold the following practices regarding professional relationship boundaries:
1. I will not have a social relationship with you outside of my office. This is a professional boundary, not one of not caring.
2. Before you share reviews or commentary about me in a public or semi-public forum, I request that you communicate your intent to do so prior to actually doing it. This is to keep communication flowing between us.
If you have feedback for me (positive, negative, or ambivalent) it is best for us to discuss this in person as it is likely very important for your work. I always appreciate word of mouth referrals of your friend and associates.
3. I will not, at any time, have sexual contact with you. I will ask for your consent on a case-by-case basis if nonsexual physical contact is indicated, and you may rescind your consent at any time. You may request nonsexual touch.
Fees:
Unless agreed upon otherwise, the fee is $170 for a 50-minute session, $245 for a 75-minute session, and $1200/$1400 for an extended shamanic “day long” session (depending on expected length). The fee is payable in cash at your session. If you must cancel your appointment please contact me at least 24 hours in advance for 50-75 minute sessions, and two weeks in advance for extended “day long” sessions. This ensures I can see other clients in the opening and can plan accordingly. You will be responsible for the full fee when cancellations are received less than 24 hours in advance for 50-75 minute sessions, and for 50% of the fee when cancellations are received less than two weeks in advance for extended shamanic sessions. You will be responsible for the full fee if you do not show up for your appointment, for any session. Fees are subject to increase, and you will be notified 90 days in advance.
Because this is not health care, insurance will not be accepted or charged for this work.
Limitations of this Work:
There is no way to predict the results of this work. Some feel increased relaxation, wellbeing, and peace. Others experience moving energy, emotional release, the surfacing of buried memories and repressed feelings, or visions of images and colors. Some develop insight into an area of life; others feel nurtured or have a spiritual experience. Some experience very little. Sometimes in doing this work things get worse before they get better—this is a natural part of the process. I encourage you to discuss your experiences with me, as they may be an important part of your healing.
This work is not meant to treat any mental health or medical condition.