Informed Consent / Service Agreement

1. Purpose of this agreement

This Informed Consent and Service Agreement explains the nature of Sacred Reference sessions so you can decide, freely and knowingly, whether to participate. By checking the consent box at booking (or otherwise indicating agreement), you confirm that you have read, understood, and accept this document (version 2026-07-16).

2. Nature of the work

Sacred Reference offers alternative health, somatic, and mytho-shamanic coaching for personal growth and embodied self-exploration — not licensed medical, psychological, or clinical therapy. Sessions are not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.

Work may include conversation, guided attention to bodily sensation (felt sense), somatic practices, inner child integration themes, dream/image exploration, myth and symbol, and mytho-shamanic perspectives. These are offered as coaching and personal-growth frameworks — not as clinical psychotherapy, medical treatment, or licensed counseling.

3. Not a substitute for professional care

• You agree to consult licensed medical, psychiatric, or mental health professionals for diagnosis, treatment, medication, or crisis support.
• If you have a history of trauma, psychiatric diagnosis, or medical conditions, you are encouraged to discuss participation with a licensed provider.
• Sacred Reference does not provide emergency services. In a crisis, call local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.

4. Voluntary participation and risks

Participation is voluntary. You may pause or end a session at any time. Embodied and depth-oriented exploration can bring up intense emotions, memories, physical sensations, or spiritual experiences. You participate at your own risk and accept responsibility for your choices about self-care and professional support outside of sessions.

5. Confidentiality (not HIPAA)

Session content is held in confidence as a matter of professional ethics and respect. However, communications and records are not protected under HIPAA. Limits to confidentiality may include situations involving imminent risk of serious harm, legal requirements, or as described in our Privacy Policy.

6. Online sessions and technology

• Sessions are typically held by secure video in the browser or via related tools.
• You are responsible for a private space, stable connection, and appropriate device setup.
• Technology can fail; if a session is interrupted, we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule or complete the meeting.

7. Recording and session library

When recording is enabled and you have agreed (including portal preferences and this consent), sessions may be recorded for your private library and practice administration. Recordings are intended for personal use only and should not be published or shared publicly without written permission. Processing may include storage, basic editing, and categorization tags aligned with the approach pillars.

8. Your responsibilities

• Provide accurate contact and intake information.
• Arrive free from substances that impair judgment, unless prescribed and managed with a licensed provider.
• Respect the relational container: no harassment, threats, or misuse of recordings or the portal.
• Seek appropriate professional care for medical or mental health needs.

9. Acknowledgment

By agreeing at booking, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to read this Informed Consent, the Terms of Service, and the Privacy Policy; that you understand Sacred Reference is alternative health and embodied coaching for personal growth — not medical or clinical therapy; and that you enter the work voluntarily and at your own risk.