Is everything i tell you confidential?
Confidentiality is paramount to our work together.
I will not tell people that I am seeing you for sessions. Not even if you refer your colleagues, friends, or siblings to me. (Effective 01/01/25, I no longer see clients who are partners of each other, not even for Enneagram sessions.)
* Confidentiality caveats:
I may disclose information if there are compelling professional reasons or as required by law. In situations of clear and imminent danger to you or to others, I may disclose (only) information necessary to protect you or others, and comply with the law. Examples would be plans to commit suicide; revelations of sexual abuse (by someone to you, if recent and requires me to be a mandatory reporter, or by you to someone, especially if there are minor children involved); plans to commit serious bodily harm to another, etc. Before I tell anyone, if feasible, I would inform you about the disclosure and potential consequences, and give you the opportunity to convey compelling reasons why you do not want this disclosed. Additionally, I am required to have ongoing supervision. I may share details of our work together with my supervisor for her input, but always and only with solely your initials instead of your name. I have clients all over the world, plus she is not local to me, so she will never know your identity.
Effective 01/01/25, I am no longer HIPAA Compliant.
(For more on why, see the FAQ re: ARE YOU HIPAA COMPLIANT?)
But I still take great care to ensure confidentiality, especially of your Protected Health Information (PHI). Including:
I will not tell people that I am seeing you for sessions. Not even if you refer your colleagues, friends, or siblings to me. (Effective 01/01/25, I no longer see clients who are partners of each other, not even for Enneagram sessions.)
* Confidentiality caveats:
I may disclose information if there are compelling professional reasons or as required by law. In situations of clear and imminent danger to you or to others, I may disclose (only) information necessary to protect you or others, and comply with the law. Examples would be plans to commit suicide; revelations of sexual abuse (by someone to you, if recent and requires me to be a mandatory reporter, or by you to someone, especially if there are minor children involved); plans to commit serious bodily harm to another, etc. Before I tell anyone, if feasible, I would inform you about the disclosure and potential consequences, and give you the opportunity to convey compelling reasons why you do not want this disclosed. Additionally, I am required to have ongoing supervision. I may share details of our work together with my supervisor for her input, but always and only with solely your initials instead of your name. I have clients all over the world, plus she is not local to me, so she will never know your identity.
Effective 01/01/25, I am no longer HIPAA Compliant.
(For more on why, see the FAQ re: ARE YOU HIPAA COMPLIANT?)
But I still take great care to ensure confidentiality, especially of your Protected Health Information (PHI). Including:
- I maintain a paperless office. This is via Google Workspace.
- I do keep private, process notes on you, for my own use. I will not share them with anyone, not even you. They are protected by law; no one can ever require that I share them. I store them on Google Workspace.
- I keep my computer, software, network, and browsers secure and updated, through such means as: a regularly-changed password on my computer; a password-protected Virtual Private Network (VPN); an encrypted password manager; not using automatic logins (instead, passwords are in the encrypted password manager and only I have access); changing passwords periodically; not using duplicates of passwords; ensuring that I am logged out of accounts after work; not sharing my login credentials; regular software updates; and utilizing a Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) wifi network.
- FYI, a VPN, ‘extends a private network across a public network ... enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.’
- For emails:
- Emails to me are via Google Workspace. They are secure and encrypted at rest (i.e., once they reach me). They are, however, not secure and encrypted in transit (i.e., they could still be intercepted by a third party). And they are not secure and encrypted if stored on your devices.
- I do not use public computers to check my work email.
- I do not read, respond to, or archive my work emails on my phone.
- I do not archive my work emails on my computer (I only use the browser within Google Workplace).
- I strongly recommend that you use a personal email address with me, vs. your work email address, even if you are an organizational client who I see through your job.
- I more strongly recommend that Trauma/Hybrid clients – and any others who do not want our emails found on their devices – create a gmail account to use exclusively with me. If you want extra protection, ONLY receive and send emails from/to me via a secure connection, such as Google’s web browser (vs. storing emails on your computer, phone, or other devices). Search “how to set up secure gmail” for more information.
- For all remote sessions:
- At the top of each session, please speak up, signal me, or email me if you lack any privacy, safety, or security.
- Ensure that you have a private place, where other people: are not present, cannot overhear, and, ideally, will not interrupt.
- Take reasonable steps to ensure the security of our communications (for example, only using secure networks/lines and having password-protected devices).
- For video sessions – whether 1:1 or groups –
- I only use Google Meet (unless you request Zoom, and send that link yourself).
- I am no longer HIPAA Compliant, but still follow HIPAA Compliant guidelines for Google Meet, including: controlling who gets invited; determining whether to permit anonymous guests to join; removing unwanted participants; and prohibiting the recording of sessions (unless you request that, in a private 1:1 session).
- For phone calls:
- I will only call you from; receive, or respond to texts; and receive, or respond to voicemails, on my Google Voice phone number.
- This is triple password-protected; with passwords for: my phone, an encrypted password manager that stores my Google Workspace password, and that password.
- Text messages are not encrypted.
- Voicemails are secure.
- Given all these security precautions, I may not always know if you’ve sent a text or left a voicemail. I’d prefer you communicate via email rather than text message (or voicemail); if you must text (or leave a voicemail), please also send an email.
- For any sessions with more than one person:
- Please understand that work with couples or groups makes it impossible to guarantee confidentiality. However, I will regularly reiterate the importance of confidentiality.
- Please always advocate for yourself and your confidentiality, without exception.
- You may invite anyone to attend a session with you. Keep in mind, however, that lessens your privacy.
- If you schedule a joint session (with a child over age 18, partner, or other person), and either of you also has individual sessions with me, I will maintain a firewall of confidentiality between the joint sessions and your individual sessions. You have the right at any time to request that I remove that firewall, in writing (via email is fine).
what about boundaries?
While we will discuss personal things and develop rapport, this remains a professional relationship. We cannot also be friends. Should we decide we’d rather be friends, we can decide together to end the client-provider relationship.
What do You charge?
- My RATES are effective October 1, 2024. I have a suggested annual rate increase each October 1, corresponding to the type of service you receive. For the Balanced tier, it is a $5 increase for Spiritual Direction and Supervision, or a $10 increase for all other services. Tiers above and below are affected accordingly. It is not required if it is prohibitively expensive for you.
- I only accept payment via Square invoices. For more info:
- you do not need an account, just a credit card; I’ll send an invoice on or before the day of our session (I can also charge your card, if you’d prefer, and authorize that when you pay your first invoice).
- I’ll need to pass along the Square fee to you. It’s lower (just 1%) if you set up payment via ACH (bank) transfers. If that is prohibitive, I can waive the fee for a year, or longer.
- you do not need an account, just a credit card; I’ll send an invoice on or before the day of our session (I can also charge your card, if you’d prefer, and authorize that when you pay your first invoice).
- Please pay for your 1st session at least 48hrs (ideally 2 business days) prior.
- Please pay for all subsequent sessions as soon as possible; no later than the month in which you received services, unless you’ve emailed me to let me know you’re struggling, and when to expect payment.
- If you cancel with less than 48hrs notice, I’ll still expect payment of the invoice. Please carefully review this FAQ page re: my CANCELLATION POLICY.
how often and for how long do we meet?
For Trauma Work and Hybrid clients:
Sessions are usually 1hr., but can be longer while we assess your level of trauma. If you first came for spiritual direction, you know we typically meet monthly, to give you space to consider what’s come up. Sessions more frequently can be useful in Trauma Work. Some clients come 1-2 times a week. If you are feeling suicidal, I strongly suggest that you see someone weekly (me, or, ideally, a combination of providers). If you are not suicidal, but in acute need, start with 1-2 times a week and see how that feels. Once you feel (and we both agree) that you have sufficient Safety and Stabilization between sessions, you can move to every 2 or 3 or 4 weeks. Come for as long as it feels fruitful.
For Spiritual Direction and Supervision clients:
We typically meet monthly, to give you space to consider what’s come up. But more frequently can be useful at the start of our work together and/or with a decision you’re making. In that case, we can meet weekly, or biweekly. After 5 or 6 sessions, we will evaluate together how things are going and whether you are finding what you hoped for.
Once we commit to work together, I ask for you to hold this time of holy listening and sharing as sacred. I’d like you to arrive promptly, and try not to cancel (see my cancellation policy, also in this FAQ).
I’d like you to schedule our sessions far in advance, rather than in response to urgent crises. This is for you as well as for me. “You are not primarily [h]ere to focus on ‘special problems.’ These can eclipse awareness of your whole self—surrendering to and resisting the Truth of your unfolding gifted self ... There are times where such problems can reveal this larger process, but it is that larger process, not the problem, that is the focus ...” (Tilden Edwards, Spiritual Friend).
Sessions are usually 1hr., but can be longer while we assess your level of trauma. If you first came for spiritual direction, you know we typically meet monthly, to give you space to consider what’s come up. Sessions more frequently can be useful in Trauma Work. Some clients come 1-2 times a week. If you are feeling suicidal, I strongly suggest that you see someone weekly (me, or, ideally, a combination of providers). If you are not suicidal, but in acute need, start with 1-2 times a week and see how that feels. Once you feel (and we both agree) that you have sufficient Safety and Stabilization between sessions, you can move to every 2 or 3 or 4 weeks. Come for as long as it feels fruitful.
For Spiritual Direction and Supervision clients:
We typically meet monthly, to give you space to consider what’s come up. But more frequently can be useful at the start of our work together and/or with a decision you’re making. In that case, we can meet weekly, or biweekly. After 5 or 6 sessions, we will evaluate together how things are going and whether you are finding what you hoped for.
Once we commit to work together, I ask for you to hold this time of holy listening and sharing as sacred. I’d like you to arrive promptly, and try not to cancel (see my cancellation policy, also in this FAQ).
I’d like you to schedule our sessions far in advance, rather than in response to urgent crises. This is for you as well as for me. “You are not primarily [h]ere to focus on ‘special problems.’ These can eclipse awareness of your whole self—surrendering to and resisting the Truth of your unfolding gifted self ... There are times where such problems can reveal this larger process, but it is that larger process, not the problem, that is the focus ...” (Tilden Edwards, Spiritual Friend).
what other kinds of intensive, individualized services do you offer?
Some clients draw on my background as a writer and editor to help compose important letters, proposals, research projects, articles, books, etc. These (research, writing, editing) are $155/hr., with an annual $5/hr. rate increase (next up: Oct 1, 2023), as they draw on a broad range of expertise. Of course I also use a sliding scale.
Some clients draw on my decades of experience as a nonprofit management consultant. Those sessions or meetings are also $155/hr., with an annual $5/hr. rate increase (next up: Oct 1, 2023). Of course I also use a sliding scale, especially generously for organizations on the frontlines of homelessness.
Other clients like to draw on my experience (personally and professionally) with holistic practices, including elimination diets; while not an alternative for licensed health care providers, I can fill in gaps and deepen the experience (e.g., recipes, prompts around mindful eating and/or reframe the deprivation as an opportunity to expand in other areas).
Some clients draw on my decades of experience as a nonprofit management consultant. Those sessions or meetings are also $155/hr., with an annual $5/hr. rate increase (next up: Oct 1, 2023). Of course I also use a sliding scale, especially generously for organizations on the frontlines of homelessness.
Other clients like to draw on my experience (personally and professionally) with holistic practices, including elimination diets; while not an alternative for licensed health care providers, I can fill in gaps and deepen the experience (e.g., recipes, prompts around mindful eating and/or reframe the deprivation as an opportunity to expand in other areas).
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
I never wanted this, but enough cancellations, no-shows, and other oddities over the years warranted a precise cancellation policy. Most clients understand that, like therapy or doctor’s appointments, I block out time for you and a cancellation literally costs me money. This policy isn’t meant to make you feel judgment or shame. Things come up, sometimes we cannot honor our commitments, I’ve been on the other side of that fee. I understand. I won’t be upset. I won’t take it personally. AND. I could’ve given that slot to someone else who needed it and would’ve paid for it. So. If you must cancel, or cannot show up promptly, please:
● do so with good reason;
● know that I will allow each client (1) no-show or late cancellation without fee, but I will expect you to review this policy then;
● know, after (1) no-show or late cancellation without fee, the only time I will waive the fee is for serious illness or emergency;
● if you’ll be late: email me at least 5min prior, with estimated time of arrival;
● if you’ve been in touch, by email, with estimated time of arrival, and arrive 15-20min late, we’ll meet the remaining 40-45min;
● if you’ve been in touch, by email, with estimated time of arrival, but arrive more than 20min late, you will forfeit your session and be charged the *full fee, via an invoice from Square, on the date of your scheduled session;
● if you’ve been in touch to say you’re cancelling, then arrive anyway, you will still forfeit your session and be charged the *full fee, via an invoice from Square, on the date of your scheduled session;
● if you have not been in touch, with estimated time of arrival, and arrive more than 10min late, you will forfeit your session and be charged the *full fee, via an invoice from Square, on the date of your scheduled session;
● if cancelling, please do so, via email, at least 48 hours (ideally 2 business days) in advance, so I have time to re-book with clients who can rearrange their schedules;
● if not cancelling 48 hours in advance, you will be charged the *full fee, via Square, on or before the date of your session;
● the *full fee: means that even if you pay a sliding-scale fee, you will be charged my full fee ($105 for Spiritual Direction and Supervision, and $165 for Hybrid/Trauma Work, effective October 2024, rising with annual rate increases). I’m so sorry for that, and didn’t add this for yeeeears, but I could have booked a client who both needed it and could have paid full price, so sliding-scale cancellations cost me exponentially more. Obviously, if that’s financially untenable for you, we can work out another arrangement;
● and finally, if you are late, do not show, or cancel 3 appointments, I think that’s telling us something, so I will not schedule further appointments with you unless we have a conversation that demonstrates to me that you’re ready to prioritize this process.
● do so with good reason;
● know that I will allow each client (1) no-show or late cancellation without fee, but I will expect you to review this policy then;
● know, after (1) no-show or late cancellation without fee, the only time I will waive the fee is for serious illness or emergency;
● if you’ll be late: email me at least 5min prior, with estimated time of arrival;
● if you’ve been in touch, by email, with estimated time of arrival, and arrive 15-20min late, we’ll meet the remaining 40-45min;
● if you’ve been in touch, by email, with estimated time of arrival, but arrive more than 20min late, you will forfeit your session and be charged the *full fee, via an invoice from Square, on the date of your scheduled session;
● if you’ve been in touch to say you’re cancelling, then arrive anyway, you will still forfeit your session and be charged the *full fee, via an invoice from Square, on the date of your scheduled session;
● if you have not been in touch, with estimated time of arrival, and arrive more than 10min late, you will forfeit your session and be charged the *full fee, via an invoice from Square, on the date of your scheduled session;
● if cancelling, please do so, via email, at least 48 hours (ideally 2 business days) in advance, so I have time to re-book with clients who can rearrange their schedules;
● if not cancelling 48 hours in advance, you will be charged the *full fee, via Square, on or before the date of your session;
● the *full fee: means that even if you pay a sliding-scale fee, you will be charged my full fee ($105 for Spiritual Direction and Supervision, and $165 for Hybrid/Trauma Work, effective October 2024, rising with annual rate increases). I’m so sorry for that, and didn’t add this for yeeeears, but I could have booked a client who both needed it and could have paid full price, so sliding-scale cancellations cost me exponentially more. Obviously, if that’s financially untenable for you, we can work out another arrangement;
● and finally, if you are late, do not show, or cancel 3 appointments, I think that’s telling us something, so I will not schedule further appointments with you unless we have a conversation that demonstrates to me that you’re ready to prioritize this process.
What other practical information would be helpful to know?
Sessions will be remote or my office - I will give you the address after you become a client.
I suggest creating time and space to support silence and contemplation. Perhaps: arrange to have the house or office to yourself, hire someone to watch the kids, don’t answer the door, settle into your favorite space, make it a walking session.
At the start of each session, we’ll chat briefly, then I will light a candle.* We will begin with some silence. We’ll begin talking again any time you’re ready. There will be a lot of silence, to allow us each space to hear what’s coming up. (Some say that’s to allow us to hear what the Spirit, the real director, is saying, if that’s your truth. It is mine. It doesn’t have to be yours.)
For all remote sessions:
*the candle is to signal the real start (and close) of our session. Most remote clients have their own candle to make it feel more like we’re in the same room. Please feel free to bring a quote, or begin/end our time together in any way that feels safe to you.
I suggest creating time and space to support silence and contemplation. Perhaps: arrange to have the house or office to yourself, hire someone to watch the kids, don’t answer the door, settle into your favorite space, make it a walking session.
At the start of each session, we’ll chat briefly, then I will light a candle.* We will begin with some silence. We’ll begin talking again any time you’re ready. There will be a lot of silence, to allow us each space to hear what’s coming up. (Some say that’s to allow us to hear what the Spirit, the real director, is saying, if that’s your truth. It is mine. It doesn’t have to be yours.)
For all remote sessions:
- If you are having an emergency, do not resume our video or call; instead, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Call me after you have called 911, or obtained emergency services.
- If the session is interrupted and you are not having an emergency, disconnect and I will wait up to ten (10) minutes for you to join me again in Google Meet. If you cannot reconnect within ten (10) minutes, then call me on my Google Voice phone number I provided you.
- In the event of technical failure beyond a few minutes, I will either provide an alternative means of connection or reschedule for a different time when remote communication is optimal.
- If there is a technological failure and we are unable to resume, you will only be charged the prorated amount of actual session time.
- You agree to risks inherent to the technology of such sessions.
*the candle is to signal the real start (and close) of our session. Most remote clients have their own candle to make it feel more like we’re in the same room. Please feel free to bring a quote, or begin/end our time together in any way that feels safe to you.
What is your policy on gifts beyond your stated fees?
It may, as we work together for a while, be tempting to send me gifts, or even to consider including me in your will or as a beneficiary on life insurance or other policies. A number of clients have felt so inclined. While I am deeply touched, and glad that our therapeutic alliance feels so strong to you, I ask that you please keep gifts to a minimum (both in frequency and cost), and please do not include me in your will or as a beneficiary. The latter is mostly to protect you, so that your grieving family does not feel additional pain. If you cannot think of family or friends to select to receive those gifts, then please consider donating them to a local homelessness organization.
WHAT ABOUT CALLS, TEXTS, AND EMAILS?
It will be tempting for us both to send emails with thoughts, requests for further reading, clarification. But in order to hold sacred the space in our sessions, and respect each other’s boundaries, let’s keep this to the minimum. By all means, bring them to our next session. Please carefully review this FAQ in the section re: IS EVERYTHING I TELL YOU CONFIDENTIAL?
I will respond to your emails as soon as possible, but it might take up to 4 business days. As a rule, I do not return texts or phone calls, I am a one-woman shop and just do not have the time. If an emergency, call 911, 988 (the suicide and crisis lifeline), or a loved one to take you to your local E.R. or CSU (Crisis Stabilization Unit).
I will respond to your emails as soon as possible, but it might take up to 4 business days. As a rule, I do not return texts or phone calls, I am a one-woman shop and just do not have the time. If an emergency, call 911, 988 (the suicide and crisis lifeline), or a loved one to take you to your local E.R. or CSU (Crisis Stabilization Unit).
ARE YOU HIPAA COMPLIANT?
Effective 01/01/25, I am no longer HIPAA Compliant. I was never required to do it, since I am not a licensed therapist, but it felt like an important extra level of care. However, most clients experienced it more as a hindrance than a help. In January 2025, I told Hybrid/Trauma clients during sessions that this – especially my practice of taking formal progress notes (these differ from my own private, process notes), and the reality of their emails forming part of their HIPAA Designated Record Set – would cease. For more info on what this means to you, see the FAQ re: IS EVERYTHING I TELL YOU CONFIDENTIAL?
