SERVICE AGREEMENT
Bethany S. Ward
This Agreement contains important information about my professional services and business policies.
SERVICES
I view my services as a collaborative process between you, me and anyone else you determine to be appropriate. Our initial sessions will focus on exploring the reasons you are seeking services and gathering some pertinent background information. We will discuss what you hope to accomplish and options in reaching those goals.
I assume you know what is best for you and through our collaboration we can clarify how best to achieve it. My philosophy is to view you as a person whose heart, mind, body and energy are interconnected. My goal is to help facilitate balanced and integrated ways of being that nourish your heart, mind, body and spirit energy.
I see emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual health challenges as normal human experiences, which are impacted by one’s life experiences, genetics, life-styles, and coping strategies. These challenges can be an opportunity to enhance your health as well as an opportunity for growth.
To meet the unique needs of each client, my services integrate current scientific findings with a creative/intuitive process. There are a variety of services in the community that may be helpful to integrate into your work. You are encouraged to explore what combination, if any, might work best for you.
I also respect that it is most important for you to feel comfortable with me. Should you ever have questions or concerns about our process, please feel free to talk about them. I want to encourage you to express that to me and if you request it, I can help facilitate you finding the right professional that best fits your needs and style. My services can have many benefits and some risks. Since such methods may involve discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, and physical discomforts. On the other hand, my services have also been shown to have many benefits such as better relationships, solutions to specific problems, significant reductions in feelings of distress, improved coping skills, and a better sense of well-being. There are no guarantees what you will experience, but I have found you can maximize your success when you put energy into your goals in between the sessions.
SERVICES IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
The services to be provided by the Spiritual Director to the client are face-to-face or electronically-directed, as agreed jointly with the client. Spiritual Direction may address specific personal projects, successes, or general conditions in the client’s life or profession. The goal is to deepen the client’s spiritual life. Spiritual Direction includes value clarification, brainstorming, identifying plans of action, examining modes of operating in life, asking clarifying questions, and making empowering requests or suggestions for action.
Throughout the working relationship, the Director will engage in direct and personal conversations. The client understands that successful Direction requires a co-active collaborative approach between client and Director.
In the direction relationship, the Director plays the role of a facilitator of change, but it is the client’s responsibility to enact or bring about the change.
If the client believes the Direction is not working as desired, the client will communicate and take action to return the power to the coaching relationship.
FEES
The fee for a 50 minute session is $73. Sessions will be scheduled to begin a quarter past the hour.
If you become involved in legal proceedings that require my participation, you will be expected to pay for all of my professional time, including preparation and transportation costs, even if I am called to testify by another party. Because of the significant time and energy associated with legal involvement, I charge $325 per hour for preparation and attendance at any legal proceeding.
I request that you pay the whole fee before each session, unless we have a written agreement otherwise. If you have a balance and do not have an appointment scheduled, you will receive a statement around the 15th of each month for services. Unless there is a financial hardship we have discussed and have developed an alternative arrangement, payment is requested upon receipt of the statement.
SESSIONS
Sessions will normally be 50 minutes in duration. If they are shorter or longer for some reason, the fee will be adjusted according to the quarter hour. Many people meet weekly for the first few sessions then decide on what is the best frequency for them. The frequency can vary depending upon need, schedules and finances.
Sessions are not a substitute for seeking professional medical care or assistance. Therefore, please do not replace the impressions given to you during your session for any advice that has been given to you by a medical professional. If you are in need of medical, health, psychological or psychiatric care, assistance or consultation, seek out a licensed medical professional for a consultation. The information provided during our session is not medical advice and should not be used as a prescription for your medical needs; it is to be used as assistance on your journey of spiritual and personal growth. Astrology and Tarot readings and other metaphysical tools and references on this website, and any reading given within a session, are for entertainment purposes only. This information should not be used by you to replace any professional advice.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Your calls are answered by my 24 hour voice mail system. Please leave a message in my voice mailbox along with the best time to reach you, and I will call back as soon as possible. Brief phone calls (5-10 minutes) to change appointments or clarify information are welcome and will not be charged. However, if phone calls are greater than 10 minutes, they will be charged according to the quarter hour. I do not accept text messages from clients.
If you have an emergency please call 911 or one of the following 24-hour hotline numbers or go to your nearest emergency room.
National Suicide Prevention 800-273-8255
Psychiatric ER/Suicide Hotline 216-623-6888
Rape Crisis Center 216-619-6192
Child Abuse 216-696-KIDS
CLIENTS UNDER THE INFLUENCE
I reserve the right to refuse or terminate a session if you or anyone in the session is suspected to be under the influence of a mood-altering substance. You will be responsible and charged for full payment of the normal fee.
PRIOR HISTORY
You, the client, agree to disclose details of the past or present relevant details and treatment. Spiritual Direction and counseling are not the same and as such, there needs to be a clear distinction between the two. In entering into a DIrection relationship, and accepting this service agreement, you are agreeing that if any mental health difficulties arise during the course of our professional relationship, you will notify me immediately so that I can discuss with you an appropriate referral.
CANCELING APPOINTMENTS
Although it is best to keep regular appointments, there may be times when you cannot come in. It is requested that you contact me with preferably 48 hours ahead, and at least 24 hours in advance to cancel the appointment. If you do not cancel 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the full normal fee for that session with no refund option.
In the spirit of being flexible to unforeseen circumstances, if I have an opening and can reschedule you during that week, or if I can find someone to take your time slot there will not be a charge. Please know that I cannot guarantee confidentiality when using electronic media.
Unfortunately, I’m not able to make any other exceptions to the policy. If I am asked to make an exception it puts me in the role of judging what is reasonable and what is not, which is a role I’m not comfortable being in. I approach our work from a place of acceptance of where you are in your life without judgment and I want to maintain that.
You may pay the missed appointments by check/cash or I will charge your credit card on file accordingly.
STOPPING SERVICES
You have the right to stop your services at any time. I suggest we discuss when you are ready to stop and plan for it accordingly. It is helpful to discuss any feelings you may have as well as talk about strategies to maintain your progress. Some people take periodic breaks, others use the practitioner as one resource in their life and may come in a couple of times a year as a way to maintain their gains. Feel free to discuss all of these options with me when you are ready.
PROFESSIONAL RECORDS
You should be aware that I contain information about you from notes I make about our session. These notes are for my own use and are designed to assist me in providing you with the best care. While the contents of notes vary from client to client, they can include the contents of our conversations, my analysis of those conversations, and how they impact your services.
BLOG AND WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
Photographs on this site are credited to Debra-Lynn Hook where noted, and otherwise the property of Bethany S. Ward or received through Public Domain sources under Creative Commons CCO.
By using this website and/or products/services/advice on this website, you agree to not hold me or any of my affiliates liable for damages including lost profits, lost savings or other incidental, consequential or special damages that may occur from following the advice or ideas shared in my posts, newsletter, Facebook group, or website content, or with the use of any free or paid work that I share.
