Service Agreement & Informed Consent

1. Nature of the Service

By booking a session with Benjamin Sojourner, you acknowledge and agree that you are engaging in Pastoral Guidance.

• Scope of Practice: This service is not psychotherapy, clinical counseling, or medical treatment, and does not substitute for professional psychiatric or clinical mental health care.

• No Medical Diagnosis: The provider does not diagnose, treat, or manage clinical mental health disorders or medical conditions.

• Voluntary Engagement: Participation is entirely voluntary, and you may choose to pause or discontinue sessions at any time.

2. Confidentiality & Legal Limits

The provider maintains strict privacy regarding all session discussions. However, confidentiality must be broken under the following legal and ethical obligations:

• Risk of Harm: If there is a clear, imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

• Mandated Reporting: If there is suspicion or disclosure of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving minors, the elderly, or vulnerable adults.

• Legal Orders: In response to a valid court order or legal subpoena.

3. Online Service Risks & Privacy

You accept the inherent technical and privacy factors associated with online sessions:

• Digital Communication: While secure platforms (such as Psychology Today Sessions) are utilized, standard email and text messaging may not be fully encrypted.

4. Technical Responsibility

You are responsible for securing a stable internet connection, a quiet and private space, and a working device prior to the start of your appointment.

• Refunds or make-up time will not be issued for sessions interrupted or missed due to technology, power, or internet failures on the client's end.

5. Payment & Cancellation Policy

• Fees: All 50-minute sessions are billed at the fixed rate of £30 GBP (or USD equivalent) and must be paid in advance via the provided payment link.

• 24-Hour Notice: Cancellations or requests to reschedule must be made at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled start time.

• Late Cancellations & No-Shows: Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as missed calls, will be charged the full session fee. Paid fees for missed or late-canceled appointments are non-refundable.

6. Emergency & Crisis Protocol

Coaching and pastoral guidance do not include 24/7 crisis response or emergency medical support.

• If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, you agree to immediately contact your local emergency services (e.g., 999 in the UK, 911 in the US/Canada), visit an emergency room, or call a national crisis hotline.

Confirmation

By completing your booking and proceeding with payment, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms, policies, and limits of practice outlined in this agreement.