Spiritual Companionship Client-Companion Contract

You are meeting with me as your spiritual director because you want to examine your spiritual life. Although I believe it is appropriate at times to discuss psychological and relational difficulties in the context of spiritual direction, I am not a psychotherapist, nor do I provide such services. In this contract with you, the Spiritual Directee, are referred to as the client. I, the Spiritual Companion, will be referred to as Companion.

I will hold our conversations in strict confidence. Our time together is sacred. I will not reveal the content of our conversations unless I am required to do so by law or court order. You are free to share whatever you choose about our conversations with anyone.

Spiritual integrity is very important to me. As a member of Spiritual Directors International, I abide by their Guidelines for Ethical Conduct.

This policy applies to clients of Angela Rose Harris that attend spiritual companionship sessions.

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Our Relationship

A. Client is solely responsible for creating and implementing his/her/their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions, and results arising out of or resulting from the companionship relationship and his/her/their interactions with the companion. As such, the Client agrees that the Companion is not and will not be liable or responsible for any actions or inaction, or for any direct or indirect result of any services provided by the Companion. Client understands spiritual companionship is not therapy and does not substitute for therapy if needed, and does not prevent, cure, or treat any mental disorder or medical disease.

B. Client further acknowledges that he/she/they may terminate or discontinue the companionship relationship at any time. The Companion my terminate or discontinue the Client relationship at any time.

C. Client acknowledges that companionship does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association and that companionship is not to be used as a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or other professional advice by legal, medical, or other qualified professionals and that it is the Client's exclusive responsibility to see such independent professional guidance as needed. If Client is currently under the care of a mental health professional, it is recommended that the Client promptly inform the mental health care provider of the nature and extent of the companionship relationship agreed upon by the Client and the Companion.

D. Client acknowledges that companionship is a comprehensive process that may involve different areas of his/her/their life, including work, finances, health, relationships, education, and recreation. The Client agrees that deciding how to handle these issues, incorporate spiritual principles into those areas, and implementing choices is exclusively the Client's responsibility.

E. The Client understands that in order to enhance the companionship relationship, the Client agrees to communicate honestly, be open to feedback and assistance, and to create the time and energy to participate fully in the relationship.

Confidentiality

This companionship relationship, as well as all information (documented or verbal) that the Client shares with the Companion as part of this relationship, is bound by the principles of confidentiality set forth in the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct linked above from Spiritual Directors International. However, please be aware that the Client-Companion relationship is not considered a legally confidential relationship (like the medical and legal professions) and thus communications are not subject to the protection of any legally recognized privilege. The Companion agrees not to disclose any information pertaining to the Client without the Client's written consent. The Companion will not disclose the Client's name as a reference without the Client's consent.

Confidential information does not include information that: (a) was in the Companion's possession prior to its being furnished by the Client; (b) is generally known to the public or in the Client's industry; (c) is obtained by the Companion from a third party, without breach of any obligation to the Client; (d) is independently developed by the Companion without use of or reference to the Client's confidential information; (e) the Companion is required by statute, lawfully issued subpoena, or by court order to disclose; (f) is disclosed to the Companion and as a result of such disclosure the Companion reasonably believes there to be an imminent or likely risk of danger or harm to the Client or others; (g) involves illegal activity.

The Client acknowledges his or her continuing obligation to raise any confidentiality questions or concerns with the Companion in a timely manner.

Fees Time of Sessions and Changes

The fee per one-hour session is $75.00, payable before the session. This fee is guaranteed for at least 12 months. Client and Companion commit to begin and end sessions on time. If Client wishes to cancel the appointment and receive a refund, Client will let Companion know at least 24 hours in advance by emailing and texting Companion. Without this notice, Client will pay for the appointment time. Companion will not call or send Client reminders for the session. Although Client and Companion agree to a monthly one-hour session, Client may desire to meet more frequently or for a longer session periodically, and that is fine, as long as Client schedules in advance. If Client would like to share a success or problem with Companion in between sessions, Client may contact Companion via email or phone.

Release of Information

The Companion engages in training and continuing education. That process requires the names and contact information of all Clients for possible verification. By signing this agreement, Client agrees to have only Client's name, contact information and start and end dates of companionship shared with the staff members of educational and verification entities and/or other parties involved in this process for the sole and necessary purpose of verifying the companionship relationship, no personal notes will be shared.

Cancellation Policy

Client agrees that it is the Client's responsibility to notify Companion 24 hours in advance of the scheduled calls/meetings of cancellations. If Client wishes to change the appointment and receive a refund, Client will let Companion know at least 24 hours in advance by emailing and texting Companion. Without this notice, Client will pay for the appointment time. Client will not receive calls or email reminders for the session. Companion reserves the right to bill Client for a missed meeting. Companion will attempt in good faith to reschedule the missed meeting.

Record Retention Policy

The Client acknowledges that the Companion has disclosed her record retention policy with respect to documents, information, and data acquired or shared during the term of the Companion-Client relationship. Such records will be maintained by the Companion in a format of the Companion's choice (print or digital/electronic) for a period of not less than five years. All meetings are recorded through transcription and will be stored indefinitely.

Termination

Either the Client or the Companion may terminate the Agreement at any time with one-week written notice. Client agrees to compensate the Companion for all services rendered through and including the effective date of termination of the companionship relationship.

Limited Liability

Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the Companion makes no guarantees, representation, or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied with respect to the companionship services negotiated, agreed upon, and rendered. In no event share the Companion be liable to the Client for indirect, consequential, or special damages. Notwithstanding any damages the Client may incur, the Companion's entire liability under this Agreement, and Client's exclusive remedy, shall be limited to the amount actually paid by the Client to the Companion under this Agreement for no more than three calls/meetings/sessions/services.

Entire Agreement

This document reflects the entire agreement between the Companion and the client and reflects a complete understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter. This Agreement supersedes all prior written and oral representations. The Agreement may not be amended, altered, or supplemented except in writing signed by both the Companion and the Client.

Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises out of this Agreement that cannot be resolved by mutual consent, the Client and Companion agree to attempt to mediate in good faith for up to 30 days after notice is given. If the dispute is not so resolved, and the event of legal action the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover attorney's fees and court costs from the other party.

Severability

If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable. If the Court finds that any provision of the Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be written, construed, and enforced as so limited.

Waiver

The failure of either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this Agreement.

Applicable Law

This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without giving effect to any conflicts of laws provisions.

Binding Effect

This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permissible assigns.

Please sign and return this agreement.

This Agreement is entered into by and between:

Companion Signature

Angela Harris