This Participation Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between the undersigned participant (“Participant”) and Oak & Ivy Therapy Services, LLC (“Company”), owner and operator of Heart & Harbor.
By registering for and participating in Heart & Harbor, Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1. Nature of the Group
Heart & Harbor is a virtual, psychoeducational community support group designed to provide trauma-informed education, facilitated discussion, and shared community support.
Heart & Harbor is not therapy, and participation does not establish a therapeutic relationship between Participant and Nicole Johnson, LPC, or Oak & Ivy Therapy Services, LLC.
This group is educational and supportive in nature and is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy, psychiatric care, medical treatment, or crisis services.
2. No Therapeutic Relationship
Although the group is facilitated by Nicole Johnson, LPC, participation does not create a therapist-client relationship. Nicole Johnson is not acting as your individual therapist within this space.
If you are currently in therapy, this group is not intended to replace that care. If you are not in therapy and feel you need individualized mental health support, you are encouraged to seek services from a licensed provider in your area.
3. Voluntary Participation
Participation in Heart & Harbor is voluntary. You may choose your level of engagement and may withdraw at any time.
You are responsible for your own emotional well-being before, during, and after each meeting.
4. Confidentiality
The facilitator will maintain confidentiality consistent with professional ethical standards and applicable law.
Because this is a group setting, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. All Participants agree to:
- Respect the privacy of others.
- Refrain from sharing identifying information or personal stories shared within the group.
- Not disclose the identity of other participants outside the group.
- Participants are prohibited from recording any session (audio, video, screenshot, or transcription). Any violation may result in removal from the group.
5. Group Conduct & Safety
To maintain a safe and respectful environment, Participants agree to:
- Communicate respectfully.
- Use “I” statements when sharing personal experiences.
- Refrain from harassment, hate speech, or targeting of individuals or groups.
- Avoid political campaigning, debate, or persuasion.
- Follow facilitator guidance and group structure.
- Respect facilitator decisions regarding group safety.
- The facilitator reserves the right to remove any Participant whose behavior is disruptive, unsafe, or inconsistent with group guidelines.
6. Crisis & Emergencies
Heart & Harbor is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Intent to harm yourself or others
- Severe psychiatric distress
- A mental health emergency
Please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or your local emergency services immediately.
By participating, you acknowledge that you are not in an active crisis and understand that crisis support is not provided in this group.
7. Intellectual Property
Any educational materials, handouts, slides, or written resources provided during Heart & Harbor remain the intellectual property of Oak & Ivy Therapy Services, LLC.
Materials may not be reproduced, recorded, distributed, or shared without prior written permission.
8. Assumption of Risk
Participation in a community discussion about trauma-related topics may evoke emotional responses. By participating, you acknowledge and accept responsibility for your emotional responses and personal decisions.
You agree to hold harmless Oak & Ivy Therapy Services, LLC and Nicole Johnson, LPC, from liability related to your participation in the group, except as otherwise required by law.
9. Donations
Heart & Harbor operates on a community-supported model. Suggested donations are voluntary and do not alter the nature of participation or create a therapeutic relationship.
10. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Idaho.
Agreement: By completing and submitting registration and participating in Heart & Harbor, you acknowledge that you:
- Have read and understand this Agreement.
- Agree to the terms outlined above.
- Understand the scope and limits of this group.
- Accept responsibility for your participation.