What does it mean to be a Creativity Counselor?

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The informal designation Creativity Counselor refers to a person with the ability to help others connect internally, or to their higher power, to receive awareness and create solutions to issues that may be present, and to ethically communicate observations and information in a way that is helpful, sensitive, and deeply respectful. Creativity Counselors do not do the work of psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers. Creativity Counseling does not treat mental illness, nor does this practice replace any form of therapy provided by mental health professionals. Creativity Counselors believe in traditional mental health modalities and frequently refer their clients to appropriate medical and mental health professionals whenever necessary.

In requesting Creativity Counseling, I understand that to be successful I must be entirely willing to:

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- Recognize that my health and well-being depend directly on how well I care for myself emotionally, physically, and mentally;

- Accept responsibility for myself, my choices, my actions, and acknowledge that this process is for enhancing my own life, not for finding strategies to change others;

- Agree to be on time for my appointments, meet my financial obligations, and have all technology and conferencing software ready, updated, and functioning before my sessions;

- Understand that the Creativity Counselor will use their abilities and expertise to facilitate with my best interests at heart, and is in no way intending to be harmful to me in any way;

- Understand that the Creativity Counselor will work diligently to ensure that all suggestions given are positive in a direction, beneficial in nature, and are presented within a context of kindness and well-being;

- Understand that the Creativity Counselor will inform the me immediately if, in their judgment, I would be better served by another professional or an alternative/complimentary means for reaching my goals;

- Participate wholeheartedly in the process, but take responsibility to inform the Creativity Counselor of any changes in my comfort level and if any process does not resonate with me for any reason, and if they do not have my consent to proceed.

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I know my heartfelt commitment is an important first step in my work here, and my signature below underscores that commitment. If, in all good conscience, I cannot align myself fully with each statement above, I will not proceed with pursuing facilitation sessions and optionally I will voice my concerns with the Creativity Counselor.

I have been advised of the scope of the Creativity Counseling practice offered, and I give my full consent to receiving the above referenced services offered by Nicholas Ryan Howard, M.A.

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I understand that the above name practitioner has been a Creativity Counselor since October of 2011.

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I am aware and understand that if for any reason it becomes necessary for the Creativity Counselor to touch me in any way for any reason, consent will be asked for and optionally granted as per my comfort level. I agree to give permission to the Creativity Counselor to touch me for emergency reasons such as instability, fainting, dizziness, or lack of awareness of surroundings.

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The sessions offered, unless otherwise agreed upon, are in an undetermined number depending on need and choice. Both the Creativity Counselor and myself as the client may choose to stop the sessions at any time. The major purpose of this process is for self-improvement. Those problems of physical or psychological origin must be treated by medical or psychological expert (Business and Professions Code 2908). I also understand that there are no guarantees as to the results or progress, only that the Creativity Counselor will, to the best of their ability, endeavor to accomplish the objective of the sessions, which is to provide support through conversation.

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Nicholas Ryan Howard, M.A. facilitates his sessions as a Master of Spiritual Psychology and has received his credentials through the University of Santa Monica. This discipline neither diagnoses nor treats specific health issues. I am solely responsible for seeking professional medical advice and continuing my own medical treatment and care. Services to be provided do not include the practice of medicine or clinical psychology. As a Creativity Counselor, Nicholas Ryan Howard, M.A., is not a licensed physician nor licensed by the state. The state does not license Creativity Counselors, or any complementary or alternative health care practitioners. These services are non-diagnostic and are complementary to the healing arts services that are licensed by the state (see Business & Prof. Code 2053.5, CA Senate Bill 577, 2003).

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I understand that results vary and that the above name Creativity Counselor does not guarantee results. I understand that Creativity Counseling is not a replacement for medical treatment, psychological/psychiatric services, and/or counseling. I understand that the above-named Creativity Counselor does not treat, prescribe medication for, nor diagnose any medical conditions. I understand and agree that I am not to use any chemicals unless they have been prescribed to me by a licensed physician, nor drink alcoholic beverages on the day of my appointment. I understand that if my practitioner suspects me of chemical influence on the day of my appointment, they may terminate my session and I will be responsible for any fees for that appointment.

I acknowledge that all information about our sessions are kept confidential, except in the following circumstances:

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- When there is risk of imminent danger to myself or to another person, my Creativity Counselor is ethically bound to take necessary steps to prevent such danger;

- When there is suspicion that someone is being sexually or physically abused, or is at risk of such abuse, my Creativity Counselor is legally required to take steps to protect the victim, and to inform the proper authorities;

- When a valid court order is issued for records, my Creativity Counselor is bound by law to comply with such requests.

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I understand that I am free to terminate my sessions at any time.

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I understand that the Creativity Counselor does not take insurance, and all sessions are to be paid for out of pocket.

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I agree to participate in each session to the best of my ability.

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I have accurately provided background information to my comfort level as requested by Nicholas Ryan Howard, M.A., and have not falsified any information or my identity.

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I acknowledge that I am over 18, and the Creativity Counselor does not work with minors.

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I understand that I must provide a 24-hour prior notice of cancellation, or I will be charged the full cost of the session.