This document outlines my policies related to the use of social media (Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Pinterest, YouTube, Facebook, etc.) This explains how I conduct myself online as a mental health professional.

I welcome any questions or concerns regarding this document, and I hope to address them in our work together. This policy is updated often, according to the most current structure of the ever-changing social media landscape.

Social media pages are not a replacement for therapy or clinical counseling services, nor are they a replacement for mental health or medical care. Content in the form of social media posts is for educational or informational purposes only. No posts can be considered professional advice or counsel.

Privacy

My primary concern is my client’s privacy. If you share this concern, you may want to consider more private ways to follow me on social media sites (such as an RSS feed, private pages, or without subscription,) which would eliminate your having a public link to my content. Please use your own discretion in deciding if you would like to “follow” me or not. You are welcome to follow me, yet there is no expectation of following. 

It is important to know I will not follow you on social media sites. This is done to eliminate the confusion or blurring of lines of our professional therapeutic relationship. This can also compromise your privacy and confidentiality.

If there are things from your social media sites that you think would be helpful for me to know, please share them with me during our sessions directly. We may briefly discuss social media, following, and its impact on our working relationship.

Social Media “Friending”

I do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former therapy clients on any of my social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). I believe that adding clients as friends or contacts on these sites may compromise confidentiality/privacy and blur the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship. Clients have access to secure forms of contact if the need to get in touch with me arises.

Instagram & Facebook Pages

Before private practice, I have built and maintain a well-being and lifestyle brand on social media utilizing Instagram. This audience is not my clients. You might have seen these pages, or even found me through my social media. You are always welcome to view my pages, read articles I post or share, and engage at your own discretion. Again, please note that sharing or liking posts may lead to your compromised privacy as a client or ally of my online presence.

Social media pages might be used for marketing, education, advocacy, and providing content in a technology-based world. A therapeutic relationship is a professional relationship and in today's technological climate, a social media presence or following your therapist on social media is not to be confused with a relationship outside of therapy. All ethical, professional, and therapeutic boundaries are followed and honored in my work.

My social media presence as an influencer and counseling professional is not seeking endorsement, nor is it a request for rating or review from previous or current clients.

Interactions

Please do not use social media to contact me regarding therapy or therapeutic services. There are very few exceptions to this rule and may involve a client’s immediate safety, under which appropriate measures will be taken. My website has contact information, as does my Psychology Today listing. Please use email or office number.

Comments and DM’s not only compromise confidentiality, they are not an encouraged means of communication.

Review Sites

You may find my comments or interactions with me and my work on CBQUALITY Wellness & Lifestyle via social media and/or articles. These sites may include testimonials from social media clients but please note that my listing on these types of sites is not a request for an endorsement or testimonial regarding therapeutic services. These are separate businesses and operate under different guidelines.

The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethic states under code C.3.b. that it is unethical for counselors to solicit testimonials from clients. “Counselors who use testimonials do not solicit them from current clients, former clients, or any other persons who may be vulnerable to undue influence. Counselors discuss with clients the implications of and obtain permission for the use of any testimonial.”