Disclaimer
Disclaimer & Terms of Service
River's Journey Counseling & River's Journey Wellness, LLC — Mary Madsen-Heskin
By booking, attending, or participating in any service offered by Mary Madsen-Heskin — whether through River's Journey Counseling (counseling services only to Illinois Residents) or River's Journey Wellness, LLC (coaching, mentoring, energy healing, reiki, intuitive or spiritually-based sessions, membership, and events) — you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms below. This agreement takes effect at the time of your first booking or participation and remains in effect for the duration of your engagement with any services offered.
1. Nature of services
Coaching & mentoring is a collaborative, forward-focused partnership designed to support the creation and development of personal, professional, or business goals. Coaching is not psychological counseling, therapy, or medical advice and is not a substitute for mental health or medical treatment.
Counseling (provided solely through River's Journey Counseling, under Mary Madsen-Heskin's license as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, in the state of Illinois for residents who reside in Illinois) is intended to help you identify goals and potential solutions to problems that affect your well-being. While counseling may improve coping skills and overall functioning, it is not a substitute for psychiatric care or medical treatment.
Energy healing, including Reiki, is a gentle, non-invasive energy balancing technique used to promote relaxation and stress reduction. Reiki practitioners do not diagnose medical or mental health conditions, perform medical treatments, prescribe substances, or interfere with treatments provided by a licensed medical professional.
Intuitive & spiritually based guidance is offered for personal exploration and reflective purposes only. It does not constitute professional mental health, medical, legal, or financial advice.
Events, workshops, and membership are offered for educational, community, entertainment, and personal enrichment purposes and are subject to all terms of this agreement.
2. Not medical or mental health advice
No service provided through River's Journey Counseling or River's Journey Wellness, LLC constitutes a substitute for professional medical or mental health diagnosis, treatment, or medication. Always seek the advice of your physician, psychiatrist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical, and/ or mental health, condition. Never delay or disregard professional medical advice based on information or guidance received during our work together.
3. Client responsibility & results
You are fully responsible for your own well-being, decisions, choices, and actions during and after any session or participation. No specific outcomes, results, or transformations are guaranteed. Your progress and success depend on your own personal effort, commitment, and follow-through.
4. Confidentiality
All information shared during our sessions is held in strict confidence, consistent with applicable law and professional ethical standards. Confidentiality has limits. Information may be disclosed without your consent under the following circumstances:
Imminent danger of harm to yourself or to another identifiable person.
Reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or other vulnerable adult, as required under Illinois mandatory reporting laws.
A valid court order or legal subpoena requiring disclosure of records (applicable to counseling services).
Any other circumstance where disclosure is required by state or federal law.
Confidentiality protections may vary between counseling services (governed by HIPAA and Illinois mental health law) and wellness, coaching, or other non-clinical services. Please ask if you have questions about the protections that apply to your specific services.
5. Scope of practice & referrals
Services are provided within the boundaries of Mary Madsen-Heskin's professional training, licensure, and competence. If concerns arise that exceed the scope of services offered — including but not limited to active suicidal or homicidal ideation with intent or plan, acute psychosis, severe trauma requiring specialized clinical intervention, or physical medical emergencies — you will be referred to an appropriate licensed professional, hospital, or emergency services as warranted. It is your responsibility to follow through on any referral or recommendation made.
6. Crisis resources
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency at any time, please contact one of the following resources immediately:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Emergency services: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
7. Assumption of risk & limitation of liability
By participating in any service offered through River's Journey Counseling or River's Journey Wellness, LLC, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with your participation. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Mary Madsen-Heskin, River's Journey Counseling, and River's Journey Wellness, LLC from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, or causes of action arising out of or related to your participation in any session, event, membership, or program.
Nothing in this agreement limits liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or claims that cannot be waived under Illinois law.
8. Governing law
This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any disputes arising out of or related to these terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Illinois.
Acknowledgment
By scheduling, booking, or participating in any service, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or older and are able to make scheduling and participation decision without the permission of a legal guardian, that you have read and understood this entire disclaimer and terms of service, and that you agree to be bound by its terms.