Terms of Use
These Terms govern the professional relationship between you ("Client") and Janice James, Counselling Psychologist practising as Unfinished Stories ("the Practitioner"). They apply to all services — in-person, telehealth, and via www.unfinishedstoriestherapy.com ("the Website"). The Practice is based in India and serves both India-based and international clients. By booking a session or using the Website, you accept these Terms.
1. Eligibility & Nature of Services
Services are open to individuals aged 18 and above.
The Practitioner provides psychological counselling and psychotherapy under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHCA) and the RCI Act, 1992 — not medical advice, psychiatric diagnosis, or medication. Clients needing psychiatric care will be referred. These services are not suitable as sole treatment for active psychosis, severe suicidal ideation with plan and intent, or substance dependence requiring medical detox. Therapeutic outcomes are not guaranteed.
2. Appointments, Fees & Payment
Sessions are 50-60 minutes and may be booked via [Website / Email / Phone]. A booking is confirmed only on receipt of written confirmation.
All fees are reviewed with [30 days'] notice.
Cancellations require [24/48] hours' notice via [Email/WhatsApp/Phone]. Late cancellations or no-shows will be charged 100% of the session fee. The Practitioner may cancel due to emergencies without charge. Repeated non-attendance may result in termination. International payments are subject to FEMA 1999 and applicable RBI guidelines.
3. Telehealth & International Client Terms
Online sessions are via [Platform, e.g., Zoom/Google Meet]. The client ensures a private space and stable connection.
Sessions are scheduled in Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30); the client is responsible for time zone conversion.
Unauthorised recording is prohibited and may constitute an offence under the IT Act, 2000 (India) and equivalent laws in the client's country.
International clients acknowledge that: (a) the Practitioner is registered only in India and holds no licence in the client's country; (b) it is the client's sole responsibility to verify the legality of receiving cross-border psychological services in their jurisdiction; and (c) the Practitioner cannot contact local emergency services on the client's behalf.
Prior to commencement, international clients must provide a local emergency contact and local crisis line. The Practitioner cannot be held liable for consequences arising from local legal restrictions on cross-border telehealth.
Note: Key jurisdiction notes: EU/UK — GDPR applies. US — Practitioner is not HIPAA-covered but adopts equivalent standards. Australia — Privacy Act 1988. Canada — PIPEDA. See Part B, Clause 8A for detail.
4. Professional Conduct & Boundaries
The Practitioner maintains professional boundaries per the RCI Code of Conduct.
Outside-session communication (email, WhatsApp) is for administrative purposes only.
The Practitioner will not engage on personal social media with the client.
Dual or romantic relationships are strictly prohibited.
Clients must engage respectfully; abusive or threatening conduct will result in immediate termination and may be reported to authorities.
5. Crisis & Emergency Protocol
These services are not a crisis service and the Practitioner is unavailable 24/7.
India-based clients: contact iCall (9152987821) or Vandrevala Foundation (1860-2662-345), or call 112.
International clients: contact local emergency services (UK: 999/116 123 Samaritans; US: 911/988; Australia: 000/13 11 14; Canada: 911/1-833-456-4566) and their pre-agreed emergency contact.
A personalised safety plan will be developed collaboratively in-session. Imminent risk to life may trigger mandatory disclosure under applicable law.
6. Termination of Services
The Client may end the therapeutic relationship at any time in writing; a closing session is recommended.
The Practitioner may terminate for non-payment (after 7 days notice), repeated non-attendance, conduct issues, scope-of-practice limitations, or ethical conflicts. Reasonable notice and referrals will be provided where safe and appropriate. Referral rights under MHCA 2017, Section 18 are preserved.
7. Liability, Intellectual Property & Governing Law
The Practitioner's liability is limited to fees paid in the preceding 3 months. No liability for client non-disclosure, autonomous decisions, or third-party platform failures. All website content — worksheets, tools, resources — is protected under the Copyright Act, 1957 and is for personal therapeutic use only.
These Terms are governed by Indian law. Disputes are first resolved by negotiation, then mediation; thereafter, courts of New Delhi, Delhi have exclusive jurisdiction. International clients agree to Indian jurisdiction without waiving mandatory local rights. Professional complaints: Rehabilitation Council of India — www.rehabcouncil.nic.in.