Welcome to A Friendly Shoulder. These Terms and Conditions are important and affect your legal rights, so please read them carefully. These Terms govern your access to and participation in our retreats, website, services, and any related materials or communications.

By accessing our website, registering for a retreat, or participating in any A Friendly Shoulder services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and all policies referenced within them. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access our website or participate in any retreat or service.

These Terms apply in addition to, and do not replace, any other agreements you sign with us, including but not limited to the Payment Agreement, Liability Waiver, Retreat Policies, and any intake or consent forms. In the event of any conflict, those signed agreements will also govern your participation.

If you are registering or participating on behalf of another person or as part of a couple, you represent that you have the authority to accept these Terms on their behalf and that both participants agree to be bound by all applicable terms, conditions, and policies.

A Friendly Shoulder reserves the right to modify or update these Terms at any time at its sole discretion. Changes may be communicated through email, website updates, or by revising the “Last Updated” date at the beginning of these Terms. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically. Continued use of our services or participation in any retreat after updates constitutes acceptance of those changes.

 

1. NATURE OF SERVICES AND NO PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP

A Friendly Shoulder retreats and services are designed for personal development, education, and guided support. They are not medical treatment, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, or any form of licensed professional services.

Participation in any retreat or service does not create a doctor-patient, therapist-client, or any other licensed professional relationship between you and A Friendly Shoulder or any of its facilitators.

Any facilitator who holds professional credentials, including in psychology or related fields, is not acting in a licensed clinical capacity within the retreat setting.

You acknowledge that you are not receiving medical, psychological, or therapeutic treatment and that you are solely responsible for seeking licensed care if needed.

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2. NO GUARANTEE OF OUTCOMES

A Friendly Shoulder does not guarantee any specific results from participation in retreats, services, or membership content.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Relationship improvement or reconciliation

• Emotional healing or resolution

• Behavioral or psychological change

• Personal, financial, or life outcomes

Each participant and couple is responsible for their own decisions, actions, and results. Outcomes vary based on individual circumstances, effort, and factors beyond our control.

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3. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS AND APPROVAL

Participation in A Friendly Shoulder retreats is subject to review and approval.

By applying or registering, you acknowledge that:

• You may be required to complete an intake form

• Acceptance into a retreat is not automatic

• We reserve the right to accept or decline any participant or couple at our discretion

This is done to maintain a safe, stable, and supportive environment for all participants.

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4. CRISIS AND MENTAL HEALTH DISCLAIMER

A Friendly Shoulder retreats are not appropriate for individuals experiencing severe psychological distress or crisis.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Active suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• Severe psychiatric conditions requiring clinical care

• Uncontrolled emotional or psychological instability

If you are currently in crisis or require medical or psychological treatment, you agree to seek appropriate licensed professional care instead of participating in a retreat.

By participating, you confirm that you are stable enough to engage in a group environment and take responsibility for your own well-being.

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5. TRAVEL, LOCATION, AND EXTERNAL RISKS

You acknowledge that participation in a retreat may involve travel and exposure to environments outside your normal setting.

A Friendly Shoulder is not responsible for:

• Travel delays, cancellations, or transportation issues

• Weather conditions or natural environmental factors

• Injuries or incidents occurring during travel to or from the retreat location

• Issues related to third-party accommodations or services

You are solely responsible for arranging your travel and ensuring your safety before, during, and after the retreat.

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6. FORCE MAJEURE

A Friendly Shoulder shall not be held liable for any delay, modification, or cancellation of services or retreats due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

• Natural disasters

• Severe weather

• Illness or injury

• Government actions or restrictions

• Property or accommodation issues

• Any unforeseen event that makes the retreat impractical or unsafe

In such cases, we reserve the right to reschedule, modify, or cancel the retreat. Any remedies, including credits or rescheduling options, will be determined at our discretion.

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7. HEALTH AND FOOD RESPONSIBILITY

You acknowledge that meals provided during retreats are for general group consumption and may vary.

You are solely responsible for:

• Disclosing any allergies or dietary restrictions

• Verifying food suitability before consumption

• Managing your own health needs related to food

A Friendly Shoulder is not responsible for allergic reactions, sensitivities, or dietary-related issues resulting from undisclosed or unmanaged conditions.

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8. PRIVACY POLICY

A Friendly Shoulder respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information, including your name, email address, or phone number, with third parties for marketing or unrelated purposes. Your information is used solely for communication, registration, and to provide retreat services.

Please note that payments are processed through third-party providers (such as PayPal or other payment processors). We do not store or have access to your full payment details, including credit card or banking information. All payment data is handled securely by those third-party providers under their own privacy policies.

While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no system can guarantee absolute security. By using our services, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

 

9. ELIGIBILITY

Participation in A Friendly Shoulder retreats and use of our website and services are limited to individuals who are at least 18 years of age.

By registering for a retreat or using our services, you represent and confirm that:

• You are 18 years of age or older

• You have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements

• Your participation does not violate any other agreement or obligation you may have

If you are registering as part of a couple, both participants must meet these requirements and agree to all applicable terms, conditions, and policies.

 

10. REGISTRATION, ACCOUNT AND COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES

In order to access certain areas of the website, including membership content, retreat materials, and the online store, you may be required to create an account with A Friendly Shoulder.

By creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information

• Maintain and update your information as needed

• Keep your login credentials secure and confidential

• Accept full responsibility for all activity that occurs under your account

• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or suspected security breac

You understand that saving payment methods or making purchases through your account is done at your own discretion. Payment information may be stored and processed by secure third-party providers. A Friendly Shoulder does not store or have direct access to your full financial details.

By creating an account, you consent to receive communications from A Friendly Shoulder. These may include emails or notifications related to your account, retreat participation, purchases, scheduling, updates, and other important service-related information. These communications are considered part of your relationship with us.

You also agree that electronic communications from us satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

We may occasionally send promotional emails, including updates about retreats, services, or related offerings. You may opt out of promotional communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions included in those messages.

 

11. TERMS OF SALE

11.1 A Friendly Shoulder Subscriptions, Continuous Subscriptions; Cancellation Policy

A Friendly Shoulder may offer membership access, digital content, or subscription-based services through the website.

By enrolling in any subscription or membership plan, you acknowledge and agree that you authorize A Friendly Shoulder to charge you on a recurring basis (monthly or as otherwise specified at the time of purchase), including any applicable taxes and fees. Your subscription will continue automatically until you cancel it or until we suspend or discontinue the service.

You are responsible for managing your subscription through your account or by contacting us directly. If a “pause” or “hold” option is available, you may use it as provided within your account settings or by request.

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any subscription service, content, or pricing at any time, with or without notice.

 

Cancellation Policy. You may cancel your subscription at any time by contacting us at the provided email address or by following the cancellation process available through your account or payment provider.

If your subscription is processed through a third-party provider such as PayPal, you understand that cancellation may require action within that provider’s system. A Friendly Shoulder is not responsible for delays or errors caused by third-party platforms.

Cancellation will stop future billing but does not retroactively refund previously processed payments unless otherwise required by law or explicitly stated.

Even after cancellation, you may continue to receive non-promotional service-related communications. Promotional emails may be opted out of at any time using the unsubscribe link included in those communications.

11.2 Payment and Billing Information

By providing a credit card or any other accepted payment method, you represent and confirm that you are authorized to use that payment method and that you authorize A Friendly Shoulder, or its third-party payment processors, to charge the full amount of any purchase, subscription, or service you select, including applicable taxes and fees.

All payments are processed through secure third-party providers. A Friendly Shoulder does not store or have direct access to your full payment details.

If your payment method cannot be verified, is declined, or is otherwise not accepted, your order, membership access, or retreat reservation may be delayed, suspended, or canceled. You are responsible for resolving any payment issues in order to complete or maintain your purchase or participation.

You may update your payment information at any time through your account or directly through the applicable third-party payment provider.

You acknowledge that charges may vary depending on selected services, subscription changes, applicable taxes, or other adjustments. You authorize A Friendly Shoulder, or its payment processors, to charge your payment method for the correct and updated amount.

11.3 Pricing and Availability

All services, retreat experiences, memberships, and products offered by A Friendly Shoulder are subject to availability.

We reserve the right to:

• Limit availability for any retreat, service, or product

• Refuse or cancel any order or reservation at our discretion

• Modify, reschedule, or discontinue any retreat, service, or offering

• Make reasonable substitutions when necessary, including but not limited to accommodations, meals, schedules, facilitators, or materials

Retreat experiences are dynamic and may vary based on location, group needs, weather conditions, or other factors. You acknowledge that flexibility is part of the retreat environment.

If you have concerns regarding any purchase or service, you may contact us directly.

11.4 Product Descriptions

We strive to provide accurate descriptions of our retreats, services, memberships, and products. However, A Friendly Shoulder does not guarantee that all descriptions, schedules, images, or content are fully accurate, complete, or error-free.

Retreats, in particular, are experiential and may evolve in real time based on participant needs, group dynamics, and facilitator judgment. No specific outcome, result, or experience is guaranteed.

For any physical products offered through our store, descriptions and images are provided for general informational purposes. Variations may occur due to suppliers, availability, or natural differences in materials or ingredients.

If you believe a product or service was not delivered as described, you must notify us promptly with relevant details.

11.5 Returns and Refunds
All retreat payments are governed by the specific Payment Agreement and Refund Policy signed at the time of booking. Those terms override any general refund expectations stated here.

For physical products purchased through our store:

• You must contact us within 48 hours of delivery if there is an issue

• We may request photo evidence or return of the item before issuing any refund or credit

• Refunds, replacements, or credits are issued at our discretion based on the situation

For memberships, digital content, or subscription services:

• Payments are non-refundable once access has been granted, unless otherwise required by law

You acknowledge that retreat experiences, digital services, and time-based access cannot be returned and are not eligible for standard product refund policies.

 

12. LICENSE TO ACCESS AND USE OUR SITE AND CONTENT

Unless otherwise stated in writing, all content available on the A Friendly Shoulder website, including but not limited to text, materials, retreat content, videos, graphics, logos, images, audio, downloads, digital resources, and overall design (collectively, “Content”), is the property of A Friendly Shoulder or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access and use the Site and its Content for personal, non-commercial use only.

This license does not allow you to:

• Copy, reproduce, distribute, or publicly display any Content

• Modify, adapt, or create derivative works from any Content

• Use any Content for commercial purposes

• Share, resell, or redistribute membership materials, retreat materials, or digital content

• Use automated systems such as bots, scraping tools, or data extraction methods

• Download or store content outside of normal personal use unless explicitly permitted

Any unauthorized use of the Site or Content may result in immediate termination of your access and may violate applicable laws.

Nothing in these Terms grants you any ownership rights to the Content or intellectual property of A Friendly Shoulder or any third party. All rights not expressly granted are reserved.

We reserve the right to revoke access to the Site, membership areas, or any Content at any time, with or without notice, if these Terms are violated.

Some features or materials on the Site may include third-party tools or software, which may be subject to their own terms and conditions. In such cases, those separate terms will apply.

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13. HYPERLINKS

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to create a text hyperlink to the A Friendly Shoulder website for non-commercial purposes only.

This permission is granted under the condition that the link:

• Does not present A Friendly Shoulder, its services, or retreats in a false, misleading, or negative manner

• Is not associated with any content that is illegal, harmful, offensive, or inappropriate

You may not use any A Friendly Shoulder logos, branding, images, or proprietary materials without prior written permission.

You may not frame, mirror, or otherwise display any part of our website, content, or materials within another website or platform without our express written consent.

We reserve the right to revoke this permission at any time.

A Friendly Shoulder is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party websites that may be linked to or from our site. These websites operate independently and are not under our control.

If you choose to visit any third-party site, you do so at your own risk. We recommend reviewing their terms, policies, and privacy practices before engaging with them.

 

14. THIRD-PARTY CONTENT

Our website, membership areas, retreats, or communications may include content, tools, services, or materials provided by third parties.

This may include, but is not limited to:

• Payment processors

• External platforms or software

• Guest facilitators or contributors

• Products or services offered through our store

A Friendly Shoulder does not control, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy, quality, or reliability of any third-party content or services.

Any interaction, transaction, or agreement you enter into with a third party is solely between you and that third party. A Friendly Shoulder is not responsible or liable for any outcomes, damages, or issues arising from such interactions.

 

15. USER CONDUCT

By accessing the A Friendly Shoulder website, participating in any retreat, or using any of our services, you agree to act responsibly, respectfully, and in compliance with all applicable laws.

You are solely responsible for your behavior, actions, and decisions at all times.

You agree that you will not:

• Engage in any harassing, threatening, abusive, intimidating, manipulative, or disruptive behavior toward other participants, facilitators, or staff

• Interfere with the safety, emotional wellbeing, or experience of other participants during retreats or within the online environment

• Use or attempt to use another person’s account without authorization

• Provide false, misleading, or incomplete information

When using the website or membership areas, you also agree that you will not:

• Use the Site in any way that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair its functionality

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Site, accounts, or systems

• Reverse engineer, copy, or attempt to extract source code or protected content

• Use automated tools such as bots, scrapers, or scripts to access or collect data

• Attempt to bypass any security or access restrictions

• Use the Site for any unlawful or unauthorized purpose

During retreats, you further agree that:

• You will follow all guidelines, instructions, and safety rules provided by facilitators

• You will respect the boundaries, privacy, and personal space of others

• You will not engage in behavior that is aggressive, destabilizing, or harmful to the group environment

• You will not use alcohol or recreational drugs during retreat activities if prohibited by retreat rules

A Friendly Shoulder reserves the right to restrict access to the Site, remove content, suspend accounts, or remove participants from a retreat at any time if these terms are violated. In the case of retreat removal due to misconduct, no refund will be provided.

 

16. INDEMNIFICATION

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless A Friendly Shoulder, and its owners, facilitators, employees, contractors, affiliates, partners, representatives, and service providers from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including legal fees and court costs, arising out of or related to your actions.

This includes, but is not limited to, any claims arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the website, services, membership content, or products

• Your participation in any retreat or related activities

• Your behavior toward other participants, facilitators, or third parties

• Any content, communication, or information you provide or share

• Your violation of these Terms or any related agreements

• Your violation of the rights, privacy, or safety of another participant or third party

• Any breach of confidentiality by you

You agree to promptly notify A Friendly Shoulder of any claim involving you that may affect us and to fully cooperate in the defense of such claims.

A Friendly Shoulder reserves the right to assume full control of the defense and settlement of any claim to which this indemnification applies.

This indemnification obligation is in addition to, and not a replacement for, any other agreements you have signed with A Friendly Shoulder, including retreat-specific documents and waivers.

 

17. DISCLAIMERS

Your participation in A Friendly Shoulder retreats, services, memberships, and use of the website is entirely voluntary and at your own risk.

You acknowledge and agree that:

• You are solely responsible for your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being at all times

• You are responsible for informing us of any allergies, medical conditions, or sensitivities and for making appropriate choices regarding food, activities, and participation

• You are responsible for how you interpret, apply, or act upon any information, guidance, or experience provided

All retreats, services, and materials are provided for educational, personal development, and supportive purposes only. They are not medical, psychological, or therapeutic treatment, and no specific results or outcomes are guaranteed.

A Friendly Shoulder does not guarantee:

• Emotional or relationship outcomes

• Personal breakthroughs or improvements

• Resolution of any personal, relational, or psychological issues

• Accuracy or completeness of all content, materials, schedules, or information provided

Retreat experiences are dynamic and may change based on group needs, facilitator judgment, location, or other factors.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, A Friendly Shoulder is not responsible for:

• Any decisions you make during or after participation

• Any emotional reactions or psychological responses

• Any relationship outcomes or changes

• Any misunderstandings or interpretations of information provided

• Any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in website content or materials

We reserve the right to correct any errors, including pricing or service descriptions, and to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the website, services, or offerings at any time without notice or liability.

References to any third-party products, services, or providers do not constitute endorsement or recommendation.

Some jurisdictions may not allow certain disclaimers, so portions of this section may not apply to you.

 

18. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, RELEASE

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, A Friendly Shoulder, including its owners, facilitators, employees, contractors, affiliates, and service providers, shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Emotional distress or psychological impact

• Relationship changes or outcomes

• Loss of income, business, or opportunities

• Personal decisions made during or after participation

• Loss of data, access, or digital content

• Interruptions, delays, or errors in services or website functionality

This limitation applies to any claim arising out of or related to your use of the website, participation in retreats, access to membership content, or purchase of any products or services, regardless of the legal theory involved.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the total maximum liability of A Friendly Shoulder for any claim shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific service, retreat, or product giving rise to the claim.

You agree that your participation is voluntary and that you assume full responsibility for your actions, decisions, and outcomes. You further agree to release, waive, and discharge A Friendly Shoulder from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to your participation, except in cases of proven intentional misconduct.

If you are a resident of a jurisdiction that limits or restricts certain liability waivers, some portions of this section may not apply to you.

 

19. MODIFICATIONS TO THE SITE AND PRODUCTS

A Friendly Shoulder reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the website, membership content, retreats, services, or products at any time, either temporarily or permanently.

This includes changes to:

• Retreat structure, schedule, location, or facilitators

• Membership content or access

• Website functionality or availability

• Products or services offered

Such changes may occur without prior notice and without liability to you.

 

20. DISPUTE RESOLUTION; ARBITRATION

Please read this section carefully. It affects your legal rights.

20.1 Binding Arbitration
Except for disputes involving violations of intellectual property rights or matters eligible for small claims court, you and A Friendly Shoulder agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or related to your use of the website, participation in retreats, or any services or products will be resolved through binding arbitration.

By agreeing to these Terms, you:

• Waive your right to file a lawsuit in court

• Waive your right to a jury trial

All disputes must be resolved through individual arbitration.

20.2 No Class Arbitration, Class Actions or Representative Actions
You agree that any dispute will be handled on an individual basis only.

You may not:

• Bring a claim as part of a class action

• Participate in a class arbitration

• Act as a representative for others in any legal proceeding

All claims must be brought solely in your individual capacity.

20.3 Notice, Information Dispute Resolution
Before filing for arbitration, both parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes informally.

You must provide written notice within 30 days of the issue arising. Your notice must include:

• Your name and contact information

• A clear description of the issue

• The resolution you are requesting

Notice should be sent to the official A Friendly Shoulder contact email.

We will also provide notice to you using your provided contact information.

Both parties agree to attempt good faith resolution within 30 days before proceeding to arbitration.

20.4 Process

If a dispute cannot be resolved informally:

• Arbitration will take place in the State of Texas

• The process will be conducted by a single arbitrator

• Arbitration will follow the rules of JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services)

• The process will remain confidential

Any legal claims must be filed within one year from the date the issue arose. After that, the claim is permanently waived.

You may choose to bring a claim in small claims court if it qualifies.

20.5 Authority of Arbitrator

The arbitrator has the authority to:

• Determine whether a dispute is subject to arbitration

• Make final decisions on the dispute

• Award remedies allowed under applicable law

The arbitrator does not have authority to:

• Conduct class or group proceedings

• Combine multiple individuals’ claims

20.6 Rules of JAMS

By agreeing to these Terms, you acknowledge that you have either:

• Reviewed and accepted the JAMS arbitration rules, or

• Waived your right to challenge those rules

 

21. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE

These Terms, as well as your use of the website, participation in retreats, and purchase of any services or products, are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any dispute that is not subject to arbitration and is not eligible for small claims court will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Texas.

 

22. TERMINATION

A Friendly Shoulder reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to suspend or terminate your access to the website, membership areas, retreats, or any services at any time, with or without notice, for any reason.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms

• Disruptive or unsafe behavior

• Failure to comply with retreat rules or agreements

In the event of termination due to violation of these Terms or misconduct, you will not be entitled to any refund for payments already made, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

23. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision will be removed or limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

 

24. SURVIVAL

Any provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination will remain in effect after termination of your account, participation, or use of services.

This includes, but is not limited to, sections related to:

• Payments and refunds

• Liability limitations

• Indemnification

• Dispute resolution

• Intellectual property

• Confidentiality obligations

 

25. INTERNATIONAL USE

A Friendly Shoulder operates primarily within the United States and makes no representation that its website, services, or retreats are appropriate or available for use outside the United States.

If you access the website or participate in services from outside the United States, you do so at your own initiative and are responsible for complying with any applicable local laws.

 

26. MISCELLANEOUS

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and A Friendly Shoulder regarding your access to and use of the website, participation in retreats, and purchase of any services or products.

You may not assign, transfer, or delegate any of your rights or obligations under these Terms without prior written consent from A Friendly Shoulder. We may assign or transfer our rights and obligations at our discretion without restriction.

If we choose not to enforce any provision of these Terms at any time, that does not mean we waive our right to enforce it in the future.

These Terms are intended solely for the benefit of you and A Friendly Shoulder and do not create any rights for any third party.

 

This Terms of Use was last updated on May 1, 2026.

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