Terms and Policies

These policies explain how I work, what you can expect, and the shared responsibilities that help create a positive experience for everyone. Last updated July 2026.

Terms & Conditions

Welcome to The Open Composition.

The Open Composition offers therapeutic arts facilitation for adults and youth through individual sessions, workshops, circles, community programs, and creative resources. My intention is to create spaces that are welcoming, respectful, and grounded in discovery.

By using this website, booking a session, attending a one on one online meeting or in small groups, purchasing a product, or participating in any program in person offered by The Open Composition, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

If you have any questions, I encourage you to reach out before booking. I am always happy to help.

1. Nature of Services

The Open Composition provides therapeutic arts sessions, which uses creative practices to encourage personal reflection, self-expression, and exploration.

Sessions may include drawing, painting, collage, journaling, clay, mixed media, creative prompts, mindfulness practices, or other accessible artistic activities and materials.

These services are educational and reflective in nature.

Therapeutic arts sessions with The Open Composition are not psychotherapy, counseling, clinical therapy, medical treatment, or crisis intervention and should not be considered a substitute for formal mental healthcare.

2. Who May Participate

Services are available to adults and youth.

Participants under the age of 18 must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Depending on the nature of the program, a parent or guardian may also be required to remain available during the session.

3. Booking and Payment

Appointments may be scheduled through the website or by direct communication.

Payment information and current session fees are available at the time of booking.

At this stage of the practice, some sessions may be offered on a sliding scale basis or by donation.

Payment is due according to the booking information provided at the time your appointment is confirmed.

4. Cancellation and Rescheduling

Life happens, and flexibility is important.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least a 24 hour notice whenever possible. A credit for a future session will be made available to you for use within six months of purchase.

Appointments cancelled within less than 24 hours or missed are not eligible for a credit. All sessions are non-refundable.

If technical issues prevent an online session from taking place, every reasonable effort will be made to reschedule at no additional cost.

5. Your Participation

You are invited to participate in a way that feels comfortable for you.

During any session you are always welcome to:

  • pause an activity
  • decline a creative invitation
  • ask questions
  • take a break
  • modify activities to meet your needs

There is also no expectation that you create a particular outcome.

6. A Welcoming Community

The Open Composition is committed to creating inclusive, respectful spaces.

Participants are expected to treat themselves and others with kindness and compassion.

Harassment, discrimination, abusive language, or behaviour that disrupts the safety of yourself or others will not be tolerated. This may also result in your participation in a session coming to a close without a refund.

7. Online Sessions

Online sessions require a reliable internet connection and access to the agreed video platform.

Participants are responsible for creating a private environment for themselves whenever possible.

Sessions are not recorded unless both parties provide written consent before the session.

8. Confidentiality

Respecting your privacy in one on one sessions and that of others in small groups is an important part of this practice.

Personal information shared during individual sessions will be treated confidentially except where disclosure is required by law or where there is concern about immediate risk of harm to yourself or another person.

9. Photography and Artwork

Photographs or recordings will never be taken during a session without your permission.

Any artwork you create remains your intellectual property.

The Open Composition will never reproduce, publish, or share what you create without your written consent.

10. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, all written materials, digital downloads, worksheets, creative prompts, website content, logos, branding, graphics, and educational resources created by The Open Composition remain the intellectual property of The Open Composition.

These materials are provided for personal use only and may not be copied, distributed, resold, or reproduced without written permission. There are many free resources available on the internet for anyone to use as well.

11. Accessibility

The Open Composition is committed to making sessions as welcoming and accessible as possible.

If you have accessibility needs, sensory considerations, learning preferences, or require accommodations, please let me know before your session. Whenever reasonably possible, accommodations will be made to support your participation.

12. Health and Wellbeing

Creative reflection can sometimes bring unexpected thoughts or emotions to the surface.

You are encouraged to participate only to the extent that feels supportive for you.

If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis or require immediate psychological or medical assistance, please contact your local emergency services or an appropriate healthcare provider.

13. Limitation of Liability

While every effort is made to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive experience, engaging in therapeutic arts facilitation is voluntary.

You accept responsibility for your own participation and acknowledge that outcomes vary from person to person.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Open Composition shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation in services or use of this website.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where such exclusion is prohibited by applicable law.

14. Website Use

Visitors agree to use this website lawfully and respectfully.

You may not attempt to interfere with the operation of the website, copy website content without permission, introduce malicious software, or take part in activities that compromise the security or functionality of the site.

15. Changes to These Terms

These Terms & Conditions may be updated from time to time.

The most current version will always be available on this website. Continued use of the website or services constitutes acceptance of any revised Terms.

16. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws applicable in the jurisdiction in which The Open Composition operates.

17. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, or if there is anything you would like clarified before participating, I warmly invite you to get in touch at [email protected].

I believe that clarity helps create trust, and trust creates the foundation for meaningful creative work together.

Privacy Policy

At The Open Composition, trust begins with respect, transparency, and care. Your privacy is important.

This Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected when you visit this website, book a session, purchase a digital resource, subscribe to my newsletter, or otherwise interact with The Open Composition. It also explains how your information is used, stored, and protected.

1. Your information

Depending on how you interact with The Open Composition, the following information may be collected:

Personal Information

This may include:

  • Your name
  • Email address
  • Phone number (if provided)
  • Mailing address (if required for a purchase)
  • Emergency contact information (for certain services)
  • Information you voluntarily provide through forms or correspondence

Booking Information

When scheduling a session, information needed to confirm your appointment and provide services will be utilized. This includes your name, email address, phone number, and the session, date, and time you choose.

Payment Information

Payments are processed through Stripe, a trusted third-party payment provider. Your card details are entered directly on Stripe’s secure payment field and are handled by Stripe under their own privacy policy at stripe.com/privacy. I receive confirmation of your payment along with your booking details, but never see or store your full card number.

Website Information

Like many websites, this site may automatically collect:

  • Browser type
  • Device information
  • Pages visited
  • Time spent on the site
  • General location information
  • Cookies and similar technologies

This information helps improve the website and understand how visitors use it.

2. How Your Information Is Used

Your information is used only for purposes related to providing services and maintaining the website.

This may include:

  • Responding to inquiries
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Processing payments
  • Delivering digital products
  • Sending requested newsletters or updates
  • Improving website functionality
  • Meeting legal or accounting obligations

Your information will never be sold to third parties, and it is never used for advertising.

3. Email Communications

If you choose to subscribe to my mailing list, you may receive occasional emails about:

  • Upcoming workshops
  • New digital resources
  • Creative reflections
  • Events
  • Practice updates

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in every email.

4. Cookies

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve your browsing experience.

I do not use tracking or advertising cookies, and I do not run analytics that profile you. The site’s security and content delivery provider (Cloudflare) may set a basic cookie to keep the site secure and running smoothly. The booking tool may set functional cookies needed to complete your booking, and Stripe may set a cookie to help prevent fraud during payment.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings if you prefer.

5. Third-Party Services

A few trusted providers help me run the website, take bookings, and respond to you. Each of these only receives what it needs to do its job:

  • LatePoint handles session scheduling and runs on this site.
  • Stripe processes payments.
  • Resend delivers the email notifications for bookings and contact form submissions.
  • Cloudways and DigitalOcean host the site, and their servers keep standard access logs that include IP addresses.
  • Cloudflare provides security and content delivery.

Each provider has its own privacy practices, and you are encouraged to review their policies if you have questions about how your information is handled.

6. Protecting Your Information

Reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures are taken to help protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

While every effort is made to maintain secure systems, no method of transmitting or storing information online can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

7. Confidentiality of Sessions

Information shared during individual therapeutic arts sessions is treated with care and confidentiality except where disclosure is required by law or where there is concern about immediate risk of harm to yourself or another person.

For group workshops, participants are encouraged to respect one another’s privacy and keep personal stories shared within the group confidential.

8. Children’s Privacy

The Open Composition provides services for adults and youth.

For participants under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent before services are offered.

Personal information relating to minors is collected only as reasonably necessary to provide services and communicate with parents or guardians.

9. Your Choices

You may request to:

  • Access the personal information I hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Update your contact details
  • Withdraw consent for certain communications
  • Request deletion of your personal information where legally appropriate

Some information may need to be retained to comply with legal, tax, or business recordkeeping requirements. To make any of these requests, email [email protected] and I will take care of it.

10. Data Retention

Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or maintain appropriate business records.

Stripe keeps payment records under its own policies and the legal requirements that apply to payment processors.

When information is no longer needed, reasonable steps will be taken to securely dispose of it.

11. External Links

This website may include links to other websites for your convenience or reference.

The Open Composition is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites. I encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

12. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time as the practice or legal requirements evolve.

The most current version will always be available on this website.

Your continued use of the website after changes have been posted indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please feel welcome to get in touch at [email protected].

Professional Disclaimer

The Open Composition was created to offer welcoming spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to reflection, personal expression, and self care. My hope is that every participant feels supported, respected, and free to explore the creative process in a way that feels meaningful to them.

This disclaimer is intended to help you understand the nature of the services I provide and the role they are designed to play.

The Nature of Therapeutic Arts Facilitation

The Open Composition offers therapeutic arts facilitation for adults and youth through individual sessions, workshops, community programs, retreats, and educational resources.

Therapeutic arts sessions use creative expression, including drawing, painting, collage, journaling, mixed media, and other accessible artistic practices, to encourage reflection, self-awareness, creativity, and personal exploration.

These experiences are educational, creative, and reflective in nature.

Every session is unique because each participant brings their own experiences, questions, and perspectives.

What Therapeutic Arts Facilitation Is Not

Therapeutic Arts Facilitation is not psychotherapy, counseling, psychology, psychiatry, clinical art therapy, social work, or medical treatment.

The services offered through The Open Composition are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical or mental health condition.

Participation should never be considered a substitute for care provided by licensed healthcare professionals.

If you are currently receiving medical or mental health care, I encourage you to continue working with your healthcare providers.

Many participants find that creative reflection complements other forms of personal care and wellbeing practices.

Personal Responsibility

Every participant is responsible for making decisions that support their own wellbeing.

You are encouraged to:

  • participate at your own pace
  • pause activities whenever needed
  • ask questions
  • modify creative invitations
  • decline any activity that does not feel supportive

There is no expectation that you share personal experiences. You know yourself best, and your participation is always your choice.

Emotional Responses

Creative expression can sometimes bring unexpected thoughts, memories, or emotions to the surface. This is a natural part of many creative experiences. Some participants leave feeling energized, peaceful, or inspired. Others may experience moments of sadness, vulnerability, uncertainty, or reflection.

There is no “right” emotional response. You are encouraged to approach yourself with gentleness and self-compassion throughout the creative process.

No Guaranteed Outcomes

Every person’s experience is unique.

While many participants report feeling more grounded, connected, creative, or emotionally aware after participating, individual experiences will naturally vary.

The Open Composition does not guarantee specific personal, emotional, psychological, or creative outcomes.

Educational Resources

Digital downloads, workshops, creative prompts, newsletters, blog articles, videos, circles, sessions, and other materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only.

They are intended to inspire reflection and creativity and should not be interpreted as professional medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice.

Youth Participation

Programs for young people are designed to encourage creativity, confidence, emotional expression, and personal growth in age-appropriate ways.

Participation by minors requires the permission of a parent or legal guardian.

Parents and guardians remain responsible for decisions regarding the care and wellbeing of their child.

Crisis and Emergency Situations

The Open Composition is not able to provide crisis intervention or emergency mental health services.

If you believe you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, mental health crisis, or immediate risk of harm, please contact your local emergency services or an appropriately qualified healthcare professional immediately.

If you are already working with a therapist, counselor, physician, or psychiatrist, I encourage you to continue following their guidance.

Limitation of Professional Relationship

Participation in therapeutic arts facilitation does not establish a therapeutic, clinical, medical, legal, or fiduciary relationship.

The relationship is one of facilitator and participant within a creative and educational setting.

Acceptance

By participating in services offered through The Open Composition, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Professional Disclaimer.

You understand the nature and purpose of therapeutic arts facilitation and accept responsibility for your own participation and personal wellbeing.

Accessibility Statement

At The Open Composition, I believe creativity belongs to everyone.

Every person arrives with their own experiences, abilities, identities, ways of learning, and ways of expressing themselves. My hope is to create spaces where people feel welcomed, respected, and able to participate in ways that honor who they are.

Accessibility is not simply about meeting standards. It is about cultivating an environment of care, flexibility, and belonging.

My Commitment

I am committed to creating experiences that are as inclusive and accessible as reasonably possible.

Whether you are joining an online session, attending a workshop, or participating in a community program, I will do my best to reduce barriers and support meaningful participation.

I recognize that accessibility is an ongoing practice of learning, listening, and improving. As The Open Composition grows, I remain committed to continuing this work with humility and openness.

Website Accessibility

I strive to make this website accessible to as many people as possible by:

  • using clear, readable language
  • organizing information with consistent headings
  • choosing colors with good contrast
  • designing pages that are easy to navigate
  • including descriptive alternative text for images whenever practical
  • using legible fonts and thoughtful spacing
  • regularly reviewing the website for opportunities to improve accessibility

If you encounter difficulty using this website, I would genuinely appreciate hearing from you so I can continue improving it.

Online Sessions

If you are participating online, accommodations may include:

  • allowing extra time when needed
  • offering written prompts in addition to spoken instructions
  • adapting activities to suit your preferred pace
  • encouraging breaks whenever helpful
  • modifying creative invitations based on your comfort and ability
  • discussing accessibility needs before our session begins

You are welcome to keep your camera on or off if that feels more comfortable, unless otherwise discussed for a specific program.

In-Person Workshops

For in-person events, I will make every reasonable effort to choose venues that support accessibility.

Whenever possible, I aim to consider:

  • wheelchair access
  • accessible restrooms
  • comfortable seating
  • adequate lighting
  • quiet areas for breaks when available
  • clear signage
  • flexible participation options

Because venues vary, specific accessibility features may differ from event to event. Information about accessibility will be shared whenever possible.

Creative Materials

One of the beautiful things about creative practice is that there is no single “right” way to participate.

Activities can often be adapted to meet different needs, abilities, comfort levels, and learning styles.

If a particular material or activity is not accessible or comfortable for you, we can explore alternative approaches together.

Sensory Considerations

Creative spaces can involve a variety of textures, colors, sounds, and materials.

If you have sensory sensitivities or preferences, please let me know before your session.

Whenever reasonably possible, I will work with you to create an experience that feels supportive and comfortable.

Financial Accessibility

I believe that opportunities for creative reflection should be available to people from a variety of circumstances.

Whenever possible, I offer services through a combination of standard pricing, sliding-scale options, and limited community-supported spaces.

My hope is that cost will not become an unnecessary barrier to participation.

Inclusive Practice

The Open Composition welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, faiths, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, and life experiences.

Every participant deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, kindness, and compassion.

Discrimination, harassment, or behavior that compromises the wellbeing of others is not consistent with the values of this practice and may result in participation being discontinued.

Requesting Accommodations

If there is anything that would help you participate more fully, I warmly encourage you to reach out before your session or event.

Examples might include:

  • mobility accommodations
  • communication preferences
  • sensory considerations
  • learning differences
  • accessibility technology
  • scheduling considerations
  • other individual needs

You never need to justify your request. If an accommodation is possible, I will gladly work with you to make it happen.

Continuous Learning

I recognize that I will not always get everything right, and I remain open to learning from the experiences and perspectives of others.

If you have suggestions that could make The Open Composition more welcoming, I would sincerely appreciate your feedback.

Every conversation helps this practice continue to grow.

Contact

If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss accommodations before participating, please feel welcome to contact me at [email protected].

Refund & Cancellation Policy

At The Open Composition, I understand that life is sometimes unpredictable. Unexpected events, illness, family responsibilities, and changing circumstances are part of being human.

This policy is intended to create clarity while honoring both your time and the time set aside to prepare for your creative session. My hope is that it supports a relationship built on mutual respect, kindness, and understanding.

Individual Sessions

Your appointment time is reserved especially for you.

Because each session includes preparation and limits the availability of appointments for others, I kindly ask that you provide at least a 24 hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. All sessions are non-refundable. However, you may be issued a credit for a future session, valid for six months from the date of purchase.

Rescheduling

If you need to change your appointment, I will gladly help you find another available time.

Appointments rescheduled with at least a 24 hour notice may be moved without any additional fee.

Late Cancellations

Appointments cancelled with less than a 24 hour notice are charged the full session fee.

I understand that genuine emergencies do happen. If unexpected circumstances arise, please contact me as soon as possible. Whenever appropriate, I will do my best to respond with flexibility and care.

Missed Appointments

If you do not attend your scheduled session and have not contacted me in advance, the session will generally be considered a missed appointment and will not be issued a credit.

If something unexpected prevented you from attending, I encourage you to reach out. I believe every situation deserves to be considered with compassion.

If I Need to Reschedule

On the rare occasion that I need to cancel or reschedule a session due to illness, family emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered the opportunity to:

  • reschedule your appointment, or
  • receive a full refund for any payment already made.

Workshops, Retreats, and Group Programs

Cancellation policies for workshops, retreats, and community events may vary depending on the event.

Specific cancellation terms will always be shared during registration.

If an event is cancelled by The Open Composition, participants will receive either:

  • a full refund, or
  • the option to transfer their registration to a future event.

Digital Products

Because digital products, downloadable resources, and printable materials become immediately accessible after purchase, they are non-refundable.

If you experience technical difficulties accessing your purchase or receive the wrong file, please contact me. I will gladly work with you to resolve the issue.

Sliding Scale and Community-Supported Sessions

Sliding-scale sessions are offered as part of my commitment to making therapeutic arts sessions more accessible.

If you have reserved one of these sessions and need to cancel, I kindly ask that you let me know as soon as possible so the appointment can be offered to another participant.

Donations

Voluntary donations made in support of The Open Composition are considered final and are not refundable.

If you believe a donation was made in error, please contact me at [email protected] and I will be happy to review the situation with you. Thank you.