Simple Smyles – Terms & Conditions, Participant Agreement, and Waiver

1. Purpose and Scope

This psychoeducational workshop is designed for informational and wellness purposes only. It does not constitute psychotherapy, counselling, or medical treatment. Participation does not create a therapeutic relationship with Simple Smyles or its facilitators.

Workshops are developed and facilitated by professionals who adhere to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, including principles of informed consent, privacy, and professional boundaries.

2. Voluntary Participation & Scope of Services

Participation is entirely voluntary. All information provided is general and educational in nature and not intended to replace individualized professional advice, assessment, or treatment. You understand and accept that:

  • No individualized clinical services are provided

  • No diagnosis, treatment, or therapy is being offered

  • You remain responsible for your own health and wellbeing throughout your participation

3. Confidentiality & Use of Online Platforms

Virtual workshops are delivered via third-party platforms (e.g., Zoom or Google Meet), which may store data outside of Canada. While privacy and security settings are used, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of internet-based technologies.

By participating, you agree to:

  • Join sessions from a private space where you cannot be overheard

  • Use password-protected and secure devices/networks

  • Refrain from recording or distributing any part of the session content

In group settings, confidentiality depends on the integrity and discretion of all participants. We encourage mutual respect and ask that sensitive personal details be shared thoughtfully.

4. Group Participation Expectations

Simple Smyles is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. All participants are expected to:

  • Show respect and compassion for others’ lived experiences

  • Avoid judgment, criticism, or unsolicited advice

  • Honour the confidentiality of group discussions

  • Refrain from disruptive, harmful, or discriminatory behavior

We reserve the right to remove participants from a session or series without refund if conduct is deemed inappropriate or unsafe for the group.

5. Emergency and Crisis Support

Please note that Simple Smyles does not provide emergency mental health or crisis intervention services. If you are experiencing acute distress, thoughts of self-harm, or require immediate support, please contact:

  • Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 / www.talksuicide.ca

  • Toronto Distress Centre – 416-408-4357

  • Kids Help Phone (all ages welcome) – 1-800-668-6868 / www.kidshelpphone.ca

  • Call 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department

6. Payment Terms & Receipts

A 50% deposit is required at the time of registration to reserve your place in the workshop. The remaining 50% balance is due one week prior to the program start date. A payment reminder will be issued via email.

  • If the final payment is not received by the due date, your spot may be forfeited and the deposit will not be refunded.

  • Upon receiving your deposit, you will be issued a sales receipt.

  • Once full payment is received, formal itemized invoices will be provided at the beginning of the workshop. These are pre-dated to align with each of the four weekly sessions and may be used for reimbursement or insurance purposes.

All receipts include provider information for MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker in Ontario. Participants are responsible for verifying eligibility with their insurance provider.

7. Cancellation, Refund & Missed Class Policy

  • All purchases are final and non-refundable.

  • No credits are issued for missed sessions or unused portions of multi-week workshops.

  • Make-up sessions are not offered, except in rare and exceptional circumstances at the discretion of Simple Smyles.

  • In the event that a class or workshop is canceled by Simple Smyles, participants will be offered a full refund or may transfer their registration to another workshop of equal value.

8. Release of Liability

By registering for this workshop, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with participation, which may include movement, stretching, or breathing exercises. You agree to:

  • Participate at your own risk

You release Simple Smyles, its facilitators, employees, and affiliates from any and all claims or liabilities arising from your participation.

9. Professional Standards & Complaints

Simple Smyles facilitators are regulated professionals committed to ethical conduct under the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. If you have concerns regarding a facilitator’s professional conduct, you may contact the OCSWSSW directly at www.ocswssw.org.

10. Privacy & Information Handling

Personal information collected during registration is handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and is used solely to manage your participation, communicate with you, and issue receipts. We do not sell or share your information with third parties, except as required by law or to fulfill your registration.

11. Consent & Agreement

By completing your registration and purchase, you confirm that:

  • You have read and understand this agreement in full

  • You voluntarily accept the policies, risks, and limitations outlined

  • You agree to participate in a respectful and non-disruptive manner

  • You consent to the collection and handling of your personal information as described above