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Personal Accountability & Ethics Statement

The Heart Centered Being > Personal Accountability & Ethics Statement

Personal Accountability & Ethics Statement

J.J. Brawley

The Heart-Centered Being | theheartcenteredbeing.com

Effective Date: April 01, 2024 | Last Updated: April 2025

 

Introduction

As a coach, facilitator, and founder of The Sacred Kings Accountability Coaching Program, I hold myself to the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. This statement publicly declares my commitments to those I serve and outlines the systems I have in place to ensure I honor my word and maintain integrity in all aspects of my professional practice.

 

I am an Integrity Certified Member of The Sacred Kings and have completed the 10-week Accountability Coaching Program. This certification is voluntary and represents my dedication to ongoing ethical practice, clear boundaries, and transparent accountability.

 

Core Ethical Commitments

  1. Integrity in All Communications

I commit to:

  • Honoring my word and keeping my commitments
  • Communicating honestly about my qualifications, experience, and limitations
  • Promptly acknowledging when I make mistakes and taking responsibility for repairing harm
  • Being transparent about what I can and cannot offer
 
  1. Explicit and Informed Consent

I practice explicit, informed, and revocable consent in all professional interactions:

  • All agreements are clearly stated and mutually understood before proceeding
  • Consent can be withdrawn at any time without penalty
  • I create space for questions and ensure understanding before moving forward
  • Power dynamics are openly acknowledged and managed with care
 
  1. Professional Boundaries

I maintain clear professional boundaries to protect the integrity of our work together:

  • No sexual or romantic involvement with current clients under any circumstances
  • Minimum 6-month cooling-off period before any romantic or sexual relationship with former clients
  • Professional relationships remain focused on the client’s growth and wellbeing
  • I do not exploit my position for personal, financial, or sexual gain
 

Prior Relationships Entering Professional Space

If you and I have a prior romantic, sexual, or significant personal relationship, I require an explicit conversation and mutual agreement before entering into any professional coaching or facilitation relationship. This conversation will address how our history may affect the professional dynamic, power considerations, and whether a working relationship is appropriate at all. In some cases I may determine it is not — and I reserve the right to decline or discontinue engagement if I believe our prior relationship compromises the integrity of the professional container.

 

  1. Substance Use Policy

I maintain complete sobriety during all professional work:

  • No alcohol or recreational drugs before or during sessions, workshops, or professional events
  • I arrive clear-headed and fully present for all professional engagements
  • If prescription medication affects my capacity, I notify clients and reschedule if necessary
 
  1. Financial Transparency & Ethics

I commit to complete transparency in all financial matters:

  • For one-on-one coaching services, I provide a complimentary consultation followed by a written outline and proposal detailing the scope of work, investment required, and terms of engagement. Clients receive this proposal in writing before making any financial commitment.
  • For workshops and events, all pricing is clearly stated on the event registration page with no hidden fees or surprise costs
  • Payment terms and policies are disclosed upfront and in writing
  • Sliding scale criteria (when offered) are clearly explained
  • Existing clients are notified before any price increases
  • I do not pressure clients into additional services or upsell inappropriately
 

Refund and Cancellation Policies

One-on-One Coaching Services: All coaching services are non-refundable. Payment is required prior to sessions, and all sales are final. Clients receive a written proposal outlining all terms before any payment is made.

 

Workshops, Seminars & Events: All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. However, I honor the following policies:

  • Online ticket purchases through our ticketing platform guarantee your reservation
  • Tickets are not available at the door — advance purchase required
  • If you cannot attend after purchasing, you may request a credit toward a future event by emailing us before the event start time. No credit is issued for no-shows without prior notice.
  • If I cancel or reschedule an event for any reason, all ticket holders receive a Double Ticket Guarantee — credit for two tickets to any future event of equal or lesser value
  • All credit requests must be submitted in writing via email and will be documented for your records
 

Professional Liability Coverage

As part of my commitment to operating responsibly in an unregulated industry, I maintain active professional liability insurance and general liability insurance at minimums of $1,000,000 per occurrence. This coverage is not required by any governing body — I carry it voluntarily because I believe those I serve deserve that layer of protection and professionalism.

  1. Scope of Practice & Competency

I practice within my training and expertise:

  • I represent my credentials, training, and experience honestly without inflation
  • I refer clients to licensed professionals when issues are beyond my scope (mental health crises, trauma requiring clinical intervention, medical concerns)
  • I engage in ongoing education and seek consultation for complex situations
  • I acknowledge the limits of my expertise and do not claim abilities I do not possess
 

This Work is Not Therapy

My services — including coaching, facilitation, tantra education, and somatic practices — are not therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, or any form of licensed mental health treatment. They are not a substitute for medical care, psychiatric care, or clinical intervention. I do not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.

 

If you are currently working with a therapist or mental health professional, I encourage transparency with them about our work together. If at any point what arises in our work exceeds the appropriate scope of transformational coaching and facilitation, I will say so directly and support you in finding the right professional resources.

 

  1. Confidentiality & Privacy

I protect client information while being transparent about limits:

  • All client information is kept confidential unless disclosure is required by law
  • I comply with mandatory reporting laws (child abuse, elder abuse, imminent danger)
  • Clients are informed upfront about the limits of confidentiality
  • Data is stored securely and in compliance with applicable privacy laws
  • I never share client stories, examples, or testimonials without explicit written permission
 

Mandatory Reporting — What This Means

Like all people operating in caregiving and facilitation roles, I am subject to mandatory reporting laws in my jurisdiction. This means that if information arises in our work together that involves suspected abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elder — or if I have reasonable concern that you or someone else is in imminent danger of serious harm — I am legally required to report this to the appropriate authorities, regardless of confidentiality.

 

I will not use this obligation as a reason to avoid difficult conversations. If a reporting situation arises, I will make every reasonable effort to tell you directly before making a report, unless doing so would put someone at further risk. Mandatory reporting is not a violation of our trust — it is an ethical and legal responsibility I carry with integrity.

 

  1. Marketing & Representation Ethics

I represent my work honestly and avoid misleading claims:

  • I do not make guarantees about specific outcomes or results
  • Testimonials are used only with explicit written consent
  • I do not disparage other practitioners or engage in unethical competitive practices
  • Statistics and research cited are accurate and properly attributed
  • My marketing reflects the reality of my practice without exaggeration
 
  1. Digital Boundaries & Technology

I maintain professional boundaries in digital spaces:

  • Clear policies around social media connections with clients
  • Professional communication channels are distinct from personal ones
  • Video session standards include consent for recording and privacy protections
 

Artificial Intelligence in My Practice

I use AI tools in my professional practice, including in the development of program materials, policy documents, client-facing resources, and written communications. AI assists me in drafting, organizing, and refining content — all final decisions, values, and professional judgments remain entirely my own.

 

I do not use AI to conduct sessions, generate personalized client guidance in real time, or substitute for direct human presence in our work together. If this use of AI raises questions for you, I welcome that conversation openly.

 

  1. Gifts, Bartering & Dual Relationships

I navigate complex relational dynamics with care:

  • Small tokens of appreciation are acceptable; expensive gifts are declined
  • Bartering arrangements are clearly documented with mutual agreement on value
  • Social relationships with clients are approached cautiously and with explicit discussion of boundaries
  • I do not lend or borrow money from clients
  • Business partnerships with clients are only entered after termination of the coaching relationship and with clear agreements
 
  1. Ethical Termination & Referral

I end professional relationships responsibly:

  • Adequate notice is provided before terminating a relationship
  • I do not abandon clients during crises
  • Referrals to other practitioners are provided when appropriate
  • Final sessions include proper closure and transition planning
 
  1. Cultural Competency, Lineage & Accessibility

I approach diversity, cultural appropriation, and lineage with humility, transparency, and ongoing learning:

  • I welcome clients of all identities and backgrounds
  • I acknowledge that I am a white, cisgender man teaching Tantra, Sacred Sexuality, and philosophies that are not part of my bloodline or family lineage
  • I am deeply aware of the implications of this positioning and the historical context of cultural appropriation in these traditions
  • I actively honor my teachers, gurus, and guides by crediting them whenever possible and maintaining respect for the origins of the practices I teach
  • I acknowledge my own cultural limitations and seek consultation when working with experiences outside my direct knowledge
  • I commit to ongoing education about cultural humility, decolonization practices, and respectful engagement with traditions not originating from my culture
  • I work to make my services accessible through sliding scale options and accommodations for disabilities
 
  1. Dispute Resolution & Mediation

I am committed to resolving any disputes with care, fairness, and transparency. Because coaching and facilitation exist in an unregulated industry, I have established a structured process for addressing grievances that prioritizes relationship, accountability, and resolution over adversarial proceedings.

Step 1 — Direct Communication

If you have a concern or dispute, I ask that you first contact me directly at connect@theheartcenteredbeing.com. I commit to responding within 5 business days and approaching all concerns with openness and a genuine desire for resolution.

 

Step 2 — Accountability Pod Mediation

If direct communication does not resolve the concern, either party may request mediation through my Personal Accountability Pod (April A Ross, Katerina Phoenix, Adam Paulman). This team serves as an impartial mediation body and will facilitate a structured conversation aimed at resolution. This process is available at no cost to either party.

 

Step 3 — Independent Mediation

If Accountability Pod mediation does not produce a satisfactory resolution, both parties may agree to engage a neutral, independent mediator. The cost of independent mediation shall be divided equally (50/50) between the client and the Facilitator. Both parties must agree to the selected mediator in writing before proceeding.

 

Regarding Litigation

Because coaching and facilitation services operate in an unregulated industry — and because the nature of personal growth, somatic, and transformational work involves inherently subjective outcomes — litigation is neither an appropriate nor effective avenue for resolving disputes arising from these services.

 

By entering into a professional relationship with me, clients acknowledge and agree that:

  • All fees paid for services rendered are non-refundable and are considered fully earned upon delivery, regardless of subjective satisfaction with outcomes
  • Any client who initiates legal proceedings does so entirely at their own expense
  • No reimbursement of legal fees, session fees, or program costs will be issued as part of any legal settlement or judgment
  • The dispute resolution process outlined above (Steps 1–3) is the agreed and preferred method of resolving all grievances

 

This is not intended to shield me from accountability — my Accountability Pod and the Sacred Kings Integrity Council exist for exactly that purpose. It is intended to protect both parties from the financial and emotional cost of litigation in a space where no governing regulatory body exists to adjudicate standards of practice.

 

My Accountability Systems

To ensure I honor these commitments, I have established the following accountability structures:

 

Personal Accountability Practices

  • Weekly self-reflection and integrity check-ins
  • Monthly review of commitments made vs. commitments kept
  • Monthly check-ins with a licensed therapist (more frequently when needed or if high-conflict situations arise)
  • Ongoing personal growth work and shadow integration
  • Regular engagement with my own coaches, mentors, and therapists

 

Peer Accountability & Community Support

  • Weekly participation in The Sacred Men’s Council for personal processing
  • Participation in quarterly Sacred Kings Accountability Circles
  • Regular consultation with peer practitioners for complex cases
  • Membership in professional communities focused on ethical practice

 

Personal Accountability POD

I maintain a dedicated accountability team who reviews anonymous feedback and holds me to my commitments:

  • April A Ross: rebelofjoy@gmail.com
  • Katerina Phoenix: katphoenixbw@gmail.com
  • Adam Paulman: adam@paulman.com

 

Continuity of Care

In the event that I become unable to fulfill my professional commitments due to illness, personal crisis, or unforeseen circumstances, I commit to the following:

 

  • Clients will be notified as promptly as possible
  • Sessions or engagements will be rescheduled or, where appropriate, prorated refunds issued for undelivered services
  • My Accountability Pod will be informed and available as a point of contact during any extended absence
  • Where appropriate, I will provide referrals to trusted practitioners who can support continuity of your work

 

I do not currently have a formal clinical supervisor or coverage practitioner on retainer. I am transparent about this limitation and commit to developing more formal continuity protocols as my practice grows.

 

Ongoing Feedback Systems

  • Post-event and post-coaching feedback forms provided to all participants
  • Anonymous feedback form available on my website
  • Anonymous feedback form included in my weekly newsletter
  • All anonymous feedback is reviewed exclusively by my accountability team

 

External Oversight

  • Voluntary submission to The Sacred Kings Integrity Council review process
  • Annual renewal of Integrity Certification
  • Public accountability statement updated annually and posted prominently on my website

 

How to Hold Me Accountable

If you have concerns about my conduct or believe I have violated any of these commitments, you have multiple avenues to address this:

 

Direct Communication

I welcome direct feedback. You can contact me at:

  1. Email: connect@theheartcenteredbeing.com
  2. Website: theheartcenteredbeing.com/contact

 

My Personal Accountability POD

You may contact my accountability team directly:

  1. April A Ross: 
  2. Katerina Phoenix: 
  3. Adam Paulman: 

 

Sacred Kings Integrity Council

You may file a formal complaint with The Sacred Kings Integrity Council:

Website: thesacredkings.org/report-concern

Email: integrity@thesacredkings.org

Anonymous reporting is available

Public Review Platforms

You are welcome to share your experience publicly through Google reviews, social media platforms, and community accountability forums.

Consequences for Violations

I accept that violations of this ethics statement may result in:

  • Loss of Sacred Kings Integrity Certification
  • Public documentation of violations and decertification
  • Required accountability work, training, or repair process before reinstatement
  • Referral to legal authorities when applicable

Living Document

This accountability statement is a living document. As I grow, learn, and my practice evolves, I commit to updating this statement to reflect my ongoing commitment to ethical practice. All updates will be dated and previous versions will remain available for transparency.

I also commit to reviewing this statement annually and making any necessary revisions to ensure it accurately reflects my current practice and evolving understanding of ethical conduct.

My Promise to You

This statement represents more than policies — it represents my sacred commitment to show up with integrity, honor your trust, and create a safe container for your growth and transformation.

I will not always be perfect. I will make mistakes. But I promise to own those mistakes, repair harm when it occurs, and continuously work toward being worthy of the trust you place in me.

Thank you for holding me accountable. Your willingness to call me forward when I fall short is a gift that makes me a better practitioner and a better human.

In Integrity,

J.J. Brawley

Founder, The Sacred Kings

Integrity Certified Member

The Heart-Centered Being

This statement is publicly available at: https://www.theheartcenteredbeing.com/personal-accountability-ethics-statement/

Last Updated: April 2025