These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern the provision of Somatic Experiencing® consultation services by Julie Teetsov ("Practitioner", "I", "me") to clients ("you", "your", "Client"). They apply to all services delivered in person in Auckland, New Zealand, and online via video conference to clients in New Zealand and internationally.

These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. If you are an international client, please note that you are responsible for ensuring compliance with any laws applicable in your own jurisdiction.

1.  About Julie Teetsov

1.1  Qualifications and Professional Status

I hold the following qualifications and certifications:

•       SEP™ - Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (Somatic Experiencing International)

•       Faculty Member, Somatic Experiencing International

•       PhD - Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry & Biochemistry)

•       SME - Somatic Movement Educator w/ Body-Mind Centering

•       CST - Craniosacral Therapist – Techniques Certified w/Upledger International

•       DARe Practitioner - Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning Experience

•       Touch Skills Training Graduate – Kathy Kain Somatic Practices

1.2  What I Am Not

Important: I am not a registered mental health practitioner, psychotherapist, psychologist, counsellor, or medical doctor under New Zealand's Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act). I do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat medical or psychiatric conditions. If you require mental health crisis intervention, medical diagnosis or treatment, medication management, or clinical psychotherapy, please seek appropriate professional care.

Somatic Experiencing® is not a regulated health profession in New Zealand. I hold no professional registration under the HPCA Act. I voluntarily abide by the Health and Disability Commissioner Code of Consumers' Rights applies as I provide consultation services to practitioners for the purpose of training practitioners to improve the health and well-being.

2.  Nature of Somatic Experiencing® Services

2.1  What Somatic Experiencing® Is

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and stress-related conditions, developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. SE is informed by trauma theory, body awareness, physiology, and attachment research.

My sessions may include:

•       Guided body-awareness exercises — noticing physical sensations, breath, and posture

•       Working with the body's natural capacity to regulate the nervous system

•       Supporting the completion of incomplete survival responses (fight, flight, freeze)

•       Attachment repair and relational nervous system regulation

•       Touch-based work (in-person sessions only, with explicit prior consent — see clause 4.3)

•       Use of movement, imagery, and breath to support embodiment and settling

SE is supported by a growing body of clinical and academic research. It is not, however, universally endorsed by all mainstream medical or mental health frameworks, and I am transparent about that. I will always discuss the evidence base and limitations openly if asked.

2.2  What Somatic Experiencing® Is Not

•       SE is not psychotherapy, counselling, or clinical mental health treatment

•       SE sessions do not constitute a medical consultation or treatment of any kind

•       SE does not diagnose physical or psychological conditions

•       SE is not a substitute for psychiatric care, medication, or emergency mental health services

•       SE is not a guaranteed cure for any condition — therapeutic outcomes vary between individuals

2.3  Alternative Approaches

Before committing to SE work, you have the right to know what other options are available for addressing trauma, attachment, and stress-related concerns. These include — but are not limited to — trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), EMDR, clinical psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and other somatic approaches. I am happy to discuss options and, where appropriate, refer you to other practitioners.

3.  Informed Consent

3.1  Your Right to Informed Consent

Under the Health and Disability Commissioner Code of Consumers' Rights ("the Code"), you have the right to make an informed choice and give informed consent before services are provided. This consent must be freely given and can be withdrawn at any time.

By proceeding with a session, you confirm that you have:

•       Read and understood these Terms

•       Had the opportunity to ask questions about the nature of SE and my approach

•       Understood the potential risks and benefits described in clause 3.2

•       Made an informed decision to engage my services

3.2  Potential Risks and Benefits

SE work involves exploring body-based responses to trauma and stress. While many clients report significant benefit, it is important that you understand the following:

Potential risks include:

•       Temporary increase in emotional distress, anxiety, or physical discomfort as the body processes trauma-related material

•       Emergence of previously suppressed memories, sensations, or emotions

•       Temporary destabilisation, particularly during initial sessions

•       For those with complex trauma histories, there is a possibility of re-traumatisation if the pace is not carefully managed — I work to mitigate this using the SE principle of titration

Potential benefits include:

•       Improved nervous system regulation and reduced stress reactivity

•       Resolution of trauma responses and somatic symptoms

•       Improved capacity for connection, presence, and embodiment

•       Greater resilience and ease in day-to-day functioning

3.3  Ongoing Consent

Consent is an ongoing, dynamic process — not a one-off event at intake. You are encouraged to communicate openly throughout each session. You may request that we pause, slow down, or stop at any time. You do not need to explain yourself or justify your boundaries.

3.4  Right to a Second Opinion

You have the right to seek a second opinion from another practitioner at any time. I will support this and, where helpful, can assist with referrals.

4.  In-Person Sessions

4.1  Location and Environment

In-person sessions are held at a private, confidential location in Auckland, New Zealand. The address will be confirmed at the time of booking.

4.2  Conduct During Sessions

Both practitioner and client are expected to maintain appropriate professional conduct throughout sessions. I ask that you:

•       Arrive on time (late arrivals will not extend the session end time)

•       Not attend sessions under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed substances

•       Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement

•       Let me know immediately if you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or wish to stop

4.3  Touch and Physical Contact

Somatic Experiencing® may involve gentle, therapeutic touch as part of the session. Touch is never assumed — it requires explicit, informed, and freely given consent before each instance of physical contact.

Before any touch-based work:

•       I will explain the proposed nature, purpose, and location of any touch

•       I will ask for your explicit consent

•       You may decline, modify, or withdraw consent at any time — before, during, or after any touch — without consequence.  I welcome your feedback and will continue to check-in with you during a touch session to determine if you are feeling present and comfortable. 

•       Consent for touch at one session does not imply consent for future sessions

Touch used in SE sessions is therapeutic in nature. It is confined to areas such as the hands, arms, upper back, shoulders, and sternum unless otherwise explicitly discussed and consented to. There is no touch of a sexual or intimate nature.

5.  Online Sessions (Telehealth)

5.1  Platform and Technology

Online sessions are conducted via Zoom. Zoom uses end-to-end encryption and security features. You are responsible for:

•       Having a stable, reliable internet connection

•       Using a device with a functioning camera and microphone

•       Using headphones if necessary and where possible to protect privacy

•       Being in a private, confidential space where you will not be overheard or interrupted

•       Ensuring the space around you is safe — have a cushion, blanket, or other grounding resources nearby if useful

5.2  Confidentiality and Your Environment

Your confidentiality during online sessions is a shared responsibility. While I ensure my environment is private, you are responsible for ensuring that your physical environment is equally private during the session. If minors are present who may be adversely affected by the topics we are discussion, I may suggest pausing or rescheduling.

5.3  Physical Location and Emergency Services

At the start of each online session, you will be asked to confirm your current physical location. This is not optional — it is necessary so that, in an emergency, I can contact the appropriate local services on your behalf if required.

International clients should be aware that my ability to activate local emergency services from New Zealand is limited. I will do my best to assist, but you are ultimately responsible for your own safety during remote sessions.

5.4  Technical Difficulties

If our connection drops during a session:

•       I will attempt to reconnect within five minutes via Zoom

•       If reconnection is not possible, I will contact you by phone or email to reschedule

•       Sessions disrupted by technical failure on my end will not be charged

•       Sessions disrupted by technical failure on your end will be charged at the proportional rate for the time successfully delivered.

5.5  Limitations of Online Delivery

Online SE sessions are effective, but have inherent limitations compared to in-person work:

•       I may suggest remote touch or movement-based interventions, such as self-touch or negotiation of my “virtual” intentional of touch.  Any remote touch-based interventions will abide by what has been outlined in clause 4.3.   

•       Subtle body cues can be harder to observe on screen

•       Some somatic interventions work best with physical presence

•       Technical latency can occasionally disrupt the rhythm of a session

I will always work within the capabilities of the online format and will discuss any specific limitations with you as they arise.

5.6  Recording Prohibition

Neither party may record sessions — audio, video, or otherwise — without the explicit written consent of the other. I do not record sessions. If you wish to record for personal use (for example, guided exercises), please ask before doing so.

6.  Fees, Payment, and Cancellation

6.1  Session Fees

Session fees are as published in your payment link at the time of booking, denominated in United States Dollars (USD) or New Zealand Dollars (NZD). All fees include GST where applicable. Fees are reviewed periodically; current fees are confirmed at the time of booking.

International clients: Any currency conversion fees, international transaction fees, or bank charges are your responsibility.

6.2  Payment Terms

Payment is due at the time of booking or, where a payment plan is agreed, in accordance with that plan. Payment is accepted via the methods listed in your payment link and on my website. Unpaid sessions may result in suspension of future appointments.

6.3  Cancellation Policy

To cancel a paid appointment and receive a full refund, you must provide a minimum of 24 hours' notice prior to the scheduled session start time.

The following applies:

•       Cancellations made with 24 hours' or more notice: full refund or credit

•       Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice: full session fee charged

•       No-shows (failure to attend without notice): full session fee charged

•       Where I need to cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, and there is not an extenuating circumstance such as me being unwell, you will receive a full refund and will be offered priority rebooking.

If extenuating circumstances apply (being unwell, medical or family emergency), please contact me as soon as possible. I review cancellations on a case-by-case basis and where possible try to find a solution that is fair to both parties.

6.4  Late Arrivals

Sessions begin and end at the scheduled time. Late arrivals will not receive an extended session. Where my schedule permits, I may be able to offer a partial refund or rescheduling — but this cannot be guaranteed.

6.5  Fee Increases

I will provide a minimum of 30 days' written notice of any fee increase. The increase will apply to sessions booked after the notice date.

7.  Confidentiality

7.1  What I Keep Confidential

Everything discussed in sessions is confidential. I do not share information about you — your identity, your attendance, or the content of our work — with any third party without your explicit written consent, unless required by law.

7.2  Professional Supervision

I engage in regular professional supervision as part of maintaining ethical and competent practice. During supervision, I may discuss aspects of client cases with my supervisor. This is done without identifying information unless you have provided consent to share your details. My supervisor is bound by professional confidentiality obligations.

7.3  Exceptions to Confidentiality

There are limited circumstances where I am legally or ethically required to disclose information without your consent:

•       Where I believe there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to you or another person — I may contact emergency services or your emergency contact

•       Where disclosure is required by a New Zealand court order or law

•       Where disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to public health or safety

Where practicable, I will inform you before making any such disclosure. If you have concerns about confidentiality, please raise them with me directly.

7.4  Mandatory Reporting

Please be aware that certain disclosures — including disclosures of historical abuse — may carry reporting obligations under New Zealand law. I will always discuss these situations with you transparently before taking any action.

8.  Scope of Practice and Referrals

8.1  Scope Limitations

I work within the scope of my training and competence as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I do not:

•       Diagnose physical or psychological conditions

•       Prescribe or recommend medications

•       Provide clinical mental health treatment, including for psychotic conditions, bipolar disorder, active addiction, personality disorders, or conditions requiring psychiatric management

•       Provide crisis intervention or emergency mental health services

8.2  When I Will Refer

I may recommend referral to another professional when I believe your needs exceed my scope of practice. This is not a rejection — it is part of responsible, ethical practice. I will discuss any referral recommendation with you openly and explain my reasons.

8.3  Your Other Treating Professionals

I encourage you to disclose that you are working with me to any other treating health professionals (GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc.). Collaborative care generally produces postive outcomes. If you consent, I am willing to liaise with other members of your care team.

9.  Emergency and Crisis Protocols

9.1  I Am Not an Emergency Service

Somatic Experiencing® sessions are not a crisis or emergency service. If you are in immediate danger to yourself or others, please call emergency services immediately — do not wait for a session or send an email.

New Zealand emergency number: 111

New Zealand mental health crisis line: 1737 (call or text, free, 24/7)

Lifeline New Zealand: 0800 543 354

Samaritans: 0800 726 666

International clients: please ensure you know the emergency and crisis support numbers for your location before each session. A list of international crisis support resources is available at findahelpline.com.

9.2  During Sessions

If you experience a mental health crisis during a session, I will:

•       Help you ground and regulate using body-based techniques within my competence

•       Stay with you until you are stable enough to safely end the session

•       Strongly encourage connection with crisis support services

•       Follow up after the session to check in on your safety

For online sessions, if I am concerned about your immediate safety, I may contact your emergency contact or local emergency services using the location information you have provided. I do not have the ability to be physically present during remote sessions.

9.3  Emergency Contact Information

All clients are required to provide the name and phone number of an emergency contact at intake. This information will only be used in genuine emergency situations.

10.  Client Responsibilities

To ensure sessions are safe, effective, and ethical, you agree to:

•       Provide accurate and complete information about your health, medical history, current medications, and other treatments at intake and as things change, to the best of your ability

•       Inform me immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts, urges to self-harm, or feel unsafe

•       Inform me of any significant changes in your physical or mental health between sessions

•       Communicate openly during sessions if you are uncomfortable, wish to pause, change or stop something you have previously consented to.

•       Ensure you are in a safe, private environment during online sessions

•       Not attend sessions under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed substances

•       Arrive on time for in-person sessions and be ready to begin at the scheduled time for online sessions

•       Maintain confidentiality in respect of any information about other students who may also be my clients.   

Consent: SE work is most effective when both practitioner and client are engaged and communicating clearly. If something is not working for you, please let me know.  I sincerely welcome any and all feedback regarding your comfort and/or discomfort and this information is very important for me to know about when we are doing Somatic Work.  I will respond to your feedback immediately, and I respect your agency and choice and take your sense of safety and comfort very seriously. 

11.  Intellectual Property

Somatic Experiencing® is a registered trademark of Somatic Experiencing International (SEI). Use of the term in these materials reflects my accredited training and does not grant any rights over the SE methodology.

All materials, exercises, handouts, guided practices, and resources that I provide to you in the course of our work together remain my intellectual property (or that of their respective owners). You are welcome to use them for your own personal healing work. You may not reproduce, distribute, teach, or commercialise them without my explicit written consent.

Session content — including any insights, guided practices, or exercises developed collaboratively in sessions — is for your personal use only.

12.  Limitation of Liability

12.1  Consumer Rights (New Zealand Clients)

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes any rights you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, or any other applicable New Zealand legislation. I guarantee that services are provided with reasonable care and skill and are fit for their intended purpose. These guarantees cannot be excluded.

12.2  Exclusions

Subject to clause 12.1, I am not liable for:

•       Indirect or consequential losses, including but not limited to loss of income, relationship breakdown, or emotional distress arising beyond what is inherent in therapeutic work

•       Losses arising from your failure to follow guidance, disclose relevant information, or comply with these Terms

•       Losses arising from technical failures outside my reasonable control during online sessions

•       Losses arising from crisis events where you have not contacted emergency services

•       Any outcomes of your engagement with other practitioners or services to whom I have referred you

12.3  International Clients

If you are located outside New Zealand, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 may not apply to you. In that case, the maximum aggregate liability for any claim arising from my services is limited to the total fees paid by you for the sessions to which the claim relates.

These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any disputes will be subject to New Zealand courts' exclusive jurisdiction.

12.4  No Guarantee of Outcomes

I cannot and do not guarantee any specific therapeutic outcome. SE is a process, not a cure. Progress depends on many factors, including individual history, regularity of sessions, and engagement with the work.

13.  Professional Ethics and Your Right to Complain

13.1  Ethical Framework

I am committed to ethical and client-centred practice.  I am guided to the following codes of ethics of the associations and professional societies of which I am a member:

o   Code of Ethics and Standards of Somatic Experiencing International (SEI)

SEI Code of Ethics

o   Body-Mind Centering (BMC) Ethical Guidelines for Teachers

BMCA Code of Ethics

o   ISMETA Professional Guidelines and Code of Ethics

ISMETA Code of Ethics

o   Upledger International Craniosacral Therapy Code of Ethics

Upledger Code of Ethics

I am also committed to ethical and client-centred practice according to the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (the Code) and New Zealand’s Health Information Privacy Code 2020.

13.2  Internal Complaints Procedure

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of my service, please contact me in the first instance:

•       Email: [email protected]

•       Phone: +64 2108110776

I will:

•       Acknowledge your complaint in writing within 5 working days

•       Work to resolve the issue or determine next steps within 10 working days of acknowledgment

•       Treat your complaint with seriousness, confidentiality, and without prejudice to your ongoing care

13.3  External Complaints

You are not required to raise a complaint with me before contacting an external body. You have the right to contact:

•       Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC): www.hdc.org.nz | 0800 11 22 33

•       Free Advocacy Service (Health & Disability Advocates): 0800 555 050

•       Office of the Privacy Commissioner (for privacy-related complaints): www.privacy.org.nz | 0800 803 909

•       Somatic Experiencing International (SEI): www.traumahealing.org (for conduct complaints under the SEI Code of Ethics)

You also have the right to bring a claim before the Human Rights Review Tribunal in relation to breaches of the Code.

14.  Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

ACC coverage may be available for New Zealand residents and eligible visitors for treatment of injuries. However, SE sessions are not currently funded by ACC. Any ACC-related queries should be directed to ACC directly (www.acc.co.nz). International clients are not covered by ACC.

Occasionally, clients have been successful in receiving financial support from New Zealand’s Work and Income in the Ministry of Social Development. 

15.  Termination of the Therapeutic Relationship

15.1  Your Right to End

You may end our therapeutic relationship at any time, for any reason, without being required to explain yourself. If you choose to stop, I ask that you let me know.  I respect your choice to terminate our work at any time, and if helpful, we can make a plane for continuity of your care elsewhere. 

15.2  My Right to End

I may end our working relationship in the following circumstances:

•       Non-payment of fees

•       Repeated late cancellations or no-shows

•       Abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behaviour toward me

•       Where I determine that my services are not appropriate for your needs and a referral is in your best interest

Where possible, I will provide reasonable notice, support an orderly transition, and assist with referrals to appropriate services.

15.3  Retention of Records

I do not take long-term client notes or retain client records.  I take brief notes to remind myself of your treatment plan from session to session.

16.  International Clients — Additional Terms

If you are located outside New Zealand, the following additional terms apply:

•       My services are provided from Auckland, New Zealand. These Terms are governed by NZ law. You are responsible for determining whether receiving SE services complies with any professional, legal, or insurance requirements in your own jurisdiction.

•       I am not a licensed health practitioner in your country. You should confirm whether there are any restrictions on receiving therapeutic services from a practitioner based in another country before booking.

•       Session times are most likely confirmed via my software system in your local time zone at the time of booking.  When sessions are booked directly with me, they may be arranged in New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) or New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT). Please verify the correct local time conversion at each booking — time zone differences are your responsibility.

•       When payment is made in New Zealand Dollars (NZD), all currency conversion and international transaction fees are your responsibility.

•       Emergency and crisis services differ by country. You are responsible for knowing and being able to access your local emergency support before each session.

•       Your privacy rights under your local law (Australian Privacy Principles for Australian clients, and PIPEDA for Canadian clients) are addressed in our separate Privacy Policy.

17.  General Provisions

17.1  Changes to These Terms

I may update these Terms from time to time. Where changes are material, I will notify existing clients at least 30 days before the changes take effect. Continued engagement with my services after that date constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

17.2  Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, that provision will be severed and the remaining Terms will continue in full force and effect.

17.3  Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any intake documents signed by you, constitute the entire agreement between us in respect of the services. They replace any prior representations, discussions, or understandings.

17.4  Contact Details

Julie Teetsov

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +64 2108110776

Website: julieteetsov.com

Location: Auckland, New Zealand