Disclaimer and scope of practice
I would rather you read this than skip it. It describes exactly what Writethought is, what it is not, and what I am obligated to do.
This is not psychotherapy
Although I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I do not provide psychotherapy through Writethought.
The coaching, training, mentorship, and consultation offered here are educational and developmental in nature. They are not psychotherapy, counseling, diagnosis, or mental health treatment, and they do not create a therapist-client relationship.
If you need therapy, I will say so
If, in my professional opinion, therapeutic services are indicated, I will tell you and provide information about appropriate clinical resources and referrals.
This is not a soft exit from the relationship. It is the responsible thing to do, and it is part of what you are getting by working with someone clinically trained.
This can work alongside therapy
The services offered through Writethought can be a valuable complement to ongoing psychotherapy. Many people do both.
With appropriate consent and signed releases in place, I am glad to collaborate with your treating clinician where that would be useful.
Mandated reporting
As a mandated reporter, I am legally and ethically required to take appropriate action if I believe that an individual presents a danger to themselves or others, or if there are concerns regarding abuse, neglect, or safety.
This applies to everything that happens through Writethought, and it does not change based on the type of service.
Certification and licensure
The Certification in Poetry Therapy Foundations offered through Writethought does not confer professional licensure.
It is intended for use by licensed or otherwise qualified professionals operating within their respective scopes of practice. Completing the training does not authorize anyone to practice outside the scope of their existing license or qualification.
The program is a step toward certification through the International Federation of Biblio/Poetry Therapy (IFBPT). IFBPT credentials are awarded by the IFBPT under their own requirements and process, not by Writethought.
No guarantee of outcome
Therapeutic writing is well supported by research, and people frequently find it valuable. Nothing here is a guarantee of a specific result. What you get out of this work depends on a great deal that neither of us controls.
Emergencies
Writethought does not provide crisis or emergency services and does not monitor messages in real time.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. In an emergency, go to your nearest emergency department.
Your writing is yours
Anything you write in the course of this work belongs to you. It is not collected, stored, or published by Writethought without your explicit written permission.
Where this work is offered
Writethought is offered online, and I work with people wherever they are.
That is possible because what I offer here is education and coaching rather than clinical treatment. Psychotherapy is regulated state by state and can only be practised where the clinician is licensed. Coaching, training, and consultation are not clinical practice, and nothing offered through Writethought is delivered under my clinical licence or as a substitute for care in your own state.
If you need psychotherapy, you need a clinician licensed where you live. I will say so if I think that is the case, and I will help you look.
Last updated: August 21, 2026