SYSTEM SPEAK SYMPOSIUM

Symposium Participation Agreement and Liability Waiver

Nature of the Event

This symposium is psychoeducational. It offers teaching, reflection, discussion, and experiential learning related to trauma, deprivation, dissociation, and relational healing.

This event is not psychotherapy, not group therapy, not a clinical treatment program, and not a substitute for mental health, medical, or crisis care.  No therapeutic services are offered or provided during this symposium.

Roles and Professional Boundaries

The presenter, Emma Sunshaw, is participating solely in the role of facilitator and educator.
They are not acting as therapists, clinicians, supervisors, consultants, or providers of mental health treatment.  Participation in this symposium does not create a therapeutic relationship, group therapy relationship, supervisory relationship, consultative relationship, or duty of care beyond that of an educational event.

Participant Status

All attendees are participating as individuals, not in a professional, clinical, or training capacity.  This symposium is not supervision, consultation, or clinical instruction, and it does not confer professional guidance or responsibility.

Emotional Material and Memory-Related Responses

The content of this symposium may evoke emotional responses, bodily sensations, memories, or shifts in awareness, including experiences sometimes described as trauma activation or “memory time.”

I understand that:

  • Any therapeutic, memory-related, or trauma-processing needs that arise cannot be addressed within the symposium;

  • Such experiences must be taken to my own therapist, clinician, or support provider outside the event; and

  • Facilitators are not able to provide therapeutic containment, processing, or follow-up.

Support and Resourcing

Participants are strongly encouraged to:

  • Identify therapists, clinicians, or trusted support people prior to attending;

  • Actively check in with those supports between sessions; and

  • Use grounding, pacing, and self-care strategies throughout the event.

Time and opportunity will be provided during each session for participants to:

  • Step away as needed;

  • Pause participation; and

  • Contact support people during breaks or designated pauses.

Participation is always optional, and disengaging requires no explanation. You are free to take a break or leave at any time.


Confidentiality and Recording Prohibition

A core expectation of participation is a shared commitment to confidentiality as part of co-creating a safe and respectful learning environment.

Participants agree to:

  • Treat all personal sharing, reflections, questions, and discussions as confidential;

  • Not share identifying information, personal stories, or disclosures made by other participants outside the symposium; and

  • Speak from their own experience and avoid attributing content to others.

 Recording of any kind is strictly prohibited, including but not limited to:

  • Audio and/or video recording;

  • Screenshots or screen captures;

  • Photography

  • Live streaming or rebroadcasting

This prohibition applies to both in-person and virtual formats and includes informal or partial recordings.

Unauthorized recording or distribution of symposium content or participant participation may result in removal from the event without refund.

Socializing, Meals, and Informal Contact

Any socializing, meals, or informal gatherings outside scheduled symposium sessions are entirely optional, participant-arranged, and independent of the event.

I understand that:

  • The facilitator, Emma Sunshaw, will not participate in informal socializing, meals, or gatherings with participants;

  • The only exception is Opening Night Orientation, which is a scheduled group gathering for orientation and community agreements; and

  • Any participant-organized social contact occurs outside the scope of the symposium and outside the responsibility of the host or facilitators.

Accessibility and Accommodations

We are committed to creating an environment that is as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Participants who require reasonable accommodations related to mobility, sensory needs, communication access, scheduling, or participation format are encouraged to contact the organizers in advance of the event so that accommodations can be discussed and arranged when feasible.

 Voluntary Participation and Self-Responsibility

Participation in this symposium is voluntary.

It is not required to pay for the symposium if I am unable, and no donations are being exploited through this event or its supporting resources.

I may choose my level of engagement at all times, including choosing not to participate in any activity or exercise.

I agree to take responsibility for my own pacing, regulation, and support needs, including seeking outside care when needed.

Emergency and Crisis Disclaimer

This symposium is not equipped to respond to medical, psychiatric, or mental health emergencies.  If I experience a crisis or emergency during the event, I understand that I am responsible for seeking immediate assistance by:

  • Calling 911 for emergency services;

  • Reporting to Skagit Regional Hospital for local help if needed; and primarily

  • Reaching out to my own therapist, clinician, or identified support people.

Facilitators and organizers are not able to provide emergency intervention, crisis response, or ongoing support beyond directing participants to appropriate outside resources.

Assumption of Risk

I understand that engaging with psychoeducational material related to trauma and relational experiences carries inherent emotional and psychological risks. I knowingly and freely assume responsibility for my participation and for any responses that may arise.

Removal for Boundary or Safety Violations

To protect the integrity and safety of the learning environment, the host and facilitators reserve the right to remove any participant from the symposium, without refund, if they violate:

  • Confidentiality expectations;

  • Recording prohibitions;

  • Community agreements; and

  • Facilitator instructions related to safety or boundaries.

Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Emma Sunshaw and S3C Foundation, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, facilitators, speakers, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all claims arising from or related to my participation in this symposium.

This includes, but is not limited to, claims related to emotional distress, psychological impact, personal interpretations of material, or interactions with other participants outside scheduled sessions.

Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.

Acknowledgment and Consent

By registering for or attending this symposium, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agreed to this participation agreement, confidentiality commitment, and liability waiver.

Participant Name: _______________________________

Signature: ____________________________________

Date: ________________________________________