Terms & Policies

Last Updated: February 2026

Welcome! These policies help us work together effectively and ensure clear expectations for our therapeutic relationship. Please read through these carefully, and feel free to ask any questions.

About My Practice

I'm Shale Maulana, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing under clinical supervision as required by New York State. I hold a Master's degree in Social Work from Columbia University and a Master's in Public Health (MPH) specializing in population health.

I'm licensed to provide psychotherapy in the state of New York. I specialize in liberation-based therapy, EMDR, somatic therapy, neurofeedback, and clinical hypnotherapy, with particular expertise serving BIPOC individuals, high achievers, and those seeking deep transformative healing.

Additional Training & Certifications:

• EMDR trained therapist

• Certified neurofeedback practitioner (Myndlift)

• Clinical hypnotherapy training

• Reiki Master

• Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200, Kemetic Yoga)

• Certified meditation instructor

Services Offered

Individual Therapy

I offer 45-50 minute sessions focused on your mental health goals using evidence-based therapeutic approaches including EMDR, somatic therapy, and mindfulness-based practices.

Couples Therapy

I offer 90-minute sessions supporting couples in improving communication, resolving conflict, and deepening connection.

Neurofeedback

At-home brain training using Myndlift technology to support nervous system regulation, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance overall mental wellness.

Holistic Services

Reiki sessions, yoga instruction, and sound therapy are occasionally offered as complementary wellness services. These are not substitutes for mental health treatment.

Confidentiality & Privacy

Your Privacy is Protected

Everything discussed in therapy sessions is confidential and protected by law (HIPAA and New York State confidentiality laws).

Exceptions to confidentiality (when I'm legally required to break confidentiality):

• If you present a serious danger to yourself or others

• If there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or disabled person

• If records are subpoenaed by a court of law

• If you provide written authorization to release information

Limits of Telehealth Confidentiality

For online sessions, please ensure you're in a private space where you won't be overheard. While I use HIPAA-compliant video platforms, no technology is 100% secure. By participating in telehealth, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Clinical Supervision

As an LMSW working toward LCSW licensure, my clinical work is reviewed by a licensed clinical supervisor. Your identifying information is kept confidential, and case discussions are used solely for clinical consultation to ensure quality care.

Session Policies

Session Length

• Individual therapy: 45-50 minutes

• Couples therapy: 90 minutes

• Neurofeedback check-ins: 30 minutes

Attendance & Lateness

If you're running late: We'll work with whatever time remains in your scheduled session. Sessions cannot be extended beyond the scheduled time due to subsequent appointments.

If I'm running late: Your session will be extended to ensure you receive your full session time, or you'll receive a discount on that session—your choice.

Cancellation Policy

24-Hour Notice Required

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours advance notice. You can cancel via email, text, or phone.

Late cancellations or no-shows: Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice, or missed appointments without notice, will be charged the full session fee.

Exceptions: True emergencies (sudden illness, family crisis, etc.) are handled on a case-by-case basis at my discretion. Please communicate with me as soon as possible.

Why this policy matters: When you miss a session without notice, that time cannot be filled by another client who needs support. This policy respects both your time and mine.

Payment & Fees

Payment Due at Time of Service

Payment is expected at the time of each session unless other arrangements have been made in advance. I accept credit/debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, and electronic payment.

Insurance

I'm an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. However, I can provide you with a superbill (detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits.

Payment Plans

Payment plans are available for neurofeedback services and group programs. Please ask if you need to discuss payment options.

Returned Payments

A $35 fee will be charged for any returned payments due to insufficient funds.

Crisis Protocol & Emergency Contact

I Am Not a Crisis Service

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please:

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (available 24/7)

Call the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

NYC Well (24/7 crisis counseling): Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) or text "WELL" to 65173

I typically respond to messages within 24-48 business hours. If you need immediate support, please use the resources above.

Between-Session Contact

I check email and messages during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm EST). For non-urgent matters, email is best.

Brief check-ins between sessions are welcome. However, if you find yourself needing significant support between sessions, we should discuss increasing session frequency.

Neurofeedback-Specific Policies

Equipment & Setup

For neurofeedback services, you'll need to purchase a Muse headset or use a payment plan option. The headset is yours to keep.

I provide the Myndlift software subscription, training protocols, and ongoing clinical support.

Training Expectations

Neurofeedback is most effective with consistent home practice (2-4 sessions per week, 20-30 minutes each). We'll review your training data during our monthly check-ins and adjust your protocol as needed.

Results Timeline

Most clients notice improvements within 4-8 weeks. Full protocol typically runs 3-6 months. Results vary based on individual nervous system patterns and consistency of practice.

Not a Medical Device

Neurofeedback is a wellness tool and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It's used as a complementary approach to support nervous system regulation.

Ending Therapy

You have the right to end therapy at any time. I encourage you to discuss your decision with me so we can have a proper closing session and ensure you have resources and referrals if needed.

If I believe I'm not the right therapist for your needs, I'll discuss this with you openly and provide appropriate referrals.

Termination by me: I may need to terminate our therapeutic relationship if:

• You're not paying for services as agreed

• You're frequently canceling or not attending sessions

• I determine I'm not qualified to address your needs

• There's a conflict of interest or ethical concern

In these cases, I'll provide reasonable notice and referrals to other providers.

Telehealth Consent

Technology Requirements

For online sessions, you'll need:

• Reliable internet connection

• Private, quiet space

• Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone

• HIPAA-compliant video platform (I'll provide the link)

Your Responsibilities for Telehealth

• Ensure you're in New York during sessions (I'm only licensed in NY state)

• Be in a private location where you won't be interrupted or overheard

• Have a plan for technical difficulties (backup phone number to call)

• Let me know your physical location at the start of each session (for emergency purposes)

My Responsibilities for Telehealth

• Use HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video platforms

• Maintain the same standards of care as in-person sessions

• Have your emergency contact information on file

Complaints & Grievances

Talk to Me First

If you're dissatisfied with any aspect of our work together, please let me know directly. I'm committed to addressing concerns and finding resolution.

Professional Licensing Board

If we cannot resolve your concern, or if you believe I've violated ethical standards, you can contact:

New York State Education Department
Office of the Professions
Division of Professional Licensing Services
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 474-3817
Website: www.op.nysed.gov

Consent for Treatment

By booking and attending sessions with me, you acknowledge that you have:

• Read and understood these policies

• Had the opportunity to ask questions

• Agree to these terms and conditions

• Consent to treatment

You can request a copy of these policies at any time.

Copyright & Intellectual Property

Website Content

The content on this website, including text, images, and materials created by Transformative Wellness LLC, is protected by copyright law. Please don't reproduce, distribute, or share this content without written permission.

Client Materials

Any worksheets, resources, or materials I provide during therapy are for your personal use only and should not be shared or distributed.

Changes to These Policies

I may update these policies occasionally. If significant changes are made, I'll notify you and provide you with the updated version. Continued use of my services after policy updates constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Questions?

If you have any questions about these policies, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm happy to clarify anything.

Thank you for taking the time to read through these policies. I look forward to working with you!