Client Guidelines

These guidelines clarify the nature of my guidance services and help ensure we work together appropriately and effectively.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All questionnaires, applications, and guidance conversations are strictly confidential. I do not share client information with any third party without explicit permission. If I ever reference case patterns in my writing or teaching, all identifying details are removed to protect family privacy.

NATURE OF THIS GUIDANCE

My work provides educational guidance and strategic mentorship based on thirty-four years of experience raising nine children. It is not therapy, counselling, or clinical treatment. I am not a licensed therapist, psychologist, or mental health professional.

My work focuses on understanding family patterns and providing perspective on masculine development based on lived experience. I cannot diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe treatment, or replace professional clinical care.

WHO THIS GUIDANCE IS FOR

I work with parents of capable young men (aged 16-30) who are stuck in patterns of disengagement, lack of direction, or avoidance – but who do not require clinical treatment.

This includes young men who:

  • Have withdrawn into gaming, minimal work, or comfort-seeking patterns
  • Lack motivation or direction despite capability
  • Avoid challenge or responsibility
  • Need conditions created for capability building

The primary goal is to build real-world capability, momentum, and direction.

WHEN PROFESSIONAL HELP IS NEEDED

If your son is experiencing any of the following, professional therapeutic intervention takes priority and is outside my scope of guidance:

  • Mental health crisis or self-harm ideation
  • Severe depression, anxiety, or other acute mental health conditions
  • Substance abuse requiring medical treatment
  • Eating disorders
  • Neurological disorders requiring specialist care

In such cases, I recommend connecting with appropriate licensed professionals (GP, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist) before or instead of seeking family formation guidance.

If during our work together it becomes clear that clinical intervention is needed, I will recommend you seek appropriate professional support.

NO GUARANTEES

Family dynamics are complex, and outcomes depend on many factors beyond any single intervention. While I offer informed perspective from decades of lived experience, I cannot guarantee specific results.

This guidance represents my best diagnostic assessment and strategic recommendations based on the patterns you describe and my experience observing what creates capability and direction in young men. Your son’s response, your consistency in implementation, and factors beyond anyone’s control all influence outcomes.

Real change typically requires 90 days of consistent implementation and often longer. Some families see significant momentum within this timeframe; others require extended engagement.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Effective guidance requires:

  • Honest, detailed responses in questionnaires and conversations
  • Consistent implementation of recommendations over time
  • Willingness to hold boundaries even when uncomfortable
  • Recognition that you are seeking guidance, not guarantees
  • Commitment to the process through difficulty and doubt

REFUND POLICY

Diagnostic & Roadmap (£495): Due to the bespoke, preparatory nature of this service, all sales are final. By booking, you are securing my time and expert analysis. Refunds are only issued if I determine, prior to our scheduled call and based solely on your detailed questionnaire, that your situation requires immediate clinical intervention and is clearly outside my stated scope. In such a case, a full refund will be issued and I will recommend appropriate professional resources. No refunds will be issued after the diagnostic call has taken place.

Multi-Month Programmes (£1,500-£3,000): These are commitment-based engagements. No refunds after the first diagnostic call, as the value is in the ongoing partnership and accountability. If you need to pause or reschedule calls due to genuine emergency, we can discuss adjustments within reason.

AGREEMENT

By submitting an application, booking a session, or making a payment, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Client Guidelines.

Questions about these guidelines? Contact me at richard@richardmorrissey.org