Privacy Policy — Terms and Conditions
PRIVACY POLICY
BY VISITING MELISSAMSHEPHERD.COM, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO THE PRIVACY POLICY OF MELISSA SHEPHERD-WILLIAMS.
Overview
Melissa Shepherd-Williams is committed to protecting your privacy online. This Privacy Policy describes the personal information we collect through our website at melissamshepherd.com (the “Site”), and how that information is collected and used.
The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Melissa Shepherd-Williams.
The terms “user,” “you,” and “your” refer to visitors, customers, and any other users of the Site.
“Personal information” refers to data that you voluntarily provide that personally identifies you, your company, and/or your contact information—such as your name, phone number, or email address.
Melissamshepherd.com is a website that provides information about psychotherapy services, consulting, speaking, workshops, digital products, and related offerings (collectively, the “Service”).
Use of melissamshepherd.com, including all materials presented herein and all online services provided by Melissa Shepherd-Williams, is subject to this Privacy Policy. By using the Site or Service, you agree to this Policy without modification.
Information we collect on our general site
We only collect personal information you voluntarily provide, which may include:
Your email address to subscribe to our mailing list, course, webinar, or newsletter
Your name, email address, or website if you post a comment on a blog post (if enabled)
Your full name, email address, and message submitted through our contact form
Your social media profile when sharing content via a third-party provider
Activity Tracking
We may record information related to your use of the Site, such as pages viewed, searches conducted, browser type, IP address, referring URL, and timestamps. This information helps us:
Administer the Site
Improve our offerings
Analyze user behavior in the aggregate
How your information is used
We use the information you provide to:
Process transactions
Send periodic emails, including newsletters
Improve our services
We may share your information with trusted third parties who assist in operating our website or conducting business. These parties agree to keep your information confidential. Your personal information will never be shared with unrelated third parties.
Third-party links
Our Site may include links to external websites. Their privacy policies apply to their content and practices; ours applies only to information collected through melissamshepherd.com. We encourage you to review each site’s policy before providing personal information.
Security
We maintain security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access or misuse. However, no data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed as 100% secure.
You acknowledge that information shared through the Site may be accessed unlawfully by a third party, and you agree to release us from any claims related to such unauthorized access.
Note for psychotherapy clients:
Psychotherapy records are governed by separate confidentiality and HIPAA-related policies, provided during intake.
Children
You must be 18 years or older to use the Site or Service. Children under 18 are prohibited from using the Site.
Visitors GDPR rights
If you are located in the European Union, you have specific rights regarding your personal data, including:
The right to be informed
The right of access
The right to correct or erase personal data
The right to restrict processing
The right to object to processing
The right to data portability
The right to withdraw consent at any time
The right not to be subjected to automated decision-making
The right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
We retain personal information you provide unless:
(a) you request deletion
(b) we discontinue use of certain service providers
(c) we choose, at our discretion, to remove it
We only require information reasonably necessary to enter into a contract with you and will not require unnecessary data as a condition for receiving a free resource or subscribing.
Updating your information
If you join our mailing list, you may unsubscribe using the link in every email.
You may also update your personal information by contacting us at:
melissa@melissamshepherd.com
Changes to this policy
It is your responsibility to review this Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
https://www.melissamshepherd.com/contact
In Plain Language: How Your Information Is Handled
I want you to feel safe, informed, and respected while visiting this website. Here’s what my Privacy Policy means in simple terms:
1. I only collect information you choose to share.
This includes your email if you join a list, your message if you fill out the contact form, or basic details if you comment on a blog post.
2. I use your information to serve you better.
Such as sending newsletters, answering your questions, or providing access to courses or materials.
3. I never sell your information.
If I share data with trusted services (like my email provider), it’s only so the website works smoothly — and they must keep your information private.
4. I track general activity to improve the site.
Things like which pages are visited or what browser you use. This helps me understand what’s useful, but it doesn’t personally identify you.
5. No website can guarantee perfect security.
I protect your data, but no online system is 100% risk-free.
If someone intercepts information without permission, I cannot be held responsible.
6. This site is for adults.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Effective Date: December 9, 2025
By visiting and using melissamshepherd.com (“Site”), you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use this Site.
Overview
The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Melissa Shepherd-Williams, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 37794), and her professional practice and related offerings.
The terms “you” and “your” refer to any visitor, user, or purchaser of the Site.
The term “Services” includes psychotherapy services (where applicable), consulting, speaking engagements, workshops, courses, digital products, written materials, and other educational or professional offerings provided by Melissa Shepherd-Williams.
Use of this Site constitutes acceptance of these Terms, without modification.
Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years of age to use this Site or purchase Services. By using this Site, you represent that you have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement.
Scope of Services & No Therapeutic Relationship Online
Information provided on this Site is for educational and informational purposes only unless otherwise explicitly stated in a written agreement.
Use of this Site, including reading content, downloading materials, subscribing to newsletters, or purchasing digital products, does not establish a therapist–client relationship.
Psychotherapy services are provided only:
To clients located in jurisdictions where Melissa Shepherd-Williams is licensed
Under a separate, written informed consent and service agreement
This Site is not intended for crisis support. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.
Licensing Disclosure
Melissa Shepherd-Williams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 37794) in the State of California. Psychotherapy services are governed by California law and professional ethical standards.
No Guarantees
Any testimonials, examples, or descriptions of outcomes are not guarantees of results. Individual outcomes vary. No specific results—clinical, professional, financial, or otherwise—are promised or implied.
Educational, Consulting & Professional Services Disclaimer
Consulting, speaking, workshops, courses, and digital products are designed to support reflection, learning, and professional development. They do not substitute for medical, mental health, legal, or financial advice.
You are responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results.
Refunds & Cancellations
Unless otherwise stated in writing:
Digital products and downloadable materials are non-refundable
Workshops, courses, and speaking engagements are non-refundable
Consulting services may have separate cancellation policies outlined in written agreements
Refunds are not provided except where required by law.
Right to Refuse Service
We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue Services at our discretion, including for ethical, professional, safety, or boundary-related reasons.
Accuracy of Information
We strive to ensure that information on this Site is accurate and current; however, we make no guarantees that all content is error-free, complete, or up to date. We reserve the right to correct errors or update information at any time.
Lawful Use
You agree to use this Site and Services for lawful purposes only. You may not use Site content in a way that infringes on the rights of others, violates applicable laws, or misrepresents the nature of the Services.
You may not reproduce, resell, or commercially exploit Site content without prior written permission.
Intellectual Property
All content on this Site—including text, graphics, logos, designs, videos, downloads, and the overall “look and feel”—is the intellectual property of Melissa Shepherd-Williams and is protected by copyright and trademark laws.
You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without express written consent.
Third-Party Links
Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of third-party sites and do not endorse them.
No Warranty
The Site and Services are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Melissa Shepherd-Williams shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from your use of the Site or Services.
If liability is found, total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for Services, or $100, whichever is less.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Melissa Shepherd-Williams from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Site or breach of these Terms.
Privacy & GDPR Rights
Your use of the Site is also governed by our Privacy Policy.
If you are located in the European Union, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including access, correction, deletion, restriction, portability, and withdrawal of consent related to your personal data.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes shall be resolved in Los Angeles County, California, and the parties agree to attempt good-faith mediation prior to litigation or arbitration.
Entire Agreement
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Melissa Shepherd-Williams regarding the Site and Services.
Contact Information
Melissa Shepherd-Williams, LMFT 37794
15840 Ventura Blvd., Suite 306
Encino, CA 91436
In Plain Language: What You’re Agreeing To
Thanks for being here. I want you to feel informed, respected, and grounded as you explore this site and any services I offer. Here’s the simple, human version of the Terms & Conditions.
1. This website is for learning, not therapy.
You’re welcome to read, explore, download content, and get inspired.
But none of this creates a therapist–client relationship.
Actual psychotherapy only happens with a separate agreement, and only for people I’m licensed to serve in California.
2. You need to be 18 or older to use this site.
Just keeping the grown-ups in the room.
3. I do my best to share accurate, updated information.
But things evolve, and occasionally something on the site might change or contain an error. If so, I’ll fix it when I can.
4. I can’t promise specific results.
Whether it’s therapy, consulting, courses, or workshops—your growth is your own, and every person’s journey is different.
5. Some things aren’t refundable.
Digital products, workshops, events, courses, and consulting fees are generally non-refundable unless the law requires otherwise.
Psychotherapy services have their own cancellation policies, shared separately with clients.
6. Please use the site respectfully and legally.
No copying content, no reselling materials, no harmful or abusive behavior, no infringement of others’ rights.
We keep a healthy, nourishing space here.
7. The content you see here belongs to me.
All writing, images, designs, and materials are my intellectual property.
If you want to use something, just ask first. I’m friendly.
8. Links on this site are just recommendations.
If you click a link to another website, I’m not responsible for what happens there.
9. I’m not liable for damages caused by using the site.
The official Terms explain this in legal detail, but the idea is simple:
use the site at your own discretion and judgment.
10. Your privacy matters.
My Privacy Policy explains how your data is collected and protected.
If you’re in the EU, you have specific GDPR rights, which are honored here.
11. If we ever have a disagreement…
We’ll start with a conversation or mediation.
And if needed, legal matters will be handled in Los Angeles County, California.
12. You can always reach me.
If you have questions about any of this, I’m here.
Clarity is part of care, and you deserve both.
A final note from me
My intention is always to create a space where learning, healing, and creativity can unfold safely. These guidelines help protect that space for both of us—honoring boundaries, honoring consent, and moving with integrity.