Session Waiver & Informed Consent

Before we begin

Before your session, please watch videos of ERT being performed by the creator of the modality at @jackman.pat on Instagram. These videos show sessions performed by Pat Jackman — not your practitioner — but they give you an accurate picture of what ERT looks like and what to expect. If you have any questions about the content, please discuss them with Ryan before signing this waiver.

Consent to touch

ERT involves the practitioner using their hands and fingers to apply pressure and manipulate specific points ("Activation") on the client's body. As a result, there may be pain and discomfort, as well as emotional expressions in the form of crying, sounds, screams, and vomiting.

Activation is most effective when performed directly on skin, but can be performed over thin clothing if you prefer.

You will lie on a massage table and remain draped with a sheet for the entire session, with only the area being worked on uncovered at any one time. The breasts and genital area stay covered throughout and are never activated.

The gluteal area contains activation points. Work in this region is optional and never assumed — it happens only if you affirmatively consent below, and you may decline it or withdraw consent at any time without affecting the rest of your session.

Schematic illustration only — positions are approximate. The written description below governs.

• Front of body — required: Center point approximately two inches above the bottom of the sternum.
• Front of body — possible: Two points along the sternum; six points on the chest along the collar bone; three points along the esophagus; four points on the face.
• Abdomen — possible: Points across the abdomen, following the same pattern used along the back but face up — from just above the pubic bone up to the base of the ribcage. Activation does not extend below the top of the pubic bone.
• Back of body — required: Two points parallel to the spine roughly in line with the base of the shoulder blades.
• Back of body — possible: Several points parallel to the spine from the waistline up; two points on either side of the neck; two to three points at the scapula; along the waistline following the top of the pelvic bone.
• Legs — possible: Along the side of the thighs; along the calf muscle; at the Achilles tendon.
• Gluteal area — only with your separate consent: Points in the gluteal muscles. Worked through a sheet or over clothing with the area otherwise draped, using flat hand or thumb pressure. Not performed at all unless you select "yes" below.

Which points are activated depends on available time, your tolerance, and your practitioner's evaluation during the session.

Your right to stop

You may ask the following at any time, which your practitioner will immediately honor:

• To stop the session entirely.
• To reduce the intensity of the Activation.

Please note that stopping adequate Activation of the required points, as determined by the practitioner, would also end the session.

Health confirmation

By confirming below, you state that you do not have any medical conditions or injuries — such as heart conditions, neurological disorders, or other contraindications — that could be negatively impacted by the session. If you are uncertain, you have consulted with a medical professional before participating.

Disclaimer

Your practitioner is a massage therapist certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). A session may include both massage therapy and ERT. ERT is not massage therapy, and it is not a certified, licensed, or regulated modality in the State of California.

While the term ERT stands for "Emotional Release Therapy," in providing ERT your practitioner is not representing themselves as a therapist, psychologist, or any other medical professional. The practitioner is not providing any therapy, advice, counseling, life coaching, treatment for mental illnesses, any other therapeutic treatment, or any medical or life advice. You are willingly participating in this session.

You understand and accept all risks associated with this voluntary session. You release the practitioner from any liability related to physical or emotional discomfort or pain during or after the session.

Your information

By providing emergency contact information, you confirm that your emergency contact is aware you are participating in ERT and may be contacted in case of an emergency.

Electronic signature

By typing your full name below, you are signing this document electronically. You confirm that you are 18 years of age or older, that you have read all sections of this waiver, and that you are agreeing to all terms willingly and with full understanding.

Your signed waiver is sent securely to your practitioner.
Questions before your session? Text (925) 978-6717.