Facilitator Training Terms & Conditions

Important: Please read carefully before participating in the Facilitator Training program offered by The Centre for Western Mindfulness. By registering, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this document.

1. Purpose of the Work

This training is designed to support individuals who wish help others learn how to transition from ego-based striving to essence-based living through awareness, mindfulness, and spiritual insight. It is educational and transformative in nature, not therapeutic in the clinical sense.

2. Scope of Practice

Russell Sturgess and The Centre for Western Mindfulness provide guidance as tutors, supervisors, and philosophers.

They do not provide counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, or medical treatment.
No diagnosis, treatment, or management of mental health or medical conditions is offered.
This training is not a substitute for professional healthcare, therapy, or medical advice.

3. Your Responsibility

By participating in this training, you acknowledge that:

You are responsible for your own wellbeing, choices, and integration of this work.
This process may stir subconscious or suppressed material. You agree to take appropriate responsibility for your emotional, physical, and psychological care, including seeking external professional support if required.
You understand that no outcomes are guaranteed. The results of this training are dependent on your own efforts, commitment, and application.

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4. Session Environment (Live or Online)

To protect the integrity of the work and the wellbeing of all participants:

Please ensure you attend from a safe, quiet, and private environment.
You agree to respect confidentiality, safety, and the emotional space of all participants.
Participation is always voluntary. You may decline or withdraw from any activity at any time.

5. Referrals and Duty of Care

If at any time Russell or a tutor or supervisors deems that you require therapeutic, medical, or psychiatric support beyond the scope of this work, they reserve the right to pause your participation and refer you to an appropriate health professional.

6. Intellectual Property

All course content (audio, video, written materials, graphics, training manuals) remains the intellectual property of Russell Sturgess and The Centre for Western Mindfulness.

You may not copy, record, distribute, or repurpose content without prior written permission.
Access to online materials is for personal use only and is provided for the agreed duration.

7. Self-Directed Learning & Responsibility

This Facilitator Training program is designed as a self-directed learning journey. Trainees are responsible for managing their own study schedule, progress, and completion of the required content.

The program is structured into 8 theoretical units, which must all be completed within 12 months of your enrolment date, and 1 practical unit, which must be completed within 24 months of completing the theoretical units.
Each theoretical unit includes online study, tutorial sessions, and self assessment activities. It is your responsibility to schedule, attend, and complete these within the timeframe.
The practical unit includes finding a case study to work with, and attending supervision sessions at the end of each module with the case study (or more regularly at your own expense if required).
This structure is intentional: the training is designed to cultivate the self-accountability, discipline, and commitment required for those who wish to build a career in facilitating this work.

8. Completion & Timeframes

All units, tutorial sessions, and assessments must be completed within the 12 months + 24 months timeframe of your enrolment date in order to be eligible for certification. If you do not complete the program within this timeframe, the following options may apply (at the discretion of the Centre):

Extension – a revised submission date may be granted.
Bridging Process – you may be required to repeat or refresh specific units to demonstrate competence (additional fees may apply).
Repeating the Program – in cases of significant delay or lack of engagement, you may be required to recommence the training in full. This will incur new fees.

Each case will be considered individually, taking into account your demonstrated commitment, level of progress, and personal circumstances. The Centre’s intention is always to support you in successfully completing the training while maintaining the integrity and standards of the certification process.

9. Payment, Refunds & Cancellations

a. Grace Period (2 Weeks from Start)

Participants may withdraw within 2 weeks of the program start and receive a full refund, provided all physical materials are returned unused and in perfect condition.
If materials are not returned, are used, or are damaged, the cost of those materials will be deducted from the refund.
Shipping costs for returning materials are at the participant’s expense.

b. After the 2-Week Grace Period

Refunds will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered include:
- How many units have been completed or accessed.
- Attendance at tutorial sessions and associated cost.
- Use of online or digital materials.
This approach allows flexibility for participants while protecting the investment made in delivering course content, materials, and facilitation support.

c. No Refund Threshold

Refunds will not be offered if either of the following applies:
- The participant has accessed or completed more than 50–75% of the program content.
- The participant has completed 4 or more of the 9 units, or has been enrolled for 6 weeks or longer (whichever comes first).
After this point, participants are considered to have received substantial value from the program, and further refunds will not be issued.

d. Materials

Physical materials must always be returned in perfect condition to be eligible for any refund.
Digital materials, once accessed, are non-refundable, unless otherwise agreed by the Centre.

e. Postponements or Cancellations by The Centre

If the program is postponed or cancelled, participants may transfer to a later commencement date or request a full refund.
In this case, The Centre will cover the cost of returning materials.
Refunds will only be processed once all materials are returned in good condition.

f. Insolvency

As The Centre for Western Mindfulness is a sole proprietorship, any refunds in the unlikely event of insolvency will be processed personally by Russell Sturgess.

10. Legal Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability

This training is provided for personal and educational development only.
No guarantee is made regarding certification, professional opportunities, or personal transformation.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Russell Sturgess and The Centre for Western Mindfulness accept no liability for any loss, injury, or damages (physical, emotional, or financial) arising from participation.

11. Agreement

By engaging in this training, you confirm that:

You are over 18 years of age.
You have read and understood this agreement.
You voluntarily assume all risks and responsibility for your participation.