PRIVACY at MyShrink

Nothing is more important to MyShrink.com than the protection of your private information. Below you will find information about our commitment to ensuring the privacy of your personally identifiable information (e.g. your full name, email address, telephone number and / or identifying details.

Why your privacy is important to us.

Protection of privacy is important for many reasons, but even more so for a web site that facilitates disclosure. Put bluntly, how will we be able to earn your trust and build credibility if we're not extremely discreet handling your personal information? So…

Your Guarantee of SPAM-Free Privacy

We do not rent, sell or share your email address or any other personal information to third parties, even though that would make paying the bills for this site a lot easier.

Nor will we send you emails that you haven't asked for--we may upset a few people with our attitude but we're not interested in making you upset just for the heck of it!

Of course, if you really want something from MyShrink, such as an online newsletter, a notice of an upcoming event, your submission to 'Post a Comment', your Guestbook remarks or your registration in the Counseling Psych Cafe, you will need to tell us something about yourself.

In the web site business this is known as "permission" and it illustrates a general principle of our relationship with our users: R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

"Your friend's Email"

Whenever you forward an article or ezine to a friend, our Guaranteed Spam-Free Policy covers that person. We will only use their email address in order to send the message you requested. They won't ever hear from us again (although that could be their loss) unless they're very clever and sign up for our services!

We also realize that there are some ignorant individuals who will abuse our service by forwarding an article from a shrink site knowing the intended will be offended. Unfortunately, this is the price for providing this service. If you are the recipient of unwanted material from MyShrink we apologize unreservedly.

"Hasta la vista, baby!"

We really hate email newsletters and web sites that make it difficult to unsubscribe to (e.g. like having to remember your sign in information).

At MyShrink we've made it easy. With a click of a button you can say "Hasta la vista" anytime by using the 'Unsubscribe' link at the bottom of the message. In one click, you'll be taken to a page where you can unsubscribe to any or all of MyShrink's email/eCourse/promotional mail, no questions asked.

Get me rewrite!

You can even become a non-person, KGB style, by requesting a complete information erasure (We will miss you). Use 'Unsubscribe to Main Database' when you click into 'Unsubscribe'.

Caveat user.

Although we make reasonable security arrangements to protect your personal information, it sometimes feels like we're all living in the Matrix. So please keep in mind that whenever you voluntarily disclose personal information online (example - in the Counseling Psych Cafe, even when the board is password protected), your information can be seen and used by people who may not care about things like 'permission'.

There goes the neighborhood.

Although we intend to associate only with people who share our concerns with protecting your privacy, we cannot be responsible for the content or privacy practices of other web sites linked with us. But we do hope that you had a nice visit!

Your Data is Safe With Us

MyShrink maintains a strict security system to keep your personal information safe from unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure, copying, modification, or disposal and when we no longer need it we take as much care to destroy your personal information as we do in protecting it.

Ooooooh - cookies!

A cookie is a small data file sent to your browser and stored on your computer - it does not come with chocolate chips or ice cream. They vanish when you shut down your browser - unlike real cookies that go right to your butt!

We use them to track what you have been looking at so that we can show you new material when you return. We also use them to let others know other members of a forum (which you are a member of) when you were last present, so it's easier to tell who's up to date in a group conversation.

MyShrink uses third party advertisers such as Google Ads. Google had a few things to say that they wanted to pass along in case you were interested in their ads:

• Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on MyShrink.
• Google uses DART cookies to enables it to serve ads to you based on your visit to MyShrink and other sites on the Internet.
• You may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.

Website Traffic

We do a lot of research into how our site gets used so we're always collecting technical information such as where visitors came from or what kind of browser they're using. Such information may be compiled and shared in an anonymous, aggregate format, with advertisers or other third parties.(Here's an example.)

But just because we track and aggregate every visitor's activity into our analysis of general traffic flow (e.g. how traffic differs within conferences) doesn't mean we reveal anything about your particular usage pattern - no one will be able to identify you or contact you.

In other words, just because we know a visitor is on MyShrink, we do not know your name, email address, address, or telephone number unless, of course, you share this with us.

MyShrink Bulletin Board

Although all members of the Counseling Psych Cafe (the name of our bulletin board) are expected to observe the Member Agreement, we realize that you're all big persons now and we cannot control what others may say or vouch for their integrity.

Just realize that whatever you choose to disclose in the forum or to another member can be read by anyone else in that discussion. Just make it a rule to use your individual choice and good judgment regarding anything you post on the site.

Complaints Department.

If you ever have cause to question or complain about the service here, please contact our Privacy Officer at: #511 - 470 Granville St., Vancouver, B.C., V6C 1V5, or .

If your complaint is justified we will take the necessary steps to resolve it, otherwise we will provide you with the contact information for the Federal or relevant Provincial Privacy Commissioner.

Stay tuned!

Self improvement is a big deal with us, so if we have a brain flash on how to make this site more secure for your viewing pleasure we'll let you know and change this privacy statement accordingly. Of course, if there are any changes you'll know because the words will be different.

And if you have any ideas along these lines, or just want to, like, relate or something, then we invite you to come on down at !

Terry McGraw & Suzanne LaCombe

UPDATED December 11, 2009.

When You Want to Contact Us

MyShrink Users

Have a question, an idea or just like to share your comments - send your response to me, Dr. LaCombe at .

Having a technical problem setting up MyShrink as your home page, joining the Psych Cafe or in submitting comments? Send an email to

MyShrink.com

#511-470 Granville Street,
Vancouver, BC V6C 1V5

TERMS OF SERVICE

These terms and conditions are important, but we have tried to make reading them as painless as possible; it isn’t easy (you know what lawyers are like!). So you should read them carefully and completely before browsing these web pages or participating in any of the forums or bulletin boards of the Counseling Psych Cafe. If you browse or otherwise use this site, you agree to be bound by the Terms of Service, and also agree that you have read and consent to the terms of the Privacy policy. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions you may not access or use this site.

About MyShrink

This site is published and maintained by Dr. Suzanne LaCombe (through "S.K. LaCombe Consulting Inc") solely for the personal education, communication, information and entertainment of its members and the general public (who shall be referred to collectively as "users"). We provide general mental health information, bulletin boards, surveys, post-a-comments, quizzes, a virtual refuge and activation ratings for your entertainment and education. There is no set publishing schedule. New stuff is posted whenever we get around to it.

No Professional Advice

MyShrink does not offer online psychotherapy or psychological services. This site is dedicated to educating people about neuroscience, personal development, the power of psychotherapy and self-help. It is not intended as a substitute for face-to-face professional psychological advice or therapy.

Nothing to Laugh At.

MyShrink recognizes that everyone’s sense of humour is different. Please understand that the publisher of this site thinks that everything here is funny…or at least we thought it was funny when we posted it. We reserve the right to change our minds!

No warranties regarding the site.

MyShrink is provided on an "as is" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Neither "S.K. LaCombe Consulting Inc" nor its employees, affiliates, information providers or content partners shall be liable for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or other defects in the information contained in the site, and there are no warranties as to the results obtained from the use of the information. It is your obligation to evaluate the information and results from tools we provide, ideally in conjunction with your mental health professional. If you are a mental health professional you must exercise your professional judgment in evaluating any information contained herein, especially before undertaking any treatment based upon it. This disclaimer of liability applies to any damages or injury caused by any failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, computer virus, line failure, theft or unauthorized access to or alteration of the site, whether for breach of contract, negligence, or tort.

Obligation of users to check credentials.

The term "mental health professional" includes psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, nurse practitioners and social workers, but is not limited to these professions. MyShrink does not endorse any mental health professional listed on the site and will not be liable for damages to any user as a result of using the services of any such mental health professional.

Use site information at your own risk.

MyShrink makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and quality of information posted on the site, including random monitoring of bulletin boards and forums and screening articles, but does not take responsibility for or guarantee the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any such information or process disclosed, nor for errors and omissions. MyShrink does not necessarily endorse, oppose or edit any opinions or recommendations posted by any professional contributors or members. We will use reasonable efforts to remove content that is unlawful, hurtful or inconsistent with the Terms of Service. We are not responsible for information posted by users nor responsible for any damages resulting from your use of any information on the site. Users agree that if they rely on such information they do so solely at their own risk. While we are picky about the organizations we link to, we assume no responsibility for any web sites that are linked to our site, or that you visit following a link from our site.

Third Party Advertising

MyShrink is partially funded by revenue generated from the strategic placement of ads on the site. This relationship with outside commercial interests in no way compromises our editorial integrity and independence.

In the event that MyShrink acquires one or more sponsors, the principles of editorial integrity and independence will be maintained.

We also try to ensure that editorial content is always clearly distinguished from commercial messages. For example, we require clear identification of the authorship and credentials of all third party content accessible on the site, whether directly or through links.

MyShrink is committed to providing the visitor with relevant and compelling content. For this reason, we make every attempt to ensure that the ads you see are relevant to the topics contained in the pages on which they appear. We encourage visitors to bring to our attention any advertising they believe is inappropriate or irrelevant to the spirit of the site.

Unfortunately, we sometimes have no control over what ads appear (e.g. under the Google AdSense program) but let us know of your concerns and we'll do what we can! Please note that in this regard it is MyShrink's policy never to accept advertising from pharmaceutical companies, and we will do our best to screen them out of any program such as Adsense. (See Disclaimers section for more information.)

Finally, although we hope you consider giving some of our advertisers a try, we cannot guarantee that your experience will be exactly as advertised! Click safely!

Copyright restrictions.

You may download material from the site to a personal or handheld computer, and even print a reasonable number of copies for yourself, your family, or friends. However, you may not distribute, modify, re-post or use any such downloads for your own web site or for public or commercial purposes without the express written permission of MyShrink. All site contents, including selection, coordination, arrangement and enhancement, are subject to Canadian and international law regarding copyright protection unless otherwise noted and may not be used except as provided in these Terms of Service. S.K. LaCombe Consulting Inc. owns the names used for our products and services, and all trademarks, logos, and service marks displayed are protected by Canadian trademark law. If your activities are non-commercial you may make use of our trademarks by linking to us or discussing us with others, as long as you make it clear that we are the owner of the trademark.

MyShrink Permission

When citing documents from this site, please consider using this format derived from the APA 5th Edition Publication Manual. Replace appropriate author’s name and title from the article chosen.

Example shown.

LaCombe, S. K. [enter date of article, i.e. year, month]. How to Choose a Therapist. Retrieved from [enter date retrieved] MyShrink.com web site: http://www.myshrink.com.

Guidelines for Use of MyShrink Brand Features

For the purposes of the following, MyShrink and MyTherapyWorks are collectively known as the MyShrink Brand Features.

We spent many hours coming up with our logos and so we're very particular about the way our logos are used and presented. If you wish to use any of our Brand Features you must obtain explicit written permission before using. These Brand Features can only be used pursuant to these Guidelines and for the specific purposes for which we have given permission.

Things you cannot do:

• Remove, distort or alter any element of a MyShrink Brand Feature.
• Display MyShrink Brand Features in a way that implies a relationship, affiliation with or sponsorship or endorsement by MyShrink unless of course you have arranged this with us.
• Display a MyShrink Brand Feature on a web site that contains or displays adult content, promotes gambling, involves the sale of tobacco or alcohol or otherwise violates applicable law.
• Display a MyShrink Brand Feature in a way that is in our sole opinion misleading, defamatory, copyright infringing, libellous, personally disparaging, obscene or otherwise objectionable to MyShrink.com.
• Display a MyShrink Brand Feature on a site that violates any law or regulation.

No copyright in postings.

All communications and materials transmitted or posted to the site, including any data, questions, comments, or suggestions, are treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary information. We may use such communications or materials for any purpose, including reproduction, disclosure, transmission, publication, broadcast and further posting. However we will not use such communications or materials without first obtaining the consent of the user. Users permit any other user to access, view, store or reproduce for personal use any material uploaded or posted to the site, and agree that MyShrink has the right to edit, copy, publish and distribute any material made available by the users.

Editorial Policy

It is our opinion that the counseling profession is in the midst of a paradigm shift based on the results of thousands of experiments using new technologies. Although the facts about the brain and how it works are getting clearer, the interpretations and implications of those facts (i.e. the theory) have not been definitively verified.

Therefore, please note that many ideas and suggestions on this site are derivations, interpolations or conjecture based on recent and the best I could find child development and neuroscience research. They have not necessarily been rigorously tested. They are a best-guess hypothesis based on what researchers have discovered to date.

Links to other web sites.

MyShrink has not reviewed all sites that may be linked from this site and is not responsible for the content of these sites. Although we make every effort to include only those sites that reflect the same vision and/or spirit of MyShrink, you visit these sites at your own risk.

Linking to Us

We welcome a simple link from your web site to ours. However if you intend to frame our site or incorporate pieces of it into a different site or product in a way that is not clear to our users, you must first have our written permission. Links that in any way have a negative impact on our reputation are prohibited. This means you cannot link to us if your site is engaged in unlawful, obscene or offensive activities.

No liability for postings.

Although myShrink.com has the right, but not the obligation, to monitor or review the discussions, postings, transmissions, bulletin boards and forums, we are not responsible or liable for any error, defamation, libel, slander, omission, falsehood, obscenity, profanity or inaccuracy contained in any information posted to the site. We have the right in our sole discretion to edit, remove or refuse any material submitted to or posted on the site.

Prohibited postings.

Users shall not post or transmit through MyShrink any material which violates or compromises the rights of others, which is unlawful, threatening, abusive, defamatory, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, obscene, profane or otherwise objectionable, which encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offence or give rise to civil liability, or which, without express prior approval, contains advertising or any solicitation with respect to products or services. We reserve the right in our sole discretion to refuse service or terminate site access to any user whose conduct restricts or inhibits another user from using or enjoying the site or is harmful to the interests of MyShrink, its users, members, affiliates or suppliers.

Complaints

Users having any concern or complaint regarding any content or postings on this site are encouraged to contact Dr. LaCombe by or by phone at 604-602-1762. Please report any violations of the Terms of Service that you may encounter. If the complaint cannot be resolved in this manner, users agree that any claim, dispute or controversy arising from or relating to these terms of service shall be resolved by neutral binding arbitration to be held in Vancouver, Canada, and that all issues shall be interpreted according to the laws of British Columbia and any applicable federal laws of Canada..

Changes to these terms and conditions.

The Terms of Service may be changed or modified at any time, in whole or in part, and any changes, modifications, additions or deletions shall be effective immediately upon posting to the site. You are bound by any such revisions and should therefore periodically visit this page to review the then current Terms of Service.

Privacy

Users agree to have read and be in agreement with the terms of the separate Privacy Statement, which describes our privacy and security practices for this web site.

Contact information.

If you have any questions or comments regarding MyShrink please contact us at , or by mail at #511 - 470 Granville Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6C 1V5.

TM & SL
February 20, 2006.

DISCLAIMERS

This website is intended to offer general information only and recognizes that individual issues may differ from these broad guidelines. Personal issues should be addressed within a therapeutic context with a professional familiar with the details of the problems.

RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

MyShrink does not provide online counseling.

This site provides general information only. Information provided is not a substitute for professional advice. In other words, the information is not a substitute for the knowledge, expertise, skill and judgment of psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, naturopaths or other healthcare professionals. Furthermore, information presented is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. If you feel that you may need medical advice, please consult a qualified health care professional.

Editorial Content

MyShrink makes every reasonable effort to ensure that all posted information is accurate at the time of posting, but we do not guarantee its reliability or accuracy. Many of the articles on the site have been reviewed by other health care professionals. Some of these folks are on our Advisory Board.

It is our opinion that the counseling profession is in the midst of a paradigm shift based on the results of thousands of experiments using new technologies. Although the facts about the brain and how it works are getting clearer, the interpretation and implications of those facts (i.e. the theory) have not been definitively verified.

Therefore, please note that many ideas and suggestions on this site are derivations, interpretations or conjecture based on recent and the best I could find child development and neuroscience research. They have not necessarily been rigorously tested. They are a best-guess hypothesis based on what researchers have discovered to date. In other words, not all content on the site has been researched or evidenced to the same degree. However, references to research studies will be cited where advisable.

There are two ways that I distinguish content that is more speculative, the New Way of Looking at and My Personal Musings.

External Sites

MyShrink is not responsible for the material and opinions presented on external sites. Links to external sites will open in a new window.

Humour is Job Two!

We take humour seriously.

We believe that a sense of humour is not only a sign of mental health, but also a significant resource for personal change.

Not everyone has the same sense of humour so you may find our approach confusing and maybe even challenging. Nonetheless, we admit our fallibility--we might overshoot the mark sometimes, but it is not our intent to be demeaning.

That being said, we urge you to reflect on what your reaction might tell you about yourself. If anything confuses or offends you, we invite you to post your comments and concerns on the community forums or in our guestbook.

Please don't mistake our intent. We're not advocating the use of humour to shield ourselves from (yikes!) uncomfortable feelings. Humour is a powerful way of validating our common humanity, but it's wasted when used merely as a diversion from looking at ourselves clearly and honestly.

In fact, I believe humour is one of the fastest ways to be ruthlessly honest with ourselves if we so choose to look.

So what's Job One?

At MyShrink our primary goal is to provide our readers with relevant, quality information and content that is grounded in science, well referenced, and reviewed by knowledgeable professionals.

We respect the intelligence of our readers and believe that with the appropriate tools and resources, perhaps with the assistance of a health care professional, they can make informed decisions in their best interests.

Read our Terms of Service for more detailed information.

Our Policy on Pharmaceutical Company Advertising

MyShrink takes the position that drugs (e.g. anti-depressants, anxiolytics) are prescribed far too often for emotional -and other mental health complaints in cases where psychotherapy or other non-drug approaches would be more effective and long-lasting. In particular, MyShrink is dedicated to educating the public and mental health professionals regarding the natural healing powers of the body, and advocating the use of holistic, body-based approaches whenever possible in lieu of pharmaceuticals.

Consequently, MyShrink does not accept advertising or any form of sponsorship from any company that manufactures or promotes the use of these products for the treatment of mental health concerns. We hope that this measure will offset the overwhelming presence of pharmaceutical ads on other counseling websites. Owing the the limitations of the Adsense program (from Google) we cannot always be assured that our policy is followed. (For more information see: Questioning Medications)

Warning!

We strongly advise that anyone wishing to go off their medication, to do so after careful consultation with your physician or an appropriate health care professional.

Please be aware when trying to withdraw from many psychiatric drugs, you can develop serious and even life-threatening emotional and physical reactions. In short, it may pose problems not only to start taking psychiatric drugs (i.e. side effects) but it can also be hazardous to stop taking them.

(For more information read: Many Suffer from Antidepressant Withdrawal)

From the BBC here's a transcript from a show on the potential withdrawal effects of Paxil: The secrets of seroxat (the name of paxil in Britain).

Therefore, withdrawal from psychiatric drugs should be done under clinical supervision.

References:

Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome by Donald S. Robinson, MD

Sincerely,

Dr. Suzanne LaCombe and the MyShrink Crew
Last Updated: November 20, 2009.