Effective Date: January 19, 2026
Last Updated: January 19, 2026

Gratus Health (“we,” “our,” or “us”) uses social media to share education, practice updates, and community content. Because social media is public (or semi-public) and not designed for clinical communication, we proactively maintain clear boundaries to protect client confidentiality and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship, consistent with professional ethics and privacy obligations, including BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and applicable professional standards.

By engaging with any of our social media accounts, you acknowledge and accept the considerations outlined below.

1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy is designed to:

• protect your privacy and confidentiality in online spaces

• prevent dual relationships and boundary confusion

• clarify how (and how not) we use social platforms for communication

• support informed choice about online engagement and consent

2. Accounts Covered and How to Include @mikeshawski

This policy applies to:

• official Gratus Health social media accounts (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and similar); and

• Mike Shaw’s public/professional accounts used for education, speaking, and practice-adjacent content, including @mikeshawski.

3. Client Choice to Engage Online

You are welcome to view our content. If you choose to follow, like, share, comment, or tag us, that is entirely your choice.

However, social platforms may display your name/handle publicly and may reveal your engagement to others (depending on your privacy settings). We cannot control how social media companies use or store your data, or who can see your activity.

4. Confidentiality and How We Maintain It Online

We protect confidentiality online in the following ways:

• We do not confirm or deny that anyone is a client (even if you comment on our content).

• We refrain from discussing therapy, appointments, diagnoses, or any clinical content on social media. If this is your chosen method of communication, we recommend using secure, confidential communication channels.

• We avoid interactions that could unintentionally disclose a therapeutic relationship (for example: replying in ways that imply we know you clinically).

• We may hide/delete comments that include personal or clinical information to reduce privacy risk.

5. Direct Messages, Comments, and Communication Boundaries

Social media is not a secure or appropriate channel for clinical communication.

Please do not use social media to:

• request counselling support in a direct message or comment

• share personal health or clinical information

• manage risk concerns or urgent situations

If you message us:

• we may respond with a brief redirect to appropriate channels (e.g., booking link, practice email, crisis resources), and

• we will not engage in therapy or clinical decision-making via direct message.

If social media is your preferred way to communicate:

• We understand that some people prefer messaging through platforms like Instagram or Facebook. However, social media is not a secure channel for counselling communication.

This is part of responsible use of digital technologies and risk management in counselling practice.

6. Following, Friend Requests, and Connections

To protect boundaries and reduce dual-relationship risk, our typical approach is:

• We do not accept friend requests or follow requests from current clients on personal accounts.

• We generally do not connect with current clients on LinkedIn.

• If we do connect on LinkedIn in a professional context (e.g., a conference relationship), we still will not engage in clinical discussion there.

If you send a request and we do not accept it, it is not personal—it is a confidentiality and boundary practice.

7. Reviews, Testimonials, and Endorsements

Because of power dynamics in therapy, we do not request or encourage clients to provide testimonials, endorsements, or public reviews.

If you choose to post a review or comment about your experience:

• you are free to do so,

• but we will not respond in a way that confirms you are (or were) a client, and

• we may respond only with a generic statement (or not at all) to protect confidentiality.

8. Photos, Videos, Tags, and Client-Identifying Content

We do not post:

• client photos, videos, names, or identifying details without explicit written consent

• session content, “case stories,” or any material that could reasonably identify someone, even if unintentionally

If you tag us in a post, we may not acknowledge or share it, because doing so could link your identity with counselling services.

9. Educational Content vs. Counselling Advice

Our content is intended for general education and reflection. It is not a substitute for counselling, assessment, diagnosis, or crisis support.

We also refrain from providing clinical assessment or clinical information through publicly accessible websites/blogs/social platforms as part of ethical digital practice.

10. Viewing Your Public Online Information

As a general practice, we do not search for clients online. In rare circumstances (e.g., serious safety concerns), we may consider viewing publicly available information as part of risk management. If this ever becomes relevant, we will aim to discuss it with you whenever clinically appropriate.

11. Emergencies and Time-Sensitive Concerns

Our social media accounts are not monitored continuously.

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support:

• Call 911 (or your local emergency number)

• Call 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline in Canada)

• Or go to your nearest emergency department

12. Changes to This Social Media Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in platforms, privacy practices, or professional obligations. Updates will be posted with a revised “Last Updated” date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy or want to discuss social media boundaries as part of informed consent, contact:

Gratus Health
Email: admin@gratushealth.com