Terms & Conditions

1. Terms of Use

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using Muscles & Readers (www.musclesandreaders.com) and any associated community platforms, courses, cohorts, retreats, or services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use the Website or participate in our community.

Use of Website and Community

You agree to use this Website and our community spaces for lawful purposes only, and to engage with other community members respectfully. You may not:

  • Copy, distribute, record, screenshot, or share any content (including community discussions, posts by other members, course materials, or recorded events) outside the community without express written permission.

  • Use the Website or community for any fraudulent or illegal activities.

  • Harass, threaten, or harm other community members.

  • Solicit, sell to, or market to other members without explicit permission.

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems, accounts, or member areas.

We reserve the right to remove content, suspend access, or terminate memberships for violations of these Terms.

Accounts, Memberships, and Payments

If you create an account, subscribe to a paid membership, enroll in a Circle (live cohort), or register for a retreat, you agree to provide accurate information and to keep your account details current. Paid memberships are billed on a recurring basis until canceled by you. You are responsible for canceling your membership prior to the next billing cycle if you do not wish to continue.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts and memberships for violations of these Terms, without refund.

Disclaimer of Liability

We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any content on the Website or within our community. Your use of the Website, community, courses, cohorts, and retreats is at your own risk. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from your use of our content or participation in our community.

2. Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information such as your name, email, payment details, and any information you voluntarily submit through forms, community posts, course participation, or communications with us.

How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

  • Provide community access, educational content, and services.

  • Process payments and manage subscriptions.

  • Send newsletters, community updates, and information about offerings you've opted into.

  • Improve user experience and Website functionality.

Sharing of Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data. We may share information with third-party service providers for payment processing, email delivery, community platform hosting, analytics, or compliance with legal obligations.

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no method of online transmission or storage is 100% secure.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze website usage. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data. To make a request, contact us at hello@themendcounseling.com.

Third-Party Links

Our Website and community may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for their content, privacy policies, or practices.

3. Important Disclaimer — Please Read

Muscles & Readers is a community, educational, and wellness offering. It is not therapy, medical care, or clinical treatment.

While Muscles & Readers is founded and led by Dawn Starkey, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), participation in this community does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Content shared in the community, in newsletters, in Circles (cohorts), at retreats, or in any other Muscles & Readers offering is provided for educational, informational, and community support purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice — medical, psychological, legal, financial, or otherwise.

You are encouraged to consult with your physician, mental health provider, or other qualified professional regarding any decisions about your health, mental health, medication, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your provider, dial 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or seek emergency care.

4. Refund & Cancellation Policy

Memberships: You may cancel your paid membership at any time through your account settings. Canceling takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle. We do not pro-rate or refund partial months.

Circles (live cohorts): Due to the limited-seat nature of cohorts and the commitment we make to assembled groups, refunds for Circles are not offered after the cohort begins. Requests made before the cohort start date will be reviewed individually.

Retreats: Retreat deposits and payments are subject to the specific cancellation policy provided at the time of registration, given the non-refundable nature of venue, food, and travel commitments.

Digital products and resources: Due to the nature of digital products, we generally do not offer refunds. If you are unsatisfied, contact us at hello@themendcounseling.com within 15 days to discuss possible resolutions.

5. Intellectual Property & Copyright Notice

All content on this Website and within Muscles & Readers community spaces — including text, videos, graphics, PDFs, course materials, frameworks, and recorded events — is owned by Muscles & Readers and/or The Mend Counseling, LLC, unless otherwise stated. Member contributions remain the intellectual property of the contributing member, though by posting, members grant Muscles & Readers a non-exclusive license to display that content within the community.

Unauthorized use, reproduction, or external sharing of Muscles & Readers content is strictly prohibited.

6. Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this Website may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. We only recommend products, books, and resources we genuinely believe in.

7. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of Muscles & Readers shall be resolved in the courts of Colorado.

8. Contact Information

Muscles & Readers is a project of The Mend Counseling, LLC hello@themendcounseling.com

14 Inverness Drive East Building C, Suite 230 Englewood, CO 80112

Last updated: 06.08.2026