Terry Hall @bizsayer

Guest Post/Commentary Published By Request from “Write On”

Hi Terry,

I don’t know how to add a comment to your Blog, can you post this? Or at least answer, or both? Thanks bunches! And keep on writing Terry!

Wow! This is the most comprehensive information I have found on the whole James Ray (and the seminar / self-help/ coaching industry … all in one place. Great job! And good for Amy for following her conscience right out the door of JRI.

I have a question for you – didn’t you attend seminars that were with a company built on the foundation of EST, called Landmark, or something like that? I remember having a conversation with you and another person in that group. You were very into the whole scene at the time. I was not. You were engaged in “enrolling” people for the group. Have you had a change of mind/heart? Correct me if I’m wrong. Actually, I bet you have no problem setting the record straight at you see it – I mean that as a compliment to your inner core of strength!

You are not alone in your idea of the need to regulate the seminar/coaching/etc industry. And I agree! Not sure what kind of license could be required for seminars, but surely there must be a way to make it mandatory for people to show their actual training and credentials. And yes, if they are going to employ psychological therapy techniques, they should show they have the training/certification to do so. Perhaps “coaches” of any kind should be held to the same licensing laws as counselors?

I have a Master’s of Science degree in Psychology. Not a Master’s of Art. Science. I worked hard for that degree, and had a lot of supervision during and after my training. Every professional field has the burden of being marred by idiots within that field. Psychology is not exempt from this dilemma. Hence: licensure. Even so, there are licensed idiots out there causing havoc in people’s lives. So I wonder sometimes if it is really possible to fully regulate any field that claims to help others. Ultimately, people will have to regulate themselves when they sign up for an experience (whether it is free or they are paying an obscene $9000+). But how can they do that without FULL DISCLOSURE? Doesn’t seem the attendees of JRI have full disclosure, nor did they receive their “waiver” in a timely manner!

Your Blog offered lots of reading… I was horrified by the “waiver” JRI attendees sign… AFTER their 3 day refund period. Yikes!!! I have never used a Waiver. Therapists are required to carry Malpractice Insurance. Ya know… in case of MALPRACTICE, in which case, the therapist must be responsible to the injured person(s). Certainly I would never expect anyone to sign such a blatantly irresponsible Waiver like the one from JRI. Yep, I bet the Attendees that went, even after signing, surely never expected to be baked in a make-shift oven. Where are his real credentials to conduct a Sweat Lodge??

So that leaves me wondering…. How DO we empower others using our trained skills but NOT charge money in order to live? I don’t think you are advocating that people work for free. You are decrying the greed attached to many so-called self-help seminars and guru type businesses, right? I want to work to help others. You work to help others. We all need to be paid for our work and held accountable for what we do.

Keep writing! Thanks for all your hard work on your Blog!

SEMINAR BUYER’S BEWARE

Don’t be a schmuck! Here is the legal document that JRI customers signed to participate at Spiritual Warrior in 2009. The issue that I have is this document was not received by the JRI customers until after their 3 day refund period had expired. In other words, a customer refusing to sign this document could not attend and would NOT receive a refund for the seminar.

Documents like these are common in business and in my opinion allow for “Gurus” like James Arthur Ray to develop God complexes and exhibit “above the law” behaviors at the cost of their customers. While this example uses James Arthur Ray and his Seminar Company, these are common practices in the Seminar and Coaching Industry.

Spiritual Warrior Release, Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, Indemnity Agreement and Disclaimer

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT YOU ARE WAIVING ALL RIGHTS TO COMPENSATION IN CASE OF INJURY.

In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Spiritual Warrior event (the “Event”) and being granted access to the premises where the Event will be conducted, and for other good and valuable consideration, I agree to release, waive and discharge James Ray International, Inc. (the “Company”), its principals, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, promoters, independent contractors, sponsors, volunteer assistants, associated coaches, and others associated with the Company, or any of them (the “Releasees”), from all liability to the undersigned for any loss or damage, and any claim or demands therefore on account of injury to the undersigned’s person (whether physical, emotional, psychological or otherwise) or property or resulting in death, whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise, relating to the Event, whether sustained during the Event or not.

Author’s Note: You can not sue God or God’s cohorts.

I am fully aware and understand that I will be given the opportunity by the Company to participate in physical, emotional and other activities during the Event, some of which may take place outdoors and/or require the participants to be isolated from one another and/or include very loud music. These activities may include physical exercise (e.g., hiking, swimming, yoga, team games), Holotropic Breathwork (a psychotherapeutic approach believed to allow access to non-ordinary states of consciousness), a sweat lodge ceremony (a ceremonial sauna involving tight, enclosed spaces and intense temperatures), and/or a Vision Quest (a multiday, solitary, personal and spiritual quest in the wilderness without food or water) (the “Activities”). I am fully aware that I may suffer physical, emotional, financial or other injury during any of the Activities and there is and can be no assurance or guarantee regarding my health or safety in connection with my participation in the Activities. I understand that (1) there are inherent risks in the Activities; (2) people may have been seriously injured by participating in the Activities; and (3) if I voluntarily choose to participate in the Activities, there is a risk that I may receive injuries requiring medical attention. I fully understand and acknowledge that there is no requirement whatsoever that I participate in the Activities. If I do choose to participate in any of the Activities, I affirm that I have not been nor will I be coerced or persuaded in any way to do so and I assume full responsibility for and risk of any injury sustained in connection with the Activities, whether caused by the negligence of Releasees or otherwise.

Author’s NOTE:

• Notice that prior to the event, Ray requires customers to “affirm” that have not or will not be coerced into participation.
• Ray mentions no credentials of licensing of mentioned methods and does NOT include appropriate trade marks or service marks.
• Just like God, Ray can do what he wants to anyone he wants and just try to hold him accountable for the damage he causes.

I also understand that the Company does not purport to offer any medical, psychological, therapeutic, religious, or other professional advice at the Event and that the information provided at the Event is not a substitute for professional psychological or psychiatric care. I agree that under no circumstances shall Releasees be liable to me based on my use or misuse of and/or reliance on any information provided to me at the Event. And I assume full responsibility for and risk of any injury whether personal, financial or otherwise that I might incur based on such use, misuse and/or reliance thereon.

Author’s NOTE: This is evidenced by Ray’s lack of medical staff or medical training. Again, indications that Ray is aware that he is practicing therapy without a license.

Similarly, I understand and acknowledge that meals may be served at irregular and varying times and that Event hours are long and may last from approximately 8:00 a.m. to midnight or later. I also understand and acknowledge that the temperature indoors and outdoors may vary from very cool to balmy and I assume responsibility to dress in a manner that can be adapted to the temperature as necessary for my comfort. I also understand and acknowledge that smoking areas may not be available on the premises of the Event. I further understand that I may have the opportunity during the Event to engage in discussions regarding products, businesses or business opportunities with other attendees. I acknowledge that any decision to engage in a business relationship with an attendee, or with a person or entity in any way relating to my association with an attendee, is entirely my own choice. Accordingly, I assume full responsibility for any loss, whether financial or otherwise, that I might incur as a result of any such relationship.

Author’s NOTE: Seminar Companies regularly endorse and cross promote other seminar companies (ie The relationship between James Ray and Bill Harris of Holosync). Typically these are commissions paid for these endorsements.

Spiritual Warrior Participant Guide

I expressly agree in no event shall the Releasees be liable to me, whether the claim be in tort, contract or otherwise for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages (even if the Releasees have been advised of the possibility of such damages).
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees and each of them from any loss, liability, damage or cost they may incur due to my participation in the Event or in any way related to my presence on the premises of the Event, whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise.

Author’s NOTE: CYA statement that says, just in case you do sue me and I lose, you don’t get any extra money to punish me for the harm I caused you.

I agree not to record by audio, video, photographic or any other means, any portion of the Event. I also understand that all information and materials provided in connection with the Event, including but not limited to workbooks and other written materials, trademarks, logos, graphics and images (the “Materials”), are the copyrighted works and other forms of intellectual property of the Company. I understand and agree that I will not use the information or Materials provided at the Event for any purpose other than for my personal use and benefit. I understand and agree that I may not distribute, transmit, display or broadcast in any manner the information or Materials for any purpose.
I further expressly agree that this agreement is to be governed by the law of the State of California, without regard to conflicts of law doctrines, and the release, waiver of liability, assumption of risk, indemnity and disclaimer provided herein are intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall continue in full legal
force and effect.

Author’s NOTE: Seminar Companies try to protect their rights at any cost. Even though most seminars have “sourced” their information from other companies. By changing 20% or more of other’s copyrighted materials and new copyrights protect the material as their own.

I acknowledge that I have been given the opportunity by the Company to ask questions regarding any aspect of this Release, Waiver, Assumption of Risk, Indemnity Agreement and Disclaimer. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have carefully and completely read and fully understand all aspects of this agreement and voluntarily agree to all of the terms and conditions stated in this document and that in doing so I have not relied
upon any oral representations, statements or inducement apart from statements made expressly herein.

Author’s NOTE: If you don’t agree to these terms you can not do the seminar but you will NOT get your payment refunded.

Signature & Witness blanks below…

###

Author’s NOTE: James Arthur Ray and other “transformational”, self-help & personal development companies and coaches regularly use therapeutic methods in their work with clients. However, most are NOT licensed therapists. To avoid issues, they require customers to waive any and all rights to recourse and offer not guarantees.

Seminar Buyers Beware!

Amy Hall, former James Arthur Ray Employee

Amy is my wife and one of the victims of James Arthur Ray’s obsession with death which has resulted in 4 people dead, many injuries and lost jobs.

Amy gave her resignation letter, in person to Rebecca “Becca” Callaway. Becca was Amy’s immediate Supervisor at JRI. This letter is our electronic copy pictured in the Crime Scene Photos on Megan Fredrickson’s Desk. She resigned at about 5:00 PM on October 13 after making sure her “desk” and open tasks were in order.

Amy called the Yavapai County Sheriff about 6:15 Pm the same day concerned that evidence in the case may be destroyed by JRI employees.

It is accurate that Amy was not aware of Colleen Conaway’s death until after she quit JRI.

For the record, Amy & I both want the Seminar Industry and “Professional” Coaches licensed and regulated. In addition, we are in receipt of a “cease and desist” letter from Nancy Bertrando of Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP regarding my blogging about James Arthur Ray’s character and how he ran his company. We are not sure whether Bertrando was the attorney who advised JRI in other HR matters, but Amy has filed a Labor Board Complaint against JRI for unpaid overtime and never delivering her final paycheck. JRI classified Amy’s job as customer service rep and receptionist as “exempt” to avoid paying her overtime. JRI did not appear for the mediation where a California EDD mediator informed Amy her job class was certainly NOT an exempt job. Her Labor Board Hearing will not be for 6 months so she may never see the wages she is due and entitled to receive.

It is our opinion that most Seminar Companies are “in it only for the money” and many Live Seminars and Professional Coaches are practicing therapy without a license. They do so under the guise of “Education”, “Information” and “Coaching”. But anyone can hang out a shingle as coach and/or sell seminars regardless of their experience or credentials.

Below is Amy Hall’s Resignation Letter to JRI. Click on the image to see the entire document.

To contact Amy use the contact form at http://bizsayer.com/contact/ – I screen Amy’s contacts. She has received several nasty messages from former JRI employees. I will not forward those to her unless she requests to see them. Amy cares deeply for people and wants to do her best to make sure that the Seminar Industry and Coaches do no more harm (physically, financially and/or emotionally) and stop hiding behind one sided contracts and educational disclaimers.

Our wedding picture…

Why I’m blogging about James Ray. My agenda and angle.

I personally don’t care about James Arthur Ray or his business. He just happens a Seminar Schmuck who killed people. It’s the seminar industry and coaching business I want reformed.

It’s the day before Thanksgiving in the US and we’re all about gratitude, giving thanks and family. And all of this the day before the biggest shopping day of the year! America is all about making money, spending money and peak experiences. But four families this year will have empty seats at their Thanksgiving Tables. There are countless thousands of others with physical and financial losses caused by the $11,000,000 (billion) seminar industry that aren’t in the headlines.

For the past 2 decades, the seminar industry has exploded. Promising a world of results from making money, love, happiness, business success and getting laid. From 2001 until 2007, I was part of the industry. I signed people up, delivered seminars and sold the next program.

Before 2001, I was a Real Estate Broker in Orange County, CA a very speculative time. The  Real Estate Investment Guru’s were having a field day and any a**hole who owned real property in the OC at the time made money. I got 3 types of calls every week for about 2 years.

1. I want to refi out my equity to buy real estate
2. I want to buy your clients house “creatively”
3. You’re a RE Broker and a deal killer.

I watched people go to a high priced seminar, paid for on credit. Buy a higher priced seminar, on credit, to learn how to make money in real estate. As a RE Broker, I was the bad guy when I shed light on the insanity of over leverage. Of course as a RE Broker, I was the only one that could be sued for giving advice that didn’t work out. The seminar companies were disclaimed “for educational purposes only” with “do not try this at home” disclosures, no licensing and no registration process.

I will be sharing more about what goes on back stage in the seminar industry as we move forward. But here’s what I want to see happen and my specific agenda for picking on poor ole James Arthur Ray and his “Mission”:

• I want to see seminar companies licensed & regulated.
• I want to see “coaches” licensed.
• I want to see accurate results reflected in seminar advertising.
• I want to see “fair business practices” defined for the seminar industry.
• I want full disclosure of credentials, certificates, licenses and methods used during seminar programs.

That’s a start. I’m grateful that this is America and I am free to share my opinions about whatever I choose. My final thoughts are this. I have compassion for James Ray as a fellow human being. In my opinion, he’s a man who made a mistake that killed 4 people this year and caused physical harm to many others over the years. He pushed people as hard as he pushes himself, but in doing so people were killed and hurt.

James Ray stepping foot into the sweat tent in Sedona to lead the sweat lodge ceremony, was exactly the same as a person with 2 or 3 drinks getting behind the wheel of a car and driving. Let me explain… Ray and his staff had full knowledge that over the past four years, on a consistent basis, people got sick and needed medical attention as a result of being in their sweat lodge at Spiritual Warrior. Ray and his staff, even though he knew about the danger of his sweat lodge chose to NOT have medical personnel and resources (ie. nurses, EMT’s, ambulances equipped to handle medical emergencies) on the scene. (He had 1 nurse for the 60 attendees.  A much better ratio of medical personnel to attendee would have been 1 to 20, 1 nurse or EMT for every 20 attendees and that is probably too few.)

Bottom line is that Ray and his staff  knew there was a prior history of injuries at the event and specifically at the sweat lodge, knew there would be injuries at the event and especially at the sweat lodge and Ray and his staff chose not to adequately staff or equip medical personal for the event and especially the sweat lodge, where all of the injuries had occurred in prior years. How is that different than when a person, who has been drinking and knows that they are ‘tipsy’ and over the legal blood alcohol limit, gets into their car and drives? They deliberately,  knowingly and willfully get into a car and drive even though society and the LAW says that driving while you’re intoxicated is not tolerated.  Even though it is commonly known that driving while you’re intoxicated kills people. Oh that’s right, the difference is that there are no LAWS governing the seminar industry or James Ray and his staff.    I say James Ray and his staff willfully, deliberately and directly caused the deaths and injuries in Sedona on October 8, 2009. The only difference is Ray was impaired by his ego and arrogance instead of alcohol.