Important Disclaimers

Last Updated: January 2024

1. Not a Medical Device or Diagnostic Tool

EMDRly is NOT:

• A medical device as defined by the FDA or equivalent regulatory bodies
• A diagnostic tool for any mental health condition
• Intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition
• A substitute for professional medical or psychological evaluation
• Approved or cleared by any regulatory agency for medical purposes

The app provides supportive features for journaling and tracking purposes only. Any insights, patterns, or suggestions provided by the app should not be interpreted as medical advice or diagnosis.

2. Not a Replacement for Professional Therapy

EMDRly is designed to be used alongside professional EMDR therapy—not as a replacement for it. Specifically:

• The app does not provide therapy, counseling, or professional mental health services
• Features and responses are not provided by licensed mental health professionals
• The app cannot assess, diagnose, or treat mental health conditions
• No AI feature, automated response, or app interaction constitutes professional advice
• All clinical decisions should be made with your licensed healthcare provider

Always consult with a qualified mental health professional for any mental health concerns.

3. Not an EMDR Treatment Tool

EMDRly does NOT deliver EMDR therapy or any components thereof:

• The app does not provide bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones)
• The app does not guide users through EMDR treatment protocols
• The app does not implement any phase of the 8-phase EMDR treatment approach
• The app does not attempt to process traumatic memories therapeutically
• Any references to EMDR concepts are for informational/journaling purposes only

EMDR therapy is a specialized treatment that should only be delivered by trained and licensed mental health professionals. Never attempt EMDR self-treatment.

4. No Affiliation with EMDR Organizations

EMDRly is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or associated with:

• EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
• EMDR Institute, Inc.
• EMDR Europe
• EMDR Iberoamerica
• Any national or regional EMDR organization
• Any EMDR training organization or certification body
• The estate or intellectual property of Francine Shapiro, PhD
• Any hospital, clinic, university, or research institution

The use of "EMDR" in our name and materials is purely descriptive, indicating that our app is designed as a companion tool for individuals undergoing EMDR therapy.

5. Not a Crisis Intervention Service

EMDRly is NOT equipped to handle mental health emergencies or crisis situations:

• The app does not provide crisis intervention services
• AI responses are not monitored by mental health professionals
• There is no guarantee of immediate or real-time human response
• The app cannot dispatch emergency services

6. AI and Automated Responses

EMDRly uses artificial intelligence and automated systems to provide supportive responses. You should understand that:

• AI responses are generated by algorithms, not humans
• AI may make errors, provide inappropriate responses, or misunderstand context
• AI cannot truly understand your emotional state or personal situation
• AI responses should not be relied upon for important decisions
• AI cannot provide professional mental health advice or diagnosis
• The emotional tone of AI responses may not always be appropriate

Always discuss important insights or concerns with your licensed healthcare provider.

7. Accuracy of Information

While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information:

• We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information
• Information may become outdated or may not apply to your specific situation
• Educational content is for general informational purposes only
• Timeline features may contain inaccuracies based on memory reconstruction
• Date estimation features are approximations and should not be relied upon for legal, medical, or official purposes

8. Data and Security Limitations

While we implement strong security measures:

• No data storage or transmission system is 100% secure
• We cannot guarantee that your data will never be accessed by unauthorized parties
• Local device storage is only as secure as your device's security
• Data loss may occur due to device failure, theft, or user error
• Backups are the user's responsibility

See our Privacy Policy for detailed information about data handling.

9. Provider Communication Limitations

When using features that connect patients with healthcare providers:

• Communication through the app is not a substitute for direct clinical contact
• Providers may not monitor the app continuously
• Urgent matters should be communicated through established clinical channels
• The app does not guarantee message delivery or receipt
• Clinical decisions should not be based solely on app-mediated information

10. Third-Party Services

EMDRly integrates with or links to third-party services. We are not responsible for:

• The availability, accuracy, or safety of third-party services
• Privacy practices of third-party services
• Content or functionality of external websites
• Actions taken by third-party service providers

11. Assumption of Risk

By using EMDRly, you acknowledge and accept that:

• Engaging with memories and emotions related to trauma may be distressing
• The app may surface difficult memories or feelings
• You are responsible for managing your own emotional wellbeing
• You should use the app only as recommended by or in consultation with your therapist
• You will not hold EMDRly liable for emotional distress that may occur

12. No Professional Relationship

Use of EMDRly does not create:

• A therapist-patient relationship
• A doctor-patient relationship
• Any professional healthcare relationship
• Any fiduciary duty

EMDRly is a software tool, not a healthcare provider.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

• EMDRly and its affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• This includes but is not limited to damages for emotional distress, loss of data, loss of profits, or other intangible losses
• Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid for the Service in the 12 months preceding any claim

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless EMDRly, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these disclaimers or our Terms of Service
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Any content you create or share through the Service

15. Jurisdictional Limitations

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations or exclusions of liability. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. These disclaimers give you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights that vary by jurisdiction.

16. Acknowledgment

By using EMDRly, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understood these disclaimers
• You agree to use the app only as a supportive tool alongside professional care
• You will not rely on the app for medical or therapeutic treatment
• You understand the limitations of AI and automated systems
• You accept responsibility for your own mental health care decisions

17. Questions

If you have questions about these disclaimers, please contact us at:

EMDRly
Email: legal@emdrly.com

These disclaimers are effective as of the "Last Updated" date above and apply to all users of EMDRly.