Terms and Conditions (T&C) for Services, Programmes, and Workshops by Dr. Josef Merk (incl. the brand "Men Evolving Now")

Article 1: Scope and Contracting Parties

These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings, registrations, and transactions for (online) workshops, programmes, 1-on-1 sessions (coaching, moderation, facilitation), and services offered by Dr. Josef Merk, including those under the brand "Men Evolving Now". By completing the booking, registration, or payment process, a binding agreement is formed between you (the client/participant) and the provider:

Dr. Josef Merk

Gustav-Müller-Str. 40

10829 Berlin

You will receive a confirmation email after booking.

Article 2: Age Restriction

Due to the nature of the emotional and psychological work involved, my programmes and sessions are restricted to adults. You must be at least 18 years old to participate. By booking or registering, you confirm that you meet this age requirement.

Article 3: Nature of the Work and Health Disclaimer

My work and programmes focus on coaching, moderation, inner work, and personal development.

Not Therapy: These services and programmes are not a substitute for medical, psychiatric, or psychological treatment. They are not designed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.

Self-Responsibility: You are fully responsible for your own emotional and psychological well-being before, during, and after the sessions. If you are currently undergoing trauma therapy or psychiatric treatment, I strongly advise you to consult with your mental health professional prior to joining to ensure the chosen setting (1-on-1 work or group) is appropriate for you.

Article 4: Confidentiality and Framework

To create a safe and trustworthy space for all clients and participants, the following rules apply:

Strict Confidentiality: In group programmes, you agree to keep everything shared by other participants strictly confidential. In 1-on-1 sessions, as a coach, I am bound by the strictest confidentiality.
No Recordings: Taking audio recordings, video recordings, or screenshots of the sessions (both in groups and 1-on-1 sessions) is strictly prohibited.
Right of Exclusion / Termination: I reserve the right to remove any participant from a programme without a refund, or to terminate a session, if confidentiality is breached, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour is exhibited, or the boundaries of other group members or the facilitator are violated.

Article 5: Payment and Sliding Scale

Payment is due in full at the time of registration or booking via the respective secure payment platform or by invoice. Where a trust-based sliding scale is offered for specific programmes (such as "Men Evolving Now"), all price tiers grant access to the exact same programme. By choosing your tier or booking the service, you agree to pay the stated amount.

Article 6: Cancellation and Refund Policy by the Participant / Client

Because group programmes are closed formats with limited capacity and 1-on-1 sessions block fixed time slots, the following cancellation policy applies unless otherwise agreed upon booking:

Up to 14 days before the first session / booked appointment: 100% refund (minus any non-refundable payment processor fees).
Up to 7 days before the first session / booked appointment: 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the first session / booked appointment, or after it has started: No refund is possible.
To cancel, you must notify me in writing via email at [Insert Email Address].

Article 7: Cancellation and Changes by the Organizer

I reserve the right to cancel a programme or session entirely (e.g., due to illness or if the minimum number of participants for group programmes is not reached). In this event, you will receive a full refund of your payment or you may choose to postpone your participation or appointment.

In the event of an unforeseeable emergency, I reserve the right to reschedule a session. We will work together to find a suitable alternative date.

Article 8: Intellectual Property

All materials provided during the programmes or sessions (including handouts, exercises, and workbooks) are the intellectual property of Dr. Josef Merk. They are provided solely for your personal use. You may not reproduce, distribute, publish, or share these materials with third parties without prior written consent.

Article 9: Technical Requirements and Participation (for Online Formats)

To fully engage in the process and build trust, you agree to the following for online sessions:

Ensure a stable internet connection, a working microphone, and a webcam.
Keep your camera turned on during the sessions.
Participate from a quiet, private, and undisturbed environment where others cannot overhear the conversations.

Article 10: Limitation of Liability

I am liable for intent and gross negligence. For slight negligence, I am only liable in the event of a breach of a material contractual obligation, the fulfillment of which is essential for the proper execution of the contract. In such cases, liability is limited to the foreseeable, typical damage. No liability is accepted for technical failures beyond my control (e.g., global server outages of third-party software like Zoom) or for indirect commercial damages.

Article 11: Privacy and Data Protection

Your personal data will be collected and processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws (GDPR) solely for the purpose of executing this contract and facilitating the programmes and sessions. Detailed information can be found in the Privacy Policies at https://www.josefmerk.de/datenschutz/ as well as for specific programmes at https://www.men-evolving-now.org/privacy-policy.

Article 12: EU Right of Withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht)

If you are a consumer based in the European Union, you have the statutory right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days of booking without giving any reason.

Waiver of Withdrawal Right: If the service or programme begins before the 14-day withdrawal period has expired, you explicitly agree that the provision of services begins before the withdrawal period ends. You acknowledge that by doing so, you lose your right of withdrawal once the service has been fully performed (i.e., once the workshop, programme, or first 1-on-1 session has started).

Article 13: Applicable Law and Severability Clause

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of Germany. Consumers maintain the protection of mandatory consumer protection laws of their country of residence. Should any individual provision of these Terms and Conditions be or become invalid or unenforceable, this shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.