Scope, Ethics & Online Practice

Professional registration

Sangham is guided by Michael Kaplan (Swami Ramarishi), who is registered as a Wellness Counsellor with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP) in South Africa, registration number 10559. The ASCHP is a recognised professional body registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

This registration reflects adherence to a professional code of conduct, ethics, and continuing development requirements as set out by the ASCHP. It is a South African professional registration and does not constitute or imply licensure in any other country.

The nature of the work

The work offered through Sangham is supportive counselling, integrative in nature, drawing on dialogue, breathwork, body-based awareness, and contemplative practice. It is psychologically informed, practically oriented, and designed to support people in understanding and working with their patterns, responses, and inner experience.

This work is not psychology, psychiatry, psychotherapy, or medical treatment. It does not involve clinical diagnosis, the prescription or management of medication, or the treatment of psychiatric conditions. It is not a substitute for emergency, crisis, or acute mental health care.

Online practice across jurisdictions

Sessions are conducted online via video call and are available to clients in different countries. The online format has proven effective for this kind of work and allows sessions to be scheduled across time zones.

Offering sessions to clients outside South Africa does not imply that Michael holds a licence, registration, or accreditation in the country where a client resides. Clients engaging from outside South Africa do so with an understanding that the work is offered under a South African professional registration, in a supportive counselling and wellbeing capacity.

Scope and referral

This work has clear boundaries. Where a client's needs fall outside the scope of supportive counselling, or where clinical, psychiatric, or medical support would be more appropriate, this will be acknowledged openly. In such cases, referral to an appropriate locally licensed professional may be recommended.

This is a normal and responsible part of ethical practice. The aim is always to ensure that each person receives the kind of support that genuinely serves their situation.

Crisis and emergency

Sangham is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing a psychiatric emergency, or require urgent medical attention, please contact local emergency services or an appropriate crisis helpline in your area.

This applies regardless of whether you are a current client. In moments of acute need, the right response is always to reach the nearest available emergency or crisis resource.

Confidentiality and ethics

Session content is treated confidentially in line with professional ethics and applicable legal obligations. Confidentiality may be limited where there is a serious risk of harm or another legal duty to disclose.

The full approach to privacy and data handling is set out on the Privacy Policy page.

Questions

If you have any questions about the scope of this work, how it relates to your situation, or whether it would be appropriate for you, you are welcome to get in touch. Honest conversation about fit is always encouraged.