The Sacred Kings

Personal Accountability & Ethics

Effective October 1, 2025 · Last Updated April 2026

This statement publicly declares the commitments of J.J. Brawley (Shiva J), founder of The Sacred Kings, and outlines the systems in place to ensure those commitments are honored.

"Integrity is not perfection — it is the courage to align my actions with my truth, to repair harm when it occurs, and to remain accountable to both myself and my community."

Core Ethical Commitments

1. Integrity in All Communications

I commit to:

  • Honoring my word and keeping my commitments
  • Communicating honestly about my qualifications, experience, and limitations
  • Promptly acknowledging when I make mistakes and taking responsibility for repairing harm
  • Being transparent about what I can and cannot offer

2. Explicit and Informed Consent

I practice explicit, informed, and revocable consent in all professional interactions:

  • All agreements are clearly stated and mutually understood before proceeding
  • Consent can be withdrawn at any time without penalty
  • I create space for questions and ensure understanding before moving forward
  • Power dynamics are openly acknowledged and managed with care

3. Professional Boundaries

  • No sexual or romantic involvement with current clients or members under any circumstances
  • Minimum 6-month cooling-off period before any romantic or sexual relationship with former clients
  • Professional relationships remain focused on the client's growth and wellbeing
  • I do not exploit my position for personal, financial, or sexual gain

4. Substance Use Policy

  • Complete sobriety during all professional work — no alcohol or recreational drugs before or during sessions, workshops, or professional events
  • I arrive clear-headed and fully present for all professional engagements
  • If prescription medication affects my capacity, I notify clients and reschedule if necessary

5. Financial Transparency & Ethics

  • All pricing is clearly stated before any financial commitment is made
  • Payment terms and policies are disclosed upfront and in writing
  • Existing clients are notified before any price increases
  • I do not pressure clients into additional services or upsell inappropriately
Professional Liability Coverage: I maintain active professional liability insurance and general liability insurance at minimums of $1,000,000 per occurrence. This coverage is not required by any governing body — I carry it voluntarily because those I serve deserve that layer of protection.

6. Scope of Practice & Competency

  • I represent my credentials, training, and experience honestly without inflation
  • I refer clients to licensed professionals when issues are beyond my scope
  • I engage in ongoing education and seek consultation for complex situations
  • I acknowledge the limits of my expertise and do not claim abilities I do not possess

This work is not therapy. My services — including coaching, facilitation, and somatic practices — are not therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, or any form of licensed mental health treatment. They are not a substitute for medical or clinical care.

Accountability Structure

I maintain an independent Personal Accountability Pod — a small group of trusted individuals who provide oversight of my ethical practice. This Pod:

  • Reviews anonymous feedback submitted through our website and newsletter
  • Provides confidential mediation if concerns arise
  • Operates independently of my direct supervision
  • Is bound by confidentiality obligations

The Sacred Kings also maintains an Integrity Council that provides independent oversight of the organization's ethical standards. See the Integrity Certification page for full details.

How to Raise a Concern

If you have a concern about my conduct or the conduct of any Sacred Kings facilitator, you can:

All concerns are taken seriously. All feedback is reviewed. We are committed to continuous improvement and genuine accountability.