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Common Questions
What exactly is The Neutral Hour?
Paid time with a neutral third party who listens to your situation and gives you an honest, unfiltered personal opinion on personal, relationship, work, and employment matters or any decision you're weighing.
Is this therapy or counseling?
No. Our advisors don't act as licensed counselors, therapists, psychologists, or social workers in a session. They don't diagnose, assess, or treat anything, and a session is not a substitute for professional mental-health care.
Is this mediation?
No. Our advisors don't act as Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediators, and sessions are not court-ordered or court-connected mediation. Two-Party Hours are informal conversations with a neutral third party.
Can I ask about a work or employment problem?
Yes: how to approach a boss, whether to stay or go, how to weigh an offer, how a conversation might land. Your advisor won't give legal advice, such as whether a firing was legal, whether to sue, or what a contract means, and won't draft or review agreements. For those, talk to an attorney.
Will you tell me what to do?
You'll get your advisor's honest opinion, including what they'd do in your position. The decision, and responsibility for it, stays with you.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes, by agreement, with limits: no legal privilege applies; we may be required to disclose information under a subpoena or court order; we may contact emergency services if there's an imminent risk of serious harm; Tennessee law requires anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it, and we will.
Can you be called as a witness?
Possibly. Because there's no legal privilege, a court could require it. Our terms ask clients not to subpoena their advisor or The Neutral Hour, but that agreement doesn't bind a court. We record every session and keep the recording, transcript and notes for up to one year (see 'Are sessions recorded?').
Are sessions recorded?
Yes, every one. The Neutral Hour records each session, and an AI tool may transcribe it and take notes, only for The Neutral Hour's records. Recordings belong to The Neutral Hour, not to the individual advisor. Recording is part of the service, so it isn't optional. Everyone in the session agrees to it when they book and confirms again at the start of the call. Recordings, transcripts and notes are deleted within one year. They're never sold or used for marketing. Like everything said in a session, they're confidential by agreement but not legally privileged, so a court could order them disclosed. Please don't make your own recording unless everyone agrees in writing.
How do refunds work?
Sessions are paid at booking. Reschedule free once if it's more than 24 hours ahead. Late cancellations (within 24 hours) and no-shows aren't refunded. If we cancel, you choose a full refund or a reschedule. Founding Hour clients get a full refund if they stop by minute 15.
How do I cancel a membership?
Online, anytime before your renewal date, with no phone call required. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the paid month. Unused sessions roll over one month, then expire.
Who can book?
Adults 18 and older, from anywhere, by phone or video. All times are Central.
Can two people book together?
Yes: the Two-Party Hour, $200 total ($100 each). Both complete the intake, and either person can end the session. It isn't for matters in active litigation.
Who will I talk to?
One of The Neutral Hour's advisors. Every advisor follows the same confidentiality, recording and conduct standards, and we'll tell you your advisor's name before or at the start of your session.