Coaching is a professional service conducted in-person, phone or online during pre-scheduled sessions. The goal of the sessions is the help the Client(s), to make positive changes. The Coach will listen carefully, offer nonjudgmental feedback, challenge clients to look from different perspectives, ask thoughtful questions that help you gain clarity, support you to take positive steps forward and hold the client accountable for action plans. The Coach can draw upon professional consulting experience to help the Client develop as a working professional.

The coach and the individual client (or group) agree on the topics for each session.  Any topic is welcome. Coaching is a space created to enhance strategic thinking, problem solving and goal-setting. Coaching is not a substitute for legal advice, and form of substance or mental health counseling. Coaching is a service intended for well-functioning individuals who want make positive changes. Psychotherapy and counseling are clinical professions intended to diagnose and treat psychological conditions, which are outside the scope of this relationship. If the Client is taking psychological medication, starts or stops taking medication, which could impact the Client’s ability to do the work within the Coaching relationship, please inform the Coach so adjustments can be made accordingly.

Confidentiality

This coaching relationship, as well as all information (documented or verbal) that the Client shares with the Coach as part of this relationship, is bound by the principles of confidentiality set forth in the ICF Code of Ethics. However, please be aware that the Coach-Client relationship is not considered a legally confidential relationship (like the medical and legal professions) and thus communications are not subject to the protection of any legally recognized privilege. The Coach agrees not to disclose any information pertaining to the Client without the Client’s written consent. The Coach will not disclose the Client’s name as a reference without the Client’s consent.

Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) was in the Coach’s possession prior to its being furnished by the Client; (b) is generally known to the public or in the Client’s industry; (c) is obtained by the Coach from a third party, without breach of any obligation to the Client; (d) is independently developed by the Coach without use of or reference to the Client’s confidential information; or (e) the Coach is required by statute, lawfully issued subpoena, or by court order to disclose; (f) is disclosed to the Coach and as a result of such disclosure the Coach reasonably believes there to be an imminent or likely risk of danger or harm to the Client or others; and (g) involves illegal activity. The Client also acknowledges his or her continuing obligation to raise any confidentiality questions or concerns with the Coach in a timely manner. For the purposes of coaching within organizations, the coach may consult with staff and other coaches for guidance, education and recommendations to improve the client’s coaching experience.

The Client(s) understands that the Coach does not guarantee results or achievement of goals or changes in a defined timeline. The Coach is not responsible for any loss or damage related to the end result of Coaching that the Client may experience. The Coach does not bear any responsibility for any consequence and in no event will be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction taken by the Client based on the services offered, information provided, or other material obtained through Coaching.

Client is solely responsible for creating and implementing his/her own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results arising out of or resulting from the coaching relationship and his/her coaching calls and interactions with the Coach. As such, the Client agrees that the Coach is not and will not be liable or responsible for any actions or inaction, or for any direct or indirect result of any services provided by the Coach. Client understands coaching is not therapy and does not substitute for therapy if needed, and does not prevent, cure, or treat any mental disorder or medical disease. Client further acknowledges that he/she may terminate or discontinue the coaching relationship at any time. Client acknowledges that coaching is a comprehensive process that may involve different areas of his or her life, including work, finances, health, relationships, education and recreation. The Client agrees that deciding how to handle these issues, incorporate coaching principles into those areas and implementing choices is exclusively the Client’s responsibility.

Client acknowledges that coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association and that coaching is not to be used as a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, or other professional advice by legal, medical or other qualified professionals and that it is the Client’s exclusive responsibility to seek such independent professional guidance as needed. If Client is currently under the care of a mental health professional, it is recommended that the Client promptly inform the mental health care provider of the nature and extent of the coaching relationship agreed upon by the Client and the Coach.