Professional Coaching Agreement Contract
Welcome! This document contains important information about my professional services and business policies. It is rather long because it covers a wide range of possible situations, many of which will not apply to you. Still, it provides a framework for understanding the services you are considering. Please read it carefully and note any questions you might have. We can discuss them at our next meeting. If you decide you would like to use my services and sign this document, it will represent an agreement between us.
WHAT IS COACHING
The non-profit International Coach Federation (http://www.coachfederation.org), defines coaching as “as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” My approach to coaching integrates mindfulness and tapping into the wisdom within the body as well as permission to stay curious, not know and explore. I am careful to balance moving forward with spending time in the messiness until clarity of an authentic path forward is received. The work we do is client centered and the client drives the agenda as well as holds the accountability for their own change. This is deeply seated in the philosophy that the client already has everything they need within, and holds the means to be successful.
I. RIGHTS
Professional Records
I keep brief records on each session, primarily noting the date of the session, the topics discussed, the interventions used, and progress or obstacles observed as they relate to your goals in working with me. I maintain your records in a secure location. I will maintain your records for at least five years after our last contact, after which time I may securely dispose of them.
Confidentiality
All information shared in session is confidential except in circumstances governed by the laws including the mandatory reporting of alleged harm to self or others, and in case of child, handicapped person, or elder abuse. The following are legal exceptions to your legal right to confidentiality. I will inform you of any time when I think I will have to put one of these into effect.
If I have good reason to believe that a client will harm another person, I must attempt to inform the intended victim; I must also contact the police and ask them to protect the intended victim.
If I have good reason to believe that a client is abusing or neglecting a child or vulnerable adult, or if I have good reason to believe that a child in treatment has been abused, I must contact Child and/or Adult Protective Services within 48 hours.
If I believe you are in imminent danger of harming yourself, I may legally break confidentiality and call the police. I will explore all other options with you before I take this step.
Contacting Me
I am available by email (mandy@mandymurphyco.com). I monitor email frequently and will make every effort to return your email within 24-48 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays. In the event of a last minute contact need, you can call or text my cell (919-616-6158). If you have an emergency; dial 211 for crisis intervention. If the emergency is life threatening, dial 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.
Risk and Benefits
Coaching has both benefits and risks. It requires an investment of your time and energy in order to make the process most successful. We will begin with a discussion of your needs and concerns and what it is you would like to accomplish from our work together. Next, we will discuss an accountability plan in accordance with your goals and aims. Frequently, individuals go through periods which result in emotional discomfort, changes in their relationships, or temporary feelings of going backwards. This should subside as the work progresses. Remember, you always retain the right to request a change of course. You have the right to ask me questions about anything that happens in our sessions.
Right to a Referral
If I am not able to help you with my services, you have the right to a referral to another provider who may be better able to meet your needs.
II. RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional Fees
The client or their guardian is considered responsible for payment of professional fees. You will be expected to pay for each session prior to the session unless we agree otherwise. Payment is accepted by PayPal via my website. If an alternate payment method is needed, please reach out to discuss. Packages are non-refundable. Payment schedules for other professional services will be agreed to when they are requested.
Cancellation Policy
Once an appointment is scheduled, you will be expected to pay for it unless you provide 24 hours advance notice of cancellation. If you are late, we will still end on time and not run over into the next person's session. If you miss a session without canceling, or cancel with less than twenty-four hours notice, payment is still required unless we both agree that you were unable to attend due to circumstances beyond your control. In circumstances of unusual financial hardship, I may be willing to negotiate a payment installment plan.
You can cancel the coaching relationship at any time. However, I do request that you try and provide at least a two-week notice prior to cancellation of the coaching relationship. During the final two weeks the coach will guide the relationship to a point of closure that will serve me most effectively as I move forward.
My Background and Training
I hold a Bachelor degree in Human and Organizational Development and Master’s in Education in Human Resources Management from Vanderbilt University. I am an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Body-Mind Life Coach and Grief Coach with the International Coach Federation, a Certified Daring Way Facilitator from Brene Brown and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction trainee with Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Informed Consent:
The information Mandy Murphy is providing to me is only general information. As part of the information presented and work we are doing together, I understand that I will be introduced to different concepts and mindfulness techniques. I understand Mandy Murphy strongly advises that I seek professional advice as appropriate before making any health decision(s). If I am on any medications, I understand I am NOT to change any dosages and should consult my physician or the professional who prescribed my medications.
I have determined that Mandy Murphy’s background and training is appropriate to serve my needs.
I acknowledge that I have read carefully, understand the content and agree to its terms.
