Terms & Conditions

Coaching Agreement (the “Agreement”)

​

Shelley Ballance Ellis (the "Coach") and the undersigned client (the "Client") agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms and Conditions”) of the professional coaching and client relationship (the “Coach-Client Relationship”).

 

1. At all times during the performance of professional coaching services under this Agreement, the Coach agrees to adhere to and abide by the ethical standards of behavior and conduct established by the International Coaching Federation (“ICF”). The Client can access such coaching standards and the ICF Code of Ethics at www.coachingfederation.org/ethics. It is strongly recommended that the Client read the ICF Code of Ethics and the applicable standards of conduct and behavior that apply to the Coach.

2. At all times during which professional coaching services are provided by the Coach and receipt of the same by the Client, the Client shall be solely responsible for creating and implementing his or her own physical, mental, and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results arising out of or resulting from the Coach-Client Relationship. The Client retaining the services of the Coach acknowledges and agrees that the Coach shall not be liable or responsible for any action or inaction or any direct or indirect result of the professional coaching services provided by the Coach. The Client agrees that any decision on how to handle or address life’s challenges or issues and the incorporation of coaching principles into any areas perceived to be challenging or otherwise at issue by the Client and/or the implementation of choices rests solely and exclusively with the Client and not the Coach. 

3. The Client acknowledges that if they are currently in therapy or under the care of a mental health professional, they have consulted with the mental health care provider regarding the advisability of working with a coach and that this person is aware of the Client's decision to proceed with the Coach-Client Relationship.

4. The Client hereby acknowledges their understanding that coaching is not therapy, nor is it a substitute for therapy. Coaching does not prevent or cure, nor should it be deemed a treatment for any mental disorder or medical disease. In the event of any demand or pressure on the part of the Client to provide services beyond the scope of the professional Coach-Client Relationship, the Coach shall be free to terminate the professional Coach-Client Relationship with the Client immediately and shall be compensated in full by the Client for services rendered through the date of termination of the professional Coach-Client Relationship.

5. The Client understands and agrees that to enhance and maximize the coaching relationship, he/she must communicate honestly, be open to feedback and assistance, and carve out the time and energy to participate fully in the professional Coach-Client Relationship by scheduling a coaching package. 

 

Scheduling: Coach and Client will schedule coaching sessions by mutual agreement (“the Coaching Term”). 

1. Each coaching session will run approximately 60 minutes in duration and take place by scheduled video or telephone calls. The Coach will also provide, as necessary, exercises, assignments, and templates for the Client's use.

2. Coach and Client agree that the Coaching Term may be extended due to reasonable personal and professional extenuating circumstances that require Client or Coach to reschedule sessions (“Scheduling Conflicts”).
    

Rescheduling: Client and Coach may reschedule coaching sessions within the Coaching Term per the following conditions:

​

1. Notice:  Coach and Client agree to provide notice twenty-four hours in advance via email if either wishes to reschedule a session, except in an actual emergency.

2. Late Notice: In the event the Client or Coach reschedules the coaching session within less than 24 hours:

   1. Client or Coach may reschedule up to two coaching sessions within less than 24 hours’ notice with no penalty.

   2. If the Client reschedules a third or subsequent session, the Client agrees to pay a penalty for each rescheduled session at the Coach’s hourly rate of $250 per session.

   3. If Coach reschedules a third or subsequent session, Coach agrees to refund Client for each subsequent rescheduled session at hourly rate agreed to between the parties, if applicable.

 

Additional Services: Upon completion of the Coaching Term, coaching may be extended by mutual agreement between Client and Coach under the Terms and Conditions herein.

 

1. Client understands and accepts that “coaching” is a professional Coach-Client Relationship they have with the Coach that is designed to facilitate the creation and development of personal, professional, or business goals and to develop and actively carry out a strategy and plan for achieving those goals.

2. Client understands and accepts that coaching is a comprehensive process that may involve all areas of their life, including work, finances, health, relationships, education, and recreation. The client understands and accepts that deciding how to handle any issues, incorporating coaching into those areas, and implementing their choices is exclusively their responsibility.

3. Client understands and accepts that coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. The Client understands and accepts that coaching is not a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, or substance abuse treatment, and they will not use it in place of any form of diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.

4. Client understands and accepts that all information disclosed in the coaching sessions will be held as confidential unless Client states otherwise in writing, or except as required by law.

5. Client understands and accepts that certain topics may be anonymously and hypothetically shared with other coaching professionals for training or consultation purposes.

6. Client understands and accepts that coaching is not to be used as a substitute for professional advice by legal, medical, financial, business, spiritual, or other qualified professionals. The Client agrees to seek independent professional guidance for legal, medical, financial, business, spiritual, or other matters. 

Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.