What is the Coaching Agreement?

The Coaching Agreement defines the trauma‑informed policies, boundaries, and shared commitments that create a safe, ethical coaching relationship with Rachel M. Harrison.

Why is a Coaching Agreement important?

It protects both coach and client by clarifying expectations, confidentiality, and scope of practice before coaching begins.

Is the Coaching Agreement legally binding?

It is a professional agreement that sets ethical and relational standards rather than a legal contract.

What does the Coaching Agreement include?

It covers confidentiality, session structure, boundaries, payment policies, and the trauma‑informed approach used in Rachel’s coaching practice

Can clients review the Coaching Agreement before booking?

Yes. Clients are encouraged to read the Coaching Agreement before booking to ensure alignment and clarity.

Does the Coaching Agreement replace therapy consent forms?

No. It applies to coaching only and does not replace mental‑health or medical consent forms.

How often is the Coaching Agreement updated?

Rachel reviews and updates the agreement periodically to reflect current ethical standards and best practices in trauma‑informed coaching.

Coaching Agreement | Trauma‑Informed Policies & Ethical Practice

Purpose of This Agreement

This Coaching Agreement outlines the expectations, boundaries, and shared responsibilities between coach and client. It is designed to create clarity, emotional safety, and a trauma‑informed foundation for our work together.

Nature of Coaching

Coaching is a collaborative, client‑led process focused on personal growth, clarity, boundaries, identity, and self‑leadership. Coaching is not therapy, counseling, clinical treatment, or crisis support.

For full details, please review the Coaching Disclaimer.

Trauma‑Informed Approach

Coaching within The Sanctuary is trauma‑informed, meaning it prioritizes emotional safety, consent, nervous‑system awareness, and non‑harmful communication. This includes:

Respect for your pacing and capacity
No forced disclosure or pressure to share
Choice‑centered dialogue and collaboration
Awareness of overwhelm, shutdown, or activation
Clear boundaries and non‑coercive practices

Trauma‑informed does not imply clinical trauma treatment.

Client Autonomy & Consent

You are the expert of your own experience. You choose what to explore, what to share, and the pace of our work. You may pause, redirect, or decline any question or exercise at any time.

Consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any point.

Emotional Safety & Boundaries

You are encouraged to communicate if you feel overwhelmed, activated, or need to slow down. Emotional safety is a shared priority, and sessions are structured to support grounded, regulated engagement.

You are never expected to perform emotional labor, justify your feelings, or process trauma in a clinical way.

Confidentiality & Its Limits

All sessions are confidential except in situations where:

Someone is in immediate danger
Abuse is disclosed
Disclosure is required by law

Coaching is not protected by therapist‑client privilege.

Session Structure

Sessions are conducted via the method specified at booking (Zoom, phone, or other platforms). You agree to arrive on time and prepared. Late arrivals do not extend the session.

Communication Between Sessions

Communication outside of sessions is limited to administrative or scheduling needs unless otherwise stated. Coaching does not include on‑call emotional support or crisis response.

Payments & Policies

Payment is required at the time of booking. By booking a session or package, you agree to all related policies:

Packages & Expiration

Packages must be used within the timeframe stated at purchase. Unused sessions are not refundable or transferable.

Crisis & Safety Limitations

Coaching is not appropriate for crisis situations, emergency needs, or acute mental health concerns. If you are in danger or experiencing a crisis, please contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline.

Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

Engage honestly and respectfully
Take responsibility for your decisions and outcomes
Communicate needs, boundaries, and concerns
Seek professional care when appropriate

Coach Responsibilities

I agree to:

Provide a trauma‑informed, emotionally safe environment
Maintain confidentiality within stated limits
Honor your autonomy and pacing
Offer clarity, reflection, and grounded support
Refer out when needs exceed the scope of coaching

Disclaimer

Coaching does not diagnose, treat, or cure any mental health condition. No guarantees are made regarding outcomes. For full details, see the Legal Disclaimer.

Termination of Coaching

Either party may end the coaching relationship at any time. Refunds are not provided for unused sessions unless initiated by the coach.

Agreement

By booking a session or package, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Coaching Agreement and all related policies.