Question 1

Are coaching sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

The client's verbal communication and coaching records are strictly confidential except for:
 
1. Information reported to me about physical or sexual abuse. I am a mandated reporter for youth under 18 and am obligated to report this to Social and Health Services in the state where the client resides.

2. When a release form is signed to release information shared with a physician or therapist.

3. When the client provides information that informs me that they are in danger of harming themselves or others.

If the client is a minor, a summary of coaching sessions sharing overview content is available to parents/guardians in order to keep parents/guardians apprised of coaching progress.  For example, an email “recap” will be sent to the parent/guardians with a cc to the minor client for transparency.  The content will include an overview of coaching topics (such as personality strengths, self-concept, self-awareness, learning style, structuring tools for success etc). Detailed information of client communications to the coach through the coaching relationship is held in confidence unless it meets any of the three exceptions noted above.

Question 2

What are the cancellation and rescheduling policies?

Accepted Answer

Rescheduling/cancellation of an appointment must be made 24 hours in advance.  Please make every effort to do so. Clients are responsible for contacting the coach to reschedule if necessary. No refunds are available for no-shows. Coaching clients must be willing and able to participate it the coaching engagement. If the client is a minor and I determine in the first session that they are unwilling or unable to participate in coaching, I will inform the parent/sponsor and issue a refund.

Question 3

How do I talk to my young person about coaching?

Accepted Answer

For young people, particularly tweens and teens whose bodies are changing, hormones fluctuating, and whose self consciousness at an all time high, listening to caregivers, much less doing what they suggest, may present it's challenges. Depending on the young person the idea of seeing a coach may be more appealing than seeing a therapist (make sure you understand the difference). Some tips for approaching the conversation:
 • Find a calm, casual moment to bring up the topic of coaching. Both of you should be feeling calm.
 • Identify the issue--put into words the observable behavior that is concerning to you: not getting assignments in on time, often feeling/acting stressed, having problems with friends, unable or very hesitant to take initiative, advocate for oneself, get a job, apply for school, etc.
 • Share how you think coaching can help: working with a caring adult (who is not you) who will listen to them with no judgement and help them take action to make the improvements in their lives that they (not you) identify.
 • Share that coaching is confidential and the client identifies what they want to work on and the coach helps them gain clarity and make decisions that fit with who they are and how they want to be in the world.
 • If you think your teen would be more interested in doing coaching with a friend or friends share that as an option.
 • Be open to agreements (not bribes🙂) such as getting their favorite dinner the day they have coaching, getting to spend extra time with friends, or doing something they enjoy.
 • Lead by example: as a parent/caregiver you can also sign up for coaching and work on goals related to your parenting.

Ultimately the young person has to be ready, willing, and able to try coaching, and if we determine it's not a good fit or the right time after the first session, they can try again at a different time, or not at all.

Question 4

What other questions should I put here?

Accepted Answer

Not sure yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Since starting coaching, my daughter is more independent and we’re doing so much less nagging. She’s more confident, proud, and able to follow through on her own.”

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