Client Agreement 

As a client, I understand and agree that I am fully responsible for my physical, mental, and emotional well-being during my coaching sessions, including my choices and decisions. I am aware that I can choose to discontinue coaching at any time. I understand that coaching is a Professional-Client relationship I have with my coach that is designed to facilitate the creation/development of personal, professional, or business goals and to develop and carry out a strategy/plan for achieving those goals. I understand that coaching is a comprehensive process that may involve all areas of my life, including work, finances, health, relationships, education, and recreation. I acknowledge that deciding how to handle these issues, incorporating coaching into those areas, and implementing my choices is exclusively my responsibility. I understand that coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. I understand that coaching is not a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, or substance abuse treatment and I will not use it in place of any form of diagnosis, treatment, or therapy. If I am currently receiving psychiatric care, I will consult with my caregiver to ensure working with a coach is in my best interest at this time. I understand that information will be held as confidential unless I state otherwise, in writing, except as required by law. I understand that if I reveal information that involves physically hurting myself or others, the coach must report such information and/or refer to mental health professionals accordingly. I understand that certain topics may be anonymously and hypothetically shared with other coaching professionals or clients for training, educational, or consultation purposes and that J.W. Smith & Associates will take great care to change any identifiable details to protect my privacy. I understand that coaching is not to be used as a substitute for professional advice by legal, medical, financial, business, or other qualified professionals. I will seek independent professional guidance for legal, medical, financial, business, or other matters. I understand that all decisions in these areas are exclusively mine and I acknowledge that my decisions and my actions regarding them are my sole responsibility. Professional coaching is not considered medical consultation or treatment, thus, health insurance does not apply.