These terms govern the coaching relationship between David Ridley-Parris of Northern Trails Advisory and each client. Please read them carefully before beginning work together.
Description of Coaching
Coaching is a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires the client to maximize personal and professional potential. It is designed to facilitate goal development and strategy implementation.
Coach-Client Relationship
Coach's standards. The coach commits to maintaining the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Client responsibility. Clients bear sole responsibility for their physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results arising from the coaching relationship. Coaching is not therapy and does not substitute for therapy if needed.
Termination rights. Clients may end the relationship at any time.
Scope. Clients recognize that coaching may encompass multiple life areas including work, finances, health, relationships, education, and recreation, and that implementation remains the client's exclusive responsibility.
Professional limitations. Coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders and should not replace counseling, psychotherapy, or other qualified professional advice.
Client participation. Clients agree to communicate honestly and engage fully in the program.
Confidentiality
The relationship operates under ICF confidentiality principles. The coach-client relationship is not considered a legally confidential relationship in the way that medical or legal professions are.
Disclosure exceptions. Confidentiality does not apply to information that is publicly known, independently developed, legally required to be disclosed, or involves suspected danger or illegal activity.
Privacy and Data Protection
The coach complies with applicable privacy legislation including GDPR, processing personal data lawfully and transparently for specified purposes, maintaining security, and notifying clients of breaches when required.
Liability cap. The coach's liability for privacy violations is limited to the amount actually paid by the client.
Release of Information
Client names and contact information may be shared with the ICF for credential verification purposes. Topics may be discussed anonymously with other professionals for training and development.