Informed Consent

Sierra Vujnovich, PhD

General Information

The coaching relationship is unique in that it is a highly individual and at the same time, a contractual agreement. Given this, it is important for us to reach a clear understanding about how the relationship will work, and what each of us can expect. This consent will provide a clear framework for our work together. Feel free to discuss any of this with me.

Coaching Services

The International Coach Federation states coaching is, “Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

Distinctions between “coaching” services and “therapy” services:

  1. Coaching does not follow a medical model. It is not therapy. No mental health evaluation will be given. Clinical & therapeutic services will not be offered.

  2. To avoid dual relationships, a previous therapy client cannot transfer to coaching services.

  3. No medical diagnosis will be offered.

  4. High risk needs and concerns are not appropriate for coaching level of services (suicidal ideation, self-harm ideation or behaviors, psychosis, trauma, substance abuse, active eating disorder behaviors).

  5. If a diagnosis or higher level of care is required, recommendations will be made to have this assessed and treated at a local level of care.

  6. No insurance or third-party providers will be billed.

  7. No official medical record will be kept (i.e. treatment plan, treatment notes, etc.). A basic file will be kept including general client information, general notes and goals currently being addressed.

The Coaching Process

You have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek coaching. The outcome of your work depends largely on your willingness to engage in this process, which may, at times, result in considerable discomfort. The coaching process can bring on strong feelings of anger, frustration, anxiety, etc. There are no miracle cures. I cannot promise that your behavior or circumstance will change. I can promise to support you and do my very best to understand you and repeating patterns, as well as to help you clarify what it is that you want for yourself.

Confidentiality

The session content and all relevant materials to the client’s sessions will be held confidential. Limitations of confidentiality exist and are itemized below (although the following situations are sensitive in nature and should be reserved for work with a therapist, which is different from a coach):

  1. If a client threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts him/her self in a manner in which there is a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.

  2. If a client threatens grave bodily harm or death to another person.

  3. If there is a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.

  4. Suspicions as stated above in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.

  5. Suspected neglect of the parties named in items #3 and # 4.

  6. If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.

Occasionally I may need to consult with other professionals in order to provide the best support for you. Information about you may be shared in this context without using your name.

Appointments and Cancelations Please remember to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance. You will be responsible for half of the fee if cancellation is less than 24 hours. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you are late for a session, you may lose some of that session time.

The standard session is 50 minutes.

Telephone Accessibility I am not accessible by telephone. If you need to contact me between sessions, please send me an email at sierra@knowgrowflow.com. If a true emergency situation arises, please call 911 or any local emergency room.

Social Media In the case that we are connected on social media, please be aware that your confidentiality may be compromised. If you have questions about this, please bring them up when we meet and we can talk more about it.

Electronic Communication I cannot ensure the confidentiality of any form of communication through electronic media. While I may try to return messages in a timely manner, I cannot guarantee immediate response and request that you do not use these methods of communication to discuss information related to your coaching.

Minors If you are a minor, your parents may be legally entitled to some information about your sessions. I will discuss with you and your parents what information is appropriate for them to receive and what information is more appropriately kept confidential.