Coaching Agreement

This is a generic template of the Agreement you will be asked to sign before initiating your first coaching session with Alexander Spradling, PhD. (the Coach).

Welcome! I'm looking forward to working with you. This agreement outlines how we'll work together and what we can each expect from our coaching relationship.

Please read, sign, and return this agreement before we schedule your first session. Keep a copy for yourself.

About My Coaching Practice

I hold a PhD in Human Science and a Master's degree in Clinical Health Education with a specialization in Counseling. I'm certified in Conscious Business Coaching and have completed specialized training in mindfulness-based approaches, negotiation (Harvard), and working with complex interpersonal dynamics. I've been coaching professionals globally for several decades.

What Coaching Is (and Isn't)

Coaching is a collaborative partnership focused on helping you clarify your goals, overcome obstacles, and take meaningful action. Our work together may touch on various aspects of your life—work, relationships, health, personal growth—whatever matters most to you.

Important to know:

Coaching is not therapy. I don't diagnose or treat mental health conditions. If you're dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse, or need clinical support, I can help you find appropriate professional help.

Coaching is not professional advice. I won't give you legal, medical, or financial advice. Decisions in those areas are yours to make, ideally with qualified professionals.

You're in the driver's seat. Coaching works best when you're open, honest, and willing to try new approaches. Your progress depends largely on what you put into the process.

Your Responsibilities

By entering into this coaching relationship, you agree that:

• You're responsible for yourself. This includes your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and all choices and decisions you make during and after our sessions.

• You'll be an active participant. Coaching requires your honest communication, willingness to fulfill agreements we make, and openness to trying new approaches.

• You'll speak up if something isn't working. If you're not getting what you need from our coaching, please tell me right away so we can adjust our approach.

• You understand there are no guarantees. While we'll work together toward your goals, I can't promise specific outcomes. Your success depends on many factors, including your own commitment and circumstances.

• You can set boundaries. At any point in a session, you can simply say you'd prefer not to discuss a particular topic. I'll respect that completely.

Payment for Coaching Sessions

• Session rate: $[amount] for a 50-minute session

• Volume discount: Purchase 10 or more sessions at once and receive [X%] off (that's $[discounted amount] per session, or $[total] for 10 sessions).

Payment terms:

• All sessions must be paid in advance before they're scheduled

• I accept payment via PayPal [and add any other methods you accept]

• You'll receive a receipt by email for each payment

• My rates may change from time to time, but any sessions you've already paid for won't be affected by rate increases

If you purchase multiple sessions: There's no expiration date—use them at whatever pace works for you. However, if you decide to end our coaching relationship, the value of unused prepaid sessions is non-refundable. (If I end the relationship, you'll receive a full refund for any unused sessions.)

Scheduling, Cancellations, and Missed Sessions

Booking and canceling: You'll schedule and cancel sessions yourself through my online scheduling system—no need to contact me directly.

Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 12 hours before your session time. Cancellations or reschedules made with less than 12 hours' notice won't be refunded or credited, regardless of the reason.

If you're late: Sessions begin and end at the scheduled time. I'll wait for you for 15 minutes. If you send me a quick message that you're running late, I'll wait longer if I'm able. But if 15 minutes pass without hearing from you, the session is considered missed and treated as a late cancellation.

If you arrive late and we do connect, the session will still end at the originally scheduled time unless I'm able to extend it. Either way, unused time can't be carried over to another session.

No-shows: If you don't show up and don't contact me, the session is forfeited with no refund or credit.

Confidentiality and Privacy

What I keep confidential: Everything you share with me stays confidential. I won't discuss your personal or professional information with anyone without your written permission.

Exceptions to confidentiality: I'm required by law to break confidentiality if:

• You indicate intent to seriously harm yourself or someone else

• There's suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult

• I receive a court order requiring disclosure

If you want me to speak with someone: Just send me written permission (email is fine) naming the person and what I'm authorized to discuss.

Technology and privacy: We'll typically meet via Google Meet (FaceTime is also an option). Please be aware that internet-based communication isn't 100% secure. By choosing to use these platforms, you're accepting this small risk. I'll assume it's okay to continue using whatever method you initiate contact through.

How I handle your information: I collect and store only the information necessary for our coaching relationship (your name, contact details, scheduling information, and session notes). This information is stored securely and used only for the purpose of providing you with coaching services. I don't share, sell, or distribute your information to third parties. If you'd like to know what information I have about you, or if you'd like me to delete your information, just let me know.

Recording Sessions

I don't record our sessions. If you'd like to record sessions for your own review and development, I'm happy to give permission on a session-by-session basis, with these conditions:

• Recordings are for your personal use only—to listen back and support your growth

• You may not share, copy, post, or distribute recordings in any way (including social media, email, or any online platform)

• If a recording is disclosed to anyone else for any reason (even accidentally), you accept full responsibility and liability for any consequences to yourself or to me

• I won't be responsible or liable for any results, loss, or damage caused by use of recordings

AI Note-Taking Tools: Please don't use automated AI assistants (like Otter, Fireflies, or similar tools) during our sessions, as these typically store conversations on external servers where privacy cannot be guaranteed. If you need session notes, you're welcome to take your own manual notes during our sessions.

Your Privacy Matters: These policies ensure our conversations remain confidential and aren't used for third-party AI training or data analysis.

If you're not comfortable accepting these responsibilities, please don't record sessions.

Ending Our Coaching Relationship

• Either of us can end our coaching relationship at any time, for any reason, without needing to justify the decision or give advance notice.

• As a courtesy, I'll let you know by phone or email if I decide to end our work together (and I ask that you do the same).

• If you end the relationship, any unused prepaid sessions are non-refundable.

• If I end the relationship, you’ll receive a full refund for any unused prepaid sessions.

Your Agreement

By signing below, you confirm that you've read and understood this agreement and agree to its terms.