By signing this Agreement, I acknowledge, understand, and agree to the following:
1. Nature of Coaching Services
I understand that Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives) is providing coaching services only and is not providing psychotherapy, counseling, mental health treatment, medical care, crisis intervention, diagnosis, or any other healthcare service. Coaching is intended to support personal and professional growth and is not a substitute for psychological, psychiatric, medical, legal, financial, or other professional services. The title "Dr." refers to an academic degree and does not indicate the provision of healthcare services within this coaching relationship.
2. Voluntary Participation and Client Responsibility
I understand that my participation in coaching is entirely voluntary. I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my decisions, actions, conduct, and results before, during, and after coaching sessions. I accept full responsibility for implementing any ideas, suggestions, strategies, or insights discussed during coaching and understand that all decisions made as a result of coaching are my own.
3. No Guarantee of Results
I understand that coaching outcomes vary and depend upon numerous factors beyond the control of Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives). No representations, warranties, guarantees, or assurances are made regarding any specific outcome, achievement, improvement, or result. I acknowledge that I may not achieve my desired goals and agree that the absence of desired results shall not constitute grounds for any claim against Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives).
4. Fees and Payment
I understand that all coaching fees are due and payable in advance of scheduled sessions unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Failure to pay may result in the suspension or termination of coaching services.
5. Cancellation and Missed Sessions
I agree to provide at least twenty-four (24) hours notice if I need to cancel or reschedule a coaching session. Sessions cancelled, rescheduled, or missed with less than twenty-four (24) hours notice will be charged at the full session fee, except at Scharp Consulting LLC's sole discretion or if the appointment time is filled by another client.
6. Insurance and Reimbursement
I understand that coaching services are not healthcare services and are not covered by health insurance. Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives) will not submit claims, bills, treatment plans, diagnoses, or supporting documentation to any insurance provider, and I am solely responsible for all fees incurred.
7. Risks of Electronic Communication
I understand that coaching services might be conducted through telephone, videoconferencing, email, text messaging, and other electronic means. I acknowledge that electronic communications might be subject to technological failure, unauthorized access, interception, data breaches, or other security risks, and that complete confidentiality and security cannot be guaranteed. By signing this Agreement, I knowingly and voluntarily consent to the use of electronic communications and assume all risks associated with such communications to the fullest extent permitted by law.
8. Confidentiality
Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives) will make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of information disclosed during coaching sessions. I understand, however, that coaching communications might not be protected by the same legal privileges that apply to psychotherapy or attorney-client relationships.
I further agree to maintain the confidentiality of any information concerning other clients that might become known to me through coaching programs, workshops, group activities, or related interactions and will not disclose, distribute, record, publish, or share such information.
9. Limits of Confidentiality
I understand that confidentiality may be limited by applicable law and that Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives) may disclose information when such disclosure is required or permitted by law, including but not limited to:
Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult;
Compliance with a valid court order, subpoena, or other legal process;
Disclosure necessary to prevent a serious threat of harm to an identifiable person or the public;
Circumstances otherwise required by applicable law.
10. Emergency Situations
I understand that coaching services are not designed to address emergencies or mental health crises. I agree that if I experience a mental health emergency, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts, or any other crisis requiring immediate intervention, I will contact emergency services, a crisis hotline, or an appropriate licensed professional rather than rely upon coaching services.
11. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree that Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives) shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages arising from or related to coaching services. I further agree that any liability, if established, shall be limited to the total amount of coaching fees paid by me to Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives) during the six (6) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
12. Release and Assumption of Risk
I acknowledge that coaching involves discussion, reflection, and personal decision-making and that I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives) from any claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation in coaching services, except where prohibited by law.
13. Indemnification
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Scharp Consulting LLC (and its owner, members, managers, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives) from and against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses, or attorneys' fees arising from my actions, decisions, conduct, misuse of coaching services, or breach of this Agreement.
14. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
15. Agreement and Informed Consent
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have carefully read this Agreement, understand its contents, have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice if desired, and voluntarily agree to all terms and conditions contained herein.