Confidentiality statement
Confidentiality Statement Confidentiality, or speaking "in confidence," means that everything a client tells his/her coach is secret and private from any person, group or organization. Information that is confidential includes all written notes in the client's file, all mental notes in the coach's head, and even the client's status as a client. There are exceptions, however, and I may have to break confidentiality if any of the following situations arise:
(a) Suicidal Action If it is clear to me that you are ready in the immediate future to commit an actual suicidal act, I will consider it my responsibility to intervene. Action will be taken only if you are clearly ready to attempt suicide. In an extreme case, I may inform police and/or emergency paramedics who will arrive and intervene. Such a call would not be a surprise to you. I would tell you of my concern and potential action, unless you gave me no alternative. Also, if you talk about suicidal thoughts, dreams, wishes or urges I will offer appropriate referrals to you so that you can speak with a trained counselor/ therapist.
(b) Danger to Others If it is clear to me that you have an intention to harm someone, or you have a plan on how to harm someone, and that person has been named or identified, I will consider it my responsibility to notify the police and take reasonable steps to warn the intended victim.
(c) Unable to Care for Yourself If it is clear to me that you are unable to take basic care of yourself and your safety, then I will consider it my responsibility to alert paramedics and/or police that you are "gravely disabled." A client is considered "gravely disabled" if, for example, they cannot feed themselves, might walk into traffic; don't know where they are or how to get home, and similar major problems in basic functioning.
(d) Child. Dependent Adult or Elder Abuse If during your coaching you mention that you abused a child or physically abused an elder or dependent adult, I will consider it my responsibility to make a report with Child or Adult Protective Services.
(e) Court of Law The legal system does not recognize the Coach/Client relationship as confidential. Information shared with me, as your coach, may be subpoenaed and required as testimony in a court of law.
(f) As a coach, I work with adults 18 years old and older. If you are a minor, your parents or guardians will be informed of your progress, if they ask. However, we do not discuss details of our coaching conversations. Please understand that these situations rarely happen and the "breaking of confidentiality" occurs only in extreme and urgent situations. Other than the above and other exceptions mandated by law, all communications with me will be protected and held in complete confidence.