As an aspiring or established coach, one of the most important documents you’ll require before beginning work with your clients is an ICF coaching agreement. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your coaching engagement and serves as protection for both you and your clients.

Creating an ICF coaching agreement can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial to ensure that both parties are clear on their roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Here are some essential questions to include in your ICF coaching agreement:

1. What is the coaching goal? – This question is all about ensuring that both the coach and the client are on the same page when it comes to the specific coaching goal. Without a clear objective, it can be challenging to measure progress and determine the success of the coaching engagement.

2. What is the coaching process? – Here, you can outline how the coaching sessions are structured, the frequency and length of each session, the preferred mode of communication, etc. Being upfront about the coaching process will help your clients feel more comfortable and confident in the program.

3. What are the payment terms and conditions? – This question is a must-have in any coaching agreement. Clearly outline the payment amount, the frequency of payment, and any additional fees or charges that may apply. Providing transparency around payment terms will help you and your client avoid any potential misunderstandings.

4. What is the confidentiality policy? – This question outlines the confidentiality agreement between you and your client. It’s crucial to ensure that both parties understand the confidentiality policy and are comfortable with it.

5. What are the cancellation and rescheduling policies? – Life happens, and sometimes coaching sessions will need to be rescheduled or canceled. It’s essential to have clear policies around cancellations and rescheduling to avoid any financial or scheduling issues.

6. What is the coaching contract duration? – Defining the duration of the coaching engagement is an important aspect of an ICF coaching agreement. You and your client need to agree on the length of the coaching engagement as well as the possible extension or early termination of the contract.

Conclusion:

Creating an ICF coaching agreement is an important step for any coach, whether you’re just starting out or are already established. Ensuring that your clients understand the terms and conditions of your engagement will help build trust and a long-lasting coaching relationship. By including the questions outlined above, you can create a detailed and comprehensive ICF coaching agreement that protects your clients and yourself.