The Coaching Agreement

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Explain what a coaching agreement is and why it is essential for both coach and client
• List the essential elements every coaching agreement should contain
• Distinguish between the overall engagement agreement and the per-session agreement (ICF Core Competency 3)
• Draft a clear, welcoming coaching agreement for a new client
• Introduce the agreement conversation in a way that builds trust rather than feeling legalistic
• Apply ICF Code of Ethics standards related to confidentiality, scope, and roles

What Is a Coaching Agreement and Why Does It Matter?

A coaching agreement is a mutual understanding -- ideally in writing -- that defines the boundaries, expectations, and responsibilities of the coaching relationship. It is not a legal contract. It is first and foremost a clarity tool.

Why it matters:

• Sets expectations. The client knows exactly what coaching is, what it is not, and what they can expect from each session.
• Defines scope. It draws the line between coaching and therapy (see Lesson 1), protecting both parties.
• Protects the coach. If a boundary dispute arises, a written agreement shows that the coach clearly communicated their role and limitations.
• Protects the client. The client knows their confidentiality rights, cancellation options, and what to do if something feels wrong.
• Establishes trust. A coach who is transparent about how they work builds credibility from day one.

Essential Elements of a Coaching Agreement

While every coach will develop their own format, the following elements should appear in almost every coaching agreement:

1. Roles and Responsibilities

• Coach's role: To listen, ask powerful questions, challenge assumptions, hold accountability, and maintain confidentiality. The coach does not give advice, diagnose, or treat mental-health conditions.
• Client's role: To show up honestly, do the work between sessions, communicate openly about what is and is not working, and take responsibility for their own choices.

2. Session Frequency and Duration

• Standard coaching sessions are 45-60 minutes.
• Typical cadence: weekly or bi-weekly.
• Total engagement length (e.g., 3 months, 6 sessions, open-ended).

3. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

• How much notice is required (commonly 24-48 hours).
• What happens if the client misses a session without notice (some coaches charge for it).
• What happens if the coach needs to cancel.

4. Confidentiality

• Everything the client shares is confidential unless: (a) the client gives written permission to share, (b) the coach is required by law to report (e.g., threat of harm to self or others, child abuse), or (c) the coach is seeking supervision with a mentor coach (with client identity anonymised).
• Be explicit about what you will record or share (session notes, progress tracking, etc.).

5. Payment Terms

• Price per session or package.
• Payment method and due dates.
• Refund policy (if any) for unused sessions.

6. Scope Boundaries

• A clear statement: "Coaching is not therapy. I am not a licensed mental-health professional. If it becomes clear that you need therapeutic support, I will refer you to an appropriate professional."
• A statement about when the coach has the right to end the relationship (e.g., if the client is not engaging, or if coaching is no longer serving the client).

7. What Happens When Boundaries Are Crossed

• If the client repeatedly arrives late, misses sessions, or tries to use coaching hours for therapy, the coach has a responsibility to address it directly and, if necessary, terminate the engagement.

Engagement Agreement vs. Per-Session Agreement

ICF Core Competency 3 is titled "Establishes and Maintains Agreements." It operates on two levels:

The engagement-level agreement is the document described above -- the overall framework for the relationship. You establish it at the start and revisit it if the scope changes.

The per-session agreement is set at the beginning of each session. It is what keeps conversations focused and productive.

A good per-session agreement sounds like:

• "What would make this session valuable for you today?"
• "Where would you like us to focus in the next 50 minutes?"
• "Given what happened since we last spoke, what feels most important to work on?"

After the client answers, the coach reflects back and confirms: "So if we can leave today with a clear action plan for your Q4 networking strategy, you would feel this session was well spent. Is that right?"

Why this works: It puts the client in the driver's seat, focuses the conversation, and gives both parties a way to measure success.

Sample Agreement Structure

Below is a concrete outline you can adapt. This is not a legal document -- have a lawyer review your actual agreement.

Coaching Agreement Outline

1. Welcome -- A warm opening paragraph that frames coaching as a partnership.
2. Coach & Client Roles -- Bullet points defining what each party is responsible for.
3. What Coaching Is (and Is Not) -- A paragraph distinguishing coaching from therapy, consulting, and counselling.
4. Session Format -- Duration, frequency, total length of engagement, and delivery method (video, phone, in-person).
5. Cancellation Policy -- Notice period, missed session policy, coach-cancellation policy.
6. Confidentiality -- Commitment to privacy plus the three exceptions (legal requirement, supervision, consent).
7. Fees & Payment -- Price, package terms, payment method, refund policy.
8. Duration & Termination -- How either party can end the engagement and with what notice.
9. Client Acknowledgment -- A signature line or checkbox: "I have read and understand this agreement."

How to Introduce the Agreement Without Making It Feel Like a Legal Document

Many new coaches dread the agreement conversation because it feels bureaucratic. Here is how to make it feel like a natural part of building the relationship:

During the discovery call or first session:

"Before we dive into our first real session, I want to walk through a coaching agreement to make sure we are on the same page about how this will work -- session timing, confidentiality, what coaching is and is not. It helps us avoid confusion down the road. Sound good?"

When you reach the scope boundary section:

"This part is important: coaching works best focused on goals and growth. I am not a therapist, so if something comes up that would be better handled by a mental-health professional, I will be upfront with you and help you find the right person."

When you reach confidentiality:

"Everything you say here stays between us, with a few legal exceptions I want you to know about. Your privacy matters to me."

The tone should be warm, direct, and collaborative. You are not handing down rules; you are building a shared framework.

Code of Ethics References

The ICF Code of Ethics includes several standards related to agreements:

• Standard 1.2: "I will make clear and accurate agreements with my clients and sponsors about the coaching relationship, goals, and boundaries."
• Standard 1.3: "I will have an agreement with my clients and sponsors that defines the roles, responsibilities, and rights of all parties."
• Standard 1.4: "I will maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all client and sponsor information."
• Standard 2.5: "I will explain to my clients and sponsors that confidentiality may be limited by law."

Further Reading

• ICF Sample Coaching Agreement

Assignment

1. Draft your own coaching agreement. Using the sample structure above, write a full coaching agreement (500-700 words) in your own voice. Make it warm and professional. Include all essential elements. Share it in the cohort forum for peer feedback.

2. Write three per-session agreement openings. Draft three different ways you could ask a client, "What would make this session valuable for you today?" Experiment with different phrasing and tone. Practise saying them out loud.

3. Role-play the agreement conversation. With a partner, practise introducing the coaching agreement to a new client. One person plays the coach, the other plays a client who is slightly skeptical of "paperwork." Switch roles. Debrief: what felt natural? What was awkward?

Knowledge Check

• What is the difference between an engagement-level agreement and a per-session agreement?
• Name at least five essential elements that every coaching agreement should contain.
• How should you respond if a client repeatedly uses coaching sessions to process therapy-level material?
• What are the three exceptions to coaching confidentiality?
• Which ICF core competency covers establishing and maintaining agreements?
• Why is the per-session agreement important for keeping coaching sessions focused?