Who owns the session records?

Records (notes, recordings) belong to the coach unless the agreement states otherwise. The client has the right to access information concerning them (GDPR).

Must the coach maintain confidentiality?

Confidentiality is an ethical obligation (per the ICF code) and can also be a contractual one. Exceptions apply when there is an immediate risk to the client or others.

What is the difference between coaching and mentoring in a contract?

Coaching is process-oriented (the coach asks questions, the client finds answers). Mentoring is experience-oriented (the mentor shares their own experience). The contract should clearly state which approach applies.

Can the coach share anonymised case studies from sessions?

Only with the client's explicit consent. The ICF code of ethics prohibits sharing session cases even in anonymised form without consent. We recommend addressing this directly in the coaching agreement.

IP & Creative

Coaching agreement

Coaching agreement — a clear framework for growth

Goals, fees, confidentiality and an ethical code.

Start free Features

GDPR compliant · EU-hosted

Coaches with a formal agreement have a 45 % higher programme completion rate

67 % of coaching disputes relate to an unclear definition of goals or fees

Explicit confidentiality increases client trust and openness by 80 %

A coaching agreement defines coaching goals, session format, fees, confidentiality, an ethical framework (ICF) and termination terms. AI tailors it for life coaching, business coaching or executive coaching.

Legal context

A coaching agreement is an unnamed service contract. Coaching is not therapy — the agreement should explicitly exclude liability for psychotherapeutic outcomes. Confidentiality is governed by ethical codes (ICF) and can be a contractual obligation.

Commercial Code § 269(2) — unnamed service contract; agreement must exclude liability for psychotherapeutic outcomes

Legal basis & glossary

When to use a Coaching agreement

Before starting a coaching programme with a paying client
When setting up a group coaching programme
For executive coaching within a corporate programme
When offering online coaching to clients in different countries

What you get

Coaching goals and metrics
Fees and payment terms
Confidentiality and ethical code
Termination conditions

How it works

From idea to signature

Coaching goals and metrics

Fees and payment terms

Confidentiality and ethical code

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Coaching agreement

No. A coach helps the client achieve goals and develop potential — they do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. The agreement should explicitly state this distinction.