CONFIDENTIALITY
Coaching is effective because individuals feel safe to share private information in a confidential atmosphere. It is important that every member of the group agree to uphold the confidentiality of the coaching setting. Members agree to keep names and identities of other group members confidential. Members agree to keep all information shared within the group confidential at all times, even when you are no longer a member of the group. This includes taking action to ensure privacy while online with the group, or making posts, and securing your electronic devices.
Your group coach is bound by law to maintain confidentiality, as group members are bound by honor to keep what is said in the group in the group. We realize that you may want to share what you are learning in group, with a family member. This is fine as long as you remember not to talk about how events unfold in the group or in any other way compromise the confidentiality of other group members.
Parents of adolescents participating in group should remember that their teen is in group to learn about topics that are meaningful and at times confusing to them. Being able to express themselves freely in the group, is part of the process of learning to become more honest with one’s self and choices one wants to make. Knowing that you trust the group process may be helpful in their group experience.
Facilitators will discuss a group or individuals in the group only with fellow professionals who are clearly concerned with the group, and then only for professional consultation. If a member of the group has a coach from outside The Perfect Norm, LLC and there is need for consultation, it is important to note that only the individual’s information that made the request will be identified; all other group members’ information will be de-identified and kept confidential. Records of the session should only be kept by the coach and will be kept on an encrypted and HIPAA compliant server. As a result, there is no video, audio, or any other form of recording of the group sessions allowed.
You should know that there are certain situations in which we are required by law to reveal information obtained during coaching to other persons or agencies without your permission. Also, we are not required to inform you of any actions in this regard. These situations are as follows: (a) if you threaten grave bodily harm or death to yourself or another person, we are required by law to notify the appropriate parties or authorities; (b) if a court of law issues a legitimate court order (signed by a judge), we are required by law to provide the information specifically described in that order; (c) if you reveal information relative to child abuse, child neglect, or vulnerable adult abuse, we are required by law to report this to the appropriate authority; (d) if you are in coaching by order of a court of law, the results of the treatment ordered must be revealed to the court; (e) to comply with the USA Patriot Act and other federal, state or local laws, and (g) if you are seeking payment through an insurance company, we will be required to reveal confidential information to them (each insurer is different in what information they require).
There may be a time paths cross between yourself and your group coach outside of the coaching session. We will maintain your confidentiality by not making any gesture to you. It will be understood that you or your coach are not being rude, simply maintaining the boundary. You may approach your if you like, although your coach will keep conversation minimal, again to maintain your privacy. If you cross paths while you or your coach are out with another person/people, we ask that you do not approach. There may be a time when group members may cross paths of other group members. Keep interaction to a minimum unless desired by both parties. Be respectful to not reveal anything related to group outside of group.
Although good faith efforts are taken to safeguard your confidentiality, no guarantees can be made in regard to other group participants. Any group participant has the ability to save and share your confidential information, even though all participants have agreed to confidentiality.
COURT INVOLVEMENT
More often than not, coaching is not useful in court proceedings. It innately compromises your confidentiality and progress. Testifying also compromises the underlying principle of coaching that this is a safe place to explore thoughts, feelings and life interactions that have initially led you to believing coaching would helpful and productive. Considering that this is my position on court involvement, if I do receive a subpoena from a judge, I will comply to the nature of my ethical, professional and legal obligation. The fees associated with this process for any time spent in relation to the case (depositions, phone consults, written summaries and letters, testimony, drive/wait time etc.). are noted in the Financial Agreement and Promise to Pay Account Court Attendance, On-Call, and Communication with Attorney document provided within the general intake packet. Any additional legal counsel needed for the purposes of working through your case or additional representation for the coach, may also be determined your financial responsibility.
RECORDS
You have a right to review your records and must request to do so in writing. Reasonable copy and consultation fees apply. It is preferred to give you the documentation in person and discuss the information you request, versus mailing you the documents to minimize the possibility of misinterpretation. I do not keep any “secret notes”, so please do not ask me to do so. Any part of your record in the files can be released to you, or any person or agency you designate so long as all necessary releases of information have been given. Records will only include the patient’s personal progress with the group process and topics discussed. Your coach will tell you at the time whether or not they think releasing the information in question to that person or agency might be harmful in any way to you.
EMERGENCIES
Group sessions are not designed for emergency situations. If you are in a physical or mental health crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, you are to follow the emergency management plan described on your coaching agreement form. This includes calling 911 or another substance abuse or mental health hotline. In the State of Georgia, this would be a call to GCAL 800-715-4225. In the State of Kentucky or Virginia, this would be a call or text to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. If a Veteran or Military Service Member, this would be a call or text to 988, then press 1.
If you need extra support in-between sessions you can call your coach to make arrangements for individual coaching sessions.
ATTENDANCE
Your presence in the group is highly important. A group dynamic is formed that helps create an environment for growth and change. If you are absent from the group this dynamic suffers and affects the experience of you and other members of the group. Therefore, you agree that you will make this commitment a top priority for the duration of the group. Group coaching is successful (as is any form of coaching) when there is regular attendance on behalf of the participants.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Members of effective groups actively share thoughts, reactions and feelings during group meetings as a way of increasing their self-understanding and contributing to the personal growth of other members. To support that goal, facilitators will strive to establish and maintain a climate of respect within the group. Each member will undoubtedly share in different ways and be comfortable with different levels of disclosure. It is requested that as a participant you share what is comfortable and actively listen and attend to other group members. Participation does not necessarily mean talking. It can also mean listening to what other members have to say. No one will ever be forced to share anything that they are not comfortable sharing. You are not obligated to speak, but are encouraged to do so. Your role is to be a supportive peer and not to try to fix others’ problems. You will respect others, their experiences, their opinions, and not discuss people who are not present.
RELATIONSHIPS
Members agree to primarily use relationships in the group for coaching purposes, not socially. Group provides an opportunity for learning about one's self in relation to others. If, by chance, members meet outside the group, then it is their responsibility to discuss any relevant aspects of that encounter at the next group session. Group members are asked to refrain from dating or engaging in close friendships other members of the group while group is ongoing.
OTHER SAFETY CONCERNS
Members of a group may not use drugs or alcohol before or during group. Members of a group should not engage in discussion of group issues outside of group. Members of group should remember that keeping confidentiality allows for an environment where trust can be built and all members may benefit from the safety of being able to participate in the group experience. Your group coach(s) will monitor discussions and maintain a respectful environment to keep safety and trust a priority.
WITHDRAWAL
Starting a new group can be difficult and even awkward at first, thus Felt Coaching requests that you please attend a minimum of three sessions before deciding to quit group coaching. Members will let the group know in advance if they are leaving the group. Group participation is on a voluntary basis. If you or the group leader(s) determines that group is not serving your needs, you will be referred to other options. You can also be withdrawn from group for violation of any part(s) of this agreement.
If at any time you or the coach do not think that a tele-coaching group format is appropriate for you, either can terminate the group membership. If your membership is terminated, the coach will give you other coaching recommendations such as in person group if available, individual coaching, or referral to other providers.
IN PERSON GROUPS
Felt Coaching will offer In-Person or Hybrid group options in the future. While the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, please note that there is still risk of contracting COVID-19, and other viruses or infections spread through human contact. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that you have voluntarily sought in person services and acknowledge that you are increasing your risk of exposure to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and other viruses or infections spread through human contact. You acknowledge that you must comply with all set procedures to reduce the spread while attending your appointment.
You voluntarily choose to assume all risks noted in the COVID-19 Liability Waiver and accept sole responsibility for any injury, illness, permanent disability, and/or death related to COVID-19 or any other illness spread through human contact arising from or in connection with my presence in the Felt Coaching office, facility, or at an Felt Coaching sponsored event. I hereby release and hold harmless Felt Coaching, its subsidiaries, their employees, interns, directors, officers and representatives and other participants (“Released Parties”) from and against all liabilities (statutory or otherwise) for claims, suits, demands, judgments, costs, interest and expense (including but not limited to attorney’s fees and disbursements) for injury, illness, permanent disability, and/or death related to COVID-19 and other viruses or infections spread through human contact arising from or in connection with your or your child(ren)’s presence in the Felt Coaching office, facility, or at an Felt Coaching sponsored event, even if arising from the negligence, acts, or omissions of the release parties.
To obtain services in person, you agree to take certain precautions noted in the COVID-19 Liability Waiver, which will help keep everyone (you, me, our families, and other clients) safer from potential exposure. If you do not adhere to these safeguards, it may result in our starting/returning to a telehealth arrangement or even termination. You reserve the individual right to wear a facial mask for protection and risk reduction. You understand that in person groups are held in either an approximately 13 x 34 foot or 37x24 foot space with multiple participants and the requirement to keep the door closed for privacy purposes.
If, at any time, you decide you would feel safer staying with, or returning to, telehealth services, The Perfect Norm LLC will respect that decision, as long as it is feasible and appropriate.
TELEHEALTH GROUPS
For telehealth coaching you will need a computer/laptop, tablet, or phone equipped with a camera and speakers/headphones. You will also need a quiet and private space free of interruptions to attend your session in. You must be physically located in either the States of Georgia, Kentucky, or Virginia to attend session.
Due to the lack of audio and visual cues in the use of tele-coaching services, you or others may misinterpret comments made in the group. It is important to state your interpretation, ask for clarification when needed, and try to be clear with your own comments.
Signing below means that you agree with the guidelines and will do all in your power to uphold them. Should it be discovered that you are in breach of any of the policies above, co-leader(s) and/or other group members may ask that you terminate your participation in group coaching.
You may, at any time during the course of your treatment, withdraw your authorization to this agreement. Simply contact your coach.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.