This Recovery Coaching Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Bob Fisher Recovery (“Coach,” “I,” or “me”) and you (“Client,” “you,” or “your”). By engaging recovery coaching services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms below.
1. Nature of Recovery Coaching
Recovery coaching is a non-clinical, non-medical service focused on goal setting, accountability, recovery planning, and personal growth. It is a strengths-based, collaborative partnership designed to support your recovery journey. Recovery coaching is not psychotherapy, counselling, diagnosis, medical treatment, or crisis intervention. It does not involve the assessment, diagnosis, or treatment of substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or any other medical condition.
I am a recovery coach, not a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or registered counsellor. I do not prescribe medication, provide clinical therapy, or offer medical advice.
2. Services Provided
- One-on-one recovery coaching sessions conducted online by Zoom or a similar videoconferencing platform, generally lasting 50–60 minutes.
- Collaborative development of recovery goals, action plans, and strategies for maintaining progress.
- Accountability support, including check-ins and follow-up as agreed.
- Resource sharing and referrals to clinical or community services when appropriate.
3. Limitations of Services
Recovery coaching has important limitations. I cannot and will not:
- Diagnose substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or any medical condition;
- Provide psychotherapy, counselling, or clinical treatment;
- Prescribe, recommend, or manage medications;
- Intervene in medical emergencies or acute crises;
- Guarantee any specific outcome, including sobriety, abstinence, or relapse prevention;
- Act as a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, or therapeutic care.
If at any time I believe your needs exceed the scope of recovery coaching, I will discuss this with you and may recommend that you seek services from a qualified clinical professional.
4. Client Responsibilities
- You are responsible for your own choices, actions, health, and well-being throughout the coaching relationship.
- You agree to participate honestly and openly in sessions, and to communicate any concerns about the coaching process.
- You agree to maintain a safe, private, and distraction-free environment for online sessions.
- You are responsible for securing appropriate clinical or medical care if needed. Coaching does not replace professional treatment.
- You must not be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed substances during coaching sessions to the extent that it impairs your ability to participate.
5. Confidentiality
Information shared during coaching sessions is treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without your written consent, except as required by law. Confidentiality has the following limits:
- If you disclose intent to harm yourself or others, I am ethically obligated to take steps to protect life and safety, which may include contacting emergency services or a designated contact person.
- If I am legally compelled by a court order or statute to disclose information, I will do so to the extent required.
- Online sessions rely on third-party videoconferencing platforms. While I select reputable providers, I cannot guarantee the absolute security of data transmitted over the internet.
6. Emergency and Crisis Procedures
Recovery coaching is not appropriate for emergencies or acute crises. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, suicidal thoughts, or a severe mental health crisis, you must contact emergency services immediately:
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for immediate medical or psychiatric emergencies.
- Call or text 9-8-8 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 across Canada.
- Contact your local crisis line, hospital, or healthcare provider for urgent support.
I do not provide after-hours crisis support. If you reach out during a crisis, I will direct you to the appropriate emergency resources.
7. Payment Terms
- Fees for coaching services are agreed upon before the first session and are payable in Canadian dollars (CAD).
- Payment is generally required in advance of each session or package, as specified in your booking arrangement.
- Accepted payment methods will be communicated at the time of booking.
- Late or missed payments may result in suspension of coaching services until the account is brought current.
8. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
- Sessions may be rescheduled or cancelled without charge if at least 24 hours’ notice is provided.
- Cancellations or missed sessions with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged in full at the discretion of the Coach.
- If I need to cancel a session, I will provide as much notice as possible and offer a rescheduled time at no additional cost.
9. Refund Policy
Refunds for prepaid sessions or packages are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Unused sessions may be eligible for a partial refund if the coaching relationship ends by mutual agreement. No refund is guaranteed for sessions already conducted or for missed sessions without proper notice.
10. Termination of Coaching Relationship
Either party may end the coaching relationship at any time. You are not obligated to continue coaching beyond what you have paid for. I reserve the right to terminate the coaching relationship if:
- I believe your needs exceed the scope of recovery coaching;
- There is non-payment of agreed fees;
- There is abusive, threatening, or harassing behaviour;
- Continuing the relationship would be unsafe or unethical.
11. Electronic Communications
Coaching sessions are conducted by videoconference. Email and text messaging may be used for scheduling and administrative purposes only. I do not provide coaching or therapeutic support by email or text. Electronic communications are not encrypted to a clinical standard, and you accept the inherent privacy and security risks.
12. Record Keeping
I may keep brief, confidential notes summarizing coaching sessions for the purpose of continuity and quality of service. These notes are minimal, do not constitute clinical records, and are stored securely. You may request access to your notes at any time, subject to legal and ethical limitations.
13. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any dispute arising from this Agreement will be resolved in the courts of Alberta, Canada.
14. Acknowledgment and Consent
By engaging Bob Fisher Recovery coaching services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Agreement, including the nature of recovery coaching, its limitations, your responsibilities, and the emergency and crisis procedures outlined above. You consent to receive non-clinical recovery coaching services and agree that these services are not a substitute for medical, psychiatric, or therapeutic care.
15. Questions
If you have any questions about this Agreement, please contact me at bob@bobfisherrecovery.ca before your first session.