- Cancellation policy included
- Outcomes disclaimer
- Session package terms
- HIPAA guidance note
Everything a professional coaching practice needs
Coaching relationships have unique contractual requirements that general service agreements miss — session scheduling, cancellation enforcement, outcomes disclaimers, and the distinction between coaching and therapy. This template handles all of it.
What to include in a coaching contract
Coaching contracts serve two purposes: protecting the coach and setting clear expectations for the client. The best coaching agreements are honest about what coaching can and can't do — and that honesty builds trust.
- Be explicit about what coaching is — and isn't — Coaching is not therapy. It's not consulting. It's not mentorship (necessarily). Your contract should define coaching as a client-driven process where the coach asks powerful questions and the client takes action. If a client comes to you expecting therapy for trauma, or consulting for business strategy, and you haven't clarified the distinction, you're heading for a dispute.
- Your cancellation policy is your income protection — Coaches who don't enforce cancellation policies lose significant income to last-minute cancellations and no-shows. Define your policy clearly: how many hours in advance a session must be cancelled, what percentage of the fee applies for late cancellations, and whether you offer makeup sessions. Treat this like a business policy, not a personal favor.
- Include a mutual termination clause — Either party should be able to end the coaching relationship with reasonable notice (typically 1-2 weeks). Define what happens to unused prepaid sessions — do they get refunded, or are they forfeited? Address this proactively rather than discovering the answer during an emotional client departure.
- Clarify digital communication boundaries — Will you be available between sessions for quick questions via text or email? If so, define limits (response within 48 business hours, no crisis support). Clients who expect 24/7 access to their coach — without a retainer arrangement for that — will erode your time and energy.
- Address package vs. session pricing clearly — If you offer coaching packages (e.g., 6 sessions for $1,800, save $300 vs. individual sessions), specify the expiry date for unused sessions and the refund policy. Common practice: packages expire 6-12 months from purchase, and unused sessions are not refunded — but this must be stated in writing.
Coaching industry data
- $4.5B global coaching market (2024)
- 70% of coaches report no-show issues
Without a written cancellation policy enforced consistently, coaches lose an average of 8-12 sessions per year to last-minute cancellations and no-shows.
Works for all coaching types
Life coaching, Executive coaching, Business coaching, Career coaching, Health coaching, Performance coaching, Relationship coaching, Spiritual coaching.