FERN KINGDOM COACHING AGREEMENT: Nature-based resilience coaching

Welcome to Your Coaching Journey

I am thrilled to begin this collaborative journey with you toward greater clarity, resilience, and well-being. It is a privilege to work with you.

Our coaching approach takes a holistic view of your life and circumstances, considering your mind, body, spirit, emotions, relationships, values, and sense of purpose. Through guided conversations and nature-based reflection, we will explore what truly matters to you, identify what's in your way, and create meaningful action steps toward the life you want to live.

Before we begin, please read the following information carefully. By engaging in coaching services with Fern Kingdom, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these terms.

1) SERVICES

Fern Kingdom offers two coaching packages:

The Understory (6 weeks): Six 60-minute coaching sessions designed to help you gain clarity and momentum on a specific life threshold or challenge.

The Canopy (12 weeks): Twelve 60-minute coaching sessions offering deeper work and sustained support as you navigate significant life transitions or develop new practices.

Coaching is a collaborative partnership of mutual respect. As your coach, I bring a rich professional background: I am a Registered Nurse (RN), and certified in Forest Therapy (ANFT) and Nature as Medicine Practitioner (NAMP). I draw on integrative, holistic approaches to help you access your own wisdom and creativity.

Important: Coaching is not therapy, counseling, medical treatment, or a substitute for professional mental health or medical services. If you need mental health support, medical care, or crisis intervention, please reach out to a qualified professional or emergency services.

2) COACHING APPROACH

My coaching is grounded in examining the stories we tell ourselves and exploring new possibilities with the support of nature-based reflection.

Together, we will:

• Explore the narratives or patterns that may be holding you back

• Notice what the natural world reflects back to you

• Identify meaningful action steps toward change

• Create space for a different story to emerge

I draw on my background as a Certified Hospice Nurse and Forest Therapy guide, bringing a holistic perspective that honors both practical challenges and deeper transformation. Throughout our work, I may offer observations, questions, nature-based practices, or recommendations based on your needs. You are always free to accept or decline - the responsibility for change lies with you

3) COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS & BOUNDARIES 

Coaching sessions are conducted via Google Meets (video conference).

Between Sessions:

• You may contact me via email only at [your email]

• I will respond within 1 business day

• Email is for brief questions or scheduling matters, not for extended coaching work

• Sessions are the primary container for our coaching work

• I am not available for coaching conversations outside of scheduled sessions

Business Hours: I maintain regular business hours and am not available evenings, weekends, or holidays unless previously arranged.

Crisis Support: If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact 911 or a mental health crisis line immediately. This is not something I can support via email or between sessions.

4) SESSION SCHEDULING & CANCELLATION POLICY

Scheduling:

• Sessions are scheduled in advance at a mutually agreed-upon time

• Both of us agree to start and finish on time

• If you are more than 10 minutes late, I will assume you have cancelled that session

Cancellation & Rescheduling:

• If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance

• Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will be charged as a missed session (the session fee will be forfeited)

• I will also give you 24 hours notice if I need to reschedule

• If you need to reschedule more than twice during your package, we will pause and reassess whether our coaching relationship is the right fit at this time

5) PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY

Payment Terms:

• Payment for your coaching package is due in full upfront

• Accepted payment methods: [specify your payment methods]

• Invoices are sent upon enrollment

Refunds & Cancellations:

• If you choose to cancel your coaching package, you will receive a pro-rated refund based on the number of sessions completed

• Example: If you complete 3 of 6 sessions in The Understory, you will receive a refund for the 3 remaining sessions

• Refunds are processed within 14 days of your cancellation request

• No money-back guarantee is offered. Coaching outcomes depend entirely on your effort, openness, and willingness to implement changes
  

6) CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

By enrolling in coaching, you agree to:

• Show up to sessions on time and fully present

• Be open, honest, and willing to explore new ideas and possibilities

• Take responsibility for your own growth and well-being

• Complete any actions or reflections you commit to between sessions

• Communicate if something isn't working in our coaching relationship

• Respect confidentiality: do not share specific details about my coaching methods or materials with others in a way that violates my intellectual property or business practices

7) NO GUARANTEES OF RESULTS

Due to individual differences, I cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results from coaching. Coaching is not magic—it is a collaborative process that depends on your own effort, commitment, and willingness to change.

I cannot force you to take action. While I serve as a facilitator and guide, the responsibility for creating change lies entirely with you. You enter into coaching with the understanding that you are responsible for your own outcomes, health, and well-being.

8) CONFIDENTIALITY

I maintain strict confidentiality of everything you share during coaching sessions, in accordance with professional coaching ethics. Your information will not be disclosed to third parties without your explicit written consent, except:

• Where required by law (court order, subpoena)

• If you disclose intent to harm yourself or others

• If you disclose abuse or neglect of a child or elder (I am a mandated reporter as a registered nurse)

Your responsibility: As my client, you agree to maintain confidentiality about my coaching methods, materials, and business practices.

9) WHAT COACHING IS NOT

Coaching is not:

• Therapy or mental health treatment

• Medical advice or medical treatment

• Legal advice

• Financial advice

• A substitute for professional help

If you have ongoing mental health concerns, medical conditions, or need specialized professional support, I will recommend you work with appropriate qualified professionals in addition to or instead of coaching.

10) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

You acknowledge that:

• Coaching does not substitute for professional medical, mental health, or legal services

• By choosing to engage in coaching, you accept full responsibility for any associated risks

• Actions or lack of actions based on insights from coaching are solely your decision

• I am not responsible or liable for outcomes, decisions, or consequences you experience

• You assume full responsibility for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being during and after our coaching relationship

You agree to waive any current or future claims against me, Fern Kingdom, or related entities for any outcomes or experiences arising from our coaching work.

11) TERMINATION OF COACHING RELATIONSHIP

Either party may terminate the coaching relationship at any time. If you wish to end coaching:

• Please notify me in writing

• Your pro-rated refund will be calculated and processed within 14 days

If I believe the coaching relationship is no longer serving you, or if a conflict of interest arises that cannot be resolved, I will discuss this with you and, if necessary, refer you to another coach or professional.

12) CHANGES TO THIS AGREEMENT

I reserve the right to update this agreement. Any material changes will be communicated to you in writing, and continued coaching engagement indicates your acceptance of the updated terms.

13) GOVERNING LAW

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Oregon.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT & AGREEMENT

By enrolling in Fern Kingdom coaching and signing below, you confirm that:

• You have read and understand this agreement in its entirety

• You understand that coaching is not therapy and is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical care

• You accept responsibility for your own outcomes and well-being

• You agree to all terms outlined above

• Your participation is entirely voluntary

Client Name (print): ___________________________________

Client Signature: ___________________________________

Date: ___________________________________

Shannon Liedtke, RN, ANFT, NAMP

Signature: ___________________________________

Date: ___________________________________