The Puzzle of Parenthood Program Agreement
This agreement serves as our contract for services. It’s important that we’re in agreement about what we’re going to do over the course of this program, and what we won’t be able to do.
Here’s what you’ve signed up for:
Five 60-minute, individual, live, video calls (individual meaning just me and you - whether “you” is one single parent or parenting partners). These calls will happen on a weekly schedule unless otherwise agreed to.
Access to my resources and “homework” (which is encouraged but not required), including reflective questions and exercises to try at home throughout the week.
Unlimited access to me by email to check in around what kinds of questions might be coming up for you throughout the program. I’ll respond by email or by Loom (a short, free video messaging service, which you can sign up for too, if video is more your style), and I aim to respond within 2 business days.
A few reminders about things I can’t do or am limited by:
Coaching services are intended for individuals who are in generally good health, are generally well adjusted, are functioning effectively, and are not in need of medical treatment (including for mental health disorders). Coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of any medical or mental disorders and does not prevent, cure, or treat any mental disorder or medical disease. Further, coaching is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, psychoanalysis, medical treatment, substance abuse treatment, or the advice or services of a medical professional. If you are in need of these services, I may be able to offer you referrals in your area, but it is your responsibility to seek independent guidance to the extent necessary.
I can’t make any guarantees about how your life will change because of this program. Your effort, your actions, and your commitment to making changes will all impact what happens, and even then, there is a lot that is beyond our control.
Confidentiality: Information you share with me will be treated as confidential, and I will not share this information without written consent, except in cases of mandated reporting, such as child abuse or neglect. You should be aware that a coach-client relationship does not give rise to privilege or any other legally protected confidentiality. That means a court could order me to disclose information related to our work. I will notify you of any legal request that would implicate your information prior to disclosing it but may not be able to oppose disclosing the information.
And some notes about payments, refunds, and rescheduling:
The cost of this program is $1350. Payment must be received prior to beginning the program.
Together we will determine a regular and consistent time for the 5 weeks we meet. Still, I know things come up unexpectedly, and you’ll have the option to reschedule up to 2 calls. If you're finding it difficult to schedule and commit to these 5 hours, the challenge of reserving this time for yourself is an important one for us to discuss.
Our first call will be scheduled within 30 days of our “good fit” consult call, unless we agree to a different schedule.
There are no refunds after the sessions have begun. This policy allows me to ensure focused attention on you throughout your time in the program. But the more important reason is you: to make a change for your family, you’re going to have to commit to the work of examining yourself, and by signing up for this program, you are making a commitment to doing this work. You will only observe changes if you show up (here and at home). If it’s feeling hard to show up, that’s worth discussing because it’s likely part of how you’re parenting, too.
A few things I ask of you:
Please bring an open mind, all your questions, and a willingness to be honest with yourself (and your parenting partner, if applicable) and me.
Share feedback with me throughout our work together. I want to hear what’s working for you and what’s not. Sometimes we can make shifts to accommodate and sometimes I may ask you to challenge yourself not to make an accommodation.
Please do not share the original resources you receive from me without my permission.
At the end of our work, I may ask you for a review or “testimonial” and your consent to share your feedback. The submission of such a testimonial is optional and your choice to provide one or not will not impact the work we have done or any work we may do in the future.
I’m excited for our work together and for the ways you are about to have a greater understanding of your child’s behaviors and your own, for how you will improve your relationship with your child (and with yourself), and for how your will become a more confident parent so your little ones will grow up to be confident adults themselves.
In agreement,
Sarah Dobkin