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DR. LYN's PRACTICE BUILDING TIPS FOR COACHES & THERAPISTS

Volume 254 June 2026 GROW Training Institute, Inc.
Email feedback and questions to growpublications@yahoo.com


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Dear Colleagues,

       I hope your practices are heating up like the weather!  This month’s newsletter is about the ethics of Intake & Informed Consent forms for the Therapy and Coaching practices.  It's very important that you protect yourself with thorough consent forms signed by your clients.  I have included my sample for you!

          I wish you a happy, healthy, and abundant summer and practice!

        Lyn

     P.S.   If you haven’t already become a Certified Coach with GROW, this year would be the time to do so!   This month we're offering $100 OFF your CPC application fee!  See details HERE.

     "Your struggle is your strength. If you can resist becoming negative, bitter or hopeless, in time, your struggles will give you everything."
 —Bryant McGill
Happy Father's Day!!

 FOLLOW Dr. Lyn

"I help my colleagues increase their practice growth and success."
Lyn Kelley, Ph.D, MFT, CPC Certified Professional Coach

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June 2026 Special Offer:
50% OFF our MOST POPULAR C.E. Course:
"Ethical Issues for Coaches & Therapists"
10 C.E. Contact Hours -- now only $58.50!
See details and ordering HERE
growpublications@yahoo.com
*Not valid with any other offers

      

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Feature Article

Why You Need a Coaching/Therapy Intake &
Informed Consent Form
By Lyn Kelley, Ph.D., CPC

  What is “Informed Consent”?

Talk to any attorney and they will tell you the best way to avoid liability trouble is to use good judgment and good record keeping.  Informed consent is the therapist’s (and coach’s) first line of action in this regard.  Yet a shocking number of therapists and coaches do not use a “formal” or “written” informed consent.   In my work as a consultant and continuing education provider, I speak with therapists and coaches on a daily basis, throughout the U.S., who tell me they do not have a written informed consent.   If they do, they do not get it signed by their clients, nor do they keep a copy of it in their files!  In my opinion, this is like driving a nitroglycerin truck down a bumpy road. 
Your “Informed Consent” is information you provide your clients at their initial interview as well as an “agreement” as to the terms of the relationship.

Why do I need It in writing?

In his ethics course, Best Practices, David Jensen, J.D., CAMFT legal counsel, gives three reasons for having a written informed consent.  First, it provides documentation that you have acknowledged the patient’s right to consent or refuse to consent to treatment (CAMFT Ethical Standard 1.4, AAMFT Ethical Standard 1.2).  Second, it assists patients and therapists in avoiding misunderstandings.  Third, it helps therapists organize their practices. 
Not only do good record keeping practices serve to protect both the therapist and the client, but it is unprofessional conduct to fail to keep records consistent with sound clinical judgment, the standards of the profession, and the nature of the services being rendered.  Obviously, it is sound clinical judgment to receive informed consent from our clients. It is also sound clinical judgment to keep a record of it. 

When should I do it? 

Although informed consent should be given during your initial interview with your client, if you haven’t done it yet, you can do it at any time during the course of therapy or coaching (better late than never).  For virtual services, see my E-Signature Intake and Informed Consent sample below.  Simply inform your client that you have implemented a new policy or procedure, and you would like to go over this new form with them, have them fill it out and sign it.  Informed consent is a process and not a one time procedure. It should be revisited periodically.  It is a continuing obligation of therapists/coaches to apprise their clients of any changes.  Let clients know up front that you will be revisiting these issues periodically. Might it be time for you to revisit yours? 

What information is required?

Only two items are legally mandated (in California) to be included in the  informed consent. First, you must disclose the fee to be charged, and second, you must disclose the name of the owner of any fictitious business name.  And of course, clients have right to a copy of their informed consent.  However, there are many items that are ethically and legally recommended to include.  This list includes, but is not limited to: provider's background (education, training and experience), description of the proposed therapeutic/coaching process, potential risks and benefits of treatment, fees and cancellation policies, third-party payment policies and procedures, provisions for fee increases, availability, how to contact client, authorization for release of records, consent to treatment of minors and older minors (if applicable), other treatment options, and confidentiality. Coaches basically follow this same format, but do not call the coaching process “treatment.” I have included a sample of my Virtual Coaching informed consent here for your review, use and/or modification.  **Disclosure:  I am not an attorney and this is not legal advice.
E-Signature Coaching Informed Consent Sample

VIRTUAL COACHING
INITIAL INTERVIEW AND INFORMED CONSENT
Date:
CLIENT INFORMATION:
Name:
Phone:(Home) (Work)
Can I leave you a voice message at this/either number? Yes No
Fax: E-mail:
Address: City: Zip:
May I mail to you at this address? Yes No
Sex: Male Female Date of Birth:
Others living at home:
Others who may have access to your e-mail:
Employer: Position:
How long have you worked at this job?
Highest level of education attained:
List any significant health problems:

List any medications you are presently taking & the dosage:

Are you now, or have you ever been in therapy? YES NO
If yes, when? Name of therapist:
Brief description of issues worked on:

Have you had coaching/consultation before? YES NO
If yes, when? Name of coach/consultant:
Brief description of issues worked on:

Referred by (therapist, website, yellow pages, friend, business, etc.)
Who can be contacted in case of emergency?
Phone:
 Relationship to you:
FINANCIAL AGREEMENT:
Generally phone/Internet coaching is done in 1/2 hour increments, once or twice per week; however, we will design a plan that is best for you.

Fee per 1/4 hour is $_________
Unscheduled telephone calls or e-mails over 5 minutes will be charged at the ¼ hour rate.
24 hours notice is required to cancel an appointment or you will be charged a $50 fee.
(Fees are subject to change every six months)

Payment is due in full prior to or at the time of each session. You may pay by check or credit card. I accept VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX and DISCOVER. When you provide me with your credit card number, sessions will be billed only as they are used by you, or for the sequence of sessions you authorize, and this information will remain secure.

CHECKING IN:
I check my e-mail and voice mail at least once a day. I will make every effort to get back to you within 24 hours. I generally do not return calls on weekends and I do travel often, so please leave a message with my manager if it is important. I am not available for emergencies. Please note that coaching is not recommended for clients who feel they may need emergency sessions.

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT:
All information shared in session is confidential except in circumstances governed by laws mandating that I report alleged harm to self or others, and in the case of child, handicapped person, or elder abuse. What we discuss will be held in confidence and not shared with others. However, our discussions are not privileged for legal purposes. The privilege of confidentiality that exists for the clergy, therapists and attorneys is not granted to coaching professionals. That said, life coaching is a confidential process, and your personal information will always be protected.

I can verify that all information shared by phone or e-mail on my end will be confidential; however, I cannot guarantee that on your end. It is up to you to ensure your e-mail and phone are protected.

VENUE:
I would like to utilize the following type(s) of virtual coaching. My coach has explained the pros and cons of each venue: (please initial)

 By telephone
 By Internet/e-mail
In person

COACHING GOALS:
Coaching is a service which requires specialized training. It is designed primarily to assist clients in goal achievement. It is different than therapy, and while it may often include therapeutic techniques, it is not psychotherapy. I do not engage in the practice of psychotherapy with my coaching clients. If during the course of coaching, we find that you would benefit from psychotherapy or medical services, I will make a referral for you. If during the course of coaching, I feel that therapy would be more appropriate for you than coaching, I will make that recommendation. I may require you to see a therapist along with your coaching, or may require that you postpone coaching until certain therapeutic issues are resolved. Please let me know if you are seeing a therapist concurrently with coaching. If you would like me to confer with your therapist, you will need to sign a written authorization.

I do not prepare letters, forms or reports for any insurance, employer, school, medical, government or legal entity. I do not provide recommendations or testify in court on behalf of clients.

Briefly state your goal(s) for your coaching program:



STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING:
My coach has reviewed this client-coach agreement with me, and explained it to me so that I understand and am agreeable to it.


CLIENT DATE

COACH DATE
                      
You can find out more about how to create your Intake and Informed Consent Forms (I provede 4 samples) in our C.E. Course "Ethical Issues for Coaches and Therapists."  See ordering information below.
          I'm committed to the survival and success of our profession.

"Ethical Issues for Coaches and Therapists"
50% OFF for the month of June!
See info and ordering HERE.
Includes Manual and Quiz for 10 CE Contact Hours (and Certificate of Completion) 
      
“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." 
                                            ---Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

NEWS FLASH!!!

NEW Book Just Out on Amazon.com!
Resource for Coaches: Strategic Networking: A Practical Playbook
By N. Elizabeth Fried, Ph.D.
Many coaches are excellent at helping others build relationships, create opportunities, and achieve their goals—but often spend less time applying those same principles to growing their own businesses.

          Strategic Networking: A Practical Playbook, by N. Elizabeth Fried, Ph.D., is a concise 28-page ebook that provides practical, actionable strategies for building meaningful professional relationships, strengthening referral networks, preparing for important conversations, and creating opportunities through authentic connection.

          The book also demonstrates how AI can be used to research prospective clients, referral sources, organizations, and networking contacts, helping coaches walk into conversations better prepared, more informed, and more confident.

          Whether you are looking to grow your coaching practice, expand your referral network, support clients navigating career transitions, or help job seekers build stronger professional relationships, you'll find tools you can put to work immediately.

          As one reader noted:

          "There's more substance in these 28 pages than in a lot of business books that spend 300 pages circling the runway before making a point."

          This book has received 15 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars and can be read in approximately 15 minutes.

          Learn more HERE


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June 2026 SPECIAL OFFER
50% OFF our MOST POPULAR C.E. Course:
"Ethical Issues for Coaches & Therapists"
10 C.E. Contact Hours -- Now only $58.50
See details and ordering HERE
See full course listing on our website HERE

GROW is an Approved Continuing Education Provider for most State Licensing Boards 
GROW is an Approved Coach Training Organization for the CCE:
BCC (Board Certified Coaches), and NCC (National Certified Counselors)
HURRY -- Offer only good through June 2026! 
 Questions?  Contact Lyn Kelley, Ph.D., MFT, CPC growpublications@yahoo.com 
or call 858-837-1412 

LYN'S MARKETING CONSULTATION

Dear Colleagues,
        Let me help you make 2026 your SIX-FIGURE INCOME YEAR!!! I am available to you for telephone and e-mail consultation on any area of practice building.  You own a BUSINESS.  If you want to be successful, you have to do what other successful people do. They KNOW "it takes money to make money."  
        Become a member of GPCCA (GROW Professional Coach & Counselor Association.)  I'm certain I will save you MUCH MORE than the membership fee by helping you NOT DO what I know DOESN'T work, and DO what I know DOES WORK! Contact me at growpublications@yahoo.com
        Thanks!
        Lyn

See more info about Lyn's practice building consultations HERE

INSPIRATIONAL TIP OF THE MONTH

         You can be confident in achieving your goals, even in the face of uncertainty.

        You can remain calm and grounded, even in the midst of life’s toughest storms.

        Whether it’s your confidence or your calm, it comes from within; it’s not dependent on external circumstances.

        Whenever fear arises or you find yourself in uncertain or chaotic situations, remind yourself of your inherent strength.

        It’s already a part of who you are.

        Let it ground you.

        Take your next step with unwavering trust.

Hire a Virtual Assistant!

         Karisse Lyka Valdez-Chua is a Registered Psychometrician and Mental Health Care Virtual Assistant who specializes in supporting mental health professionals and clinics with administrative operations, psychometric testing coordination, and client management. She has experience assisting private mental health practices with scheduling, client intake processes, inquiry handling, and coordination of psychological assessments such as ADHD and other psychometric testing.

         In addition to administrative support, Karisse also assists with content creation and digital support, helping clinics maintain organized systems and a professional online presence while ensuring a smooth experience for both clinicians and clients.

          Her goal is to help therapists and mental health professionals focus more on their clients by providing reliable, organized, and compassionate virtual administrative support.

         Thank you again for this opportunity. Please feel free to let me know if you need any additional information.

         Warm Regards,

         Karisse Lyka Valdez-Chua

Mental Health Care Virtual Assistant | Client Care & Psychometric Testing Coordinator | Social Media Manager | Administrative Officer | Social Welfare Assistant

Email: karisselykavaldez29@gmail.com

Mobile/WhatsApp no.: +639-128-549-167

Address: Victoria, Tarlac City, 2313, Philippines

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BECOME A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL COACH!

Click HERE for full information and application for GROW’s CPC Program -- the fastest, easiest, least expensive, highest quality Certified Coach Program available!  Call me for your FREE 20 minute phone consult if you'd like to know more about it.  Lyn: 858-837-1412 growpublications@yahoo.com

 See details HERE

See Dr. Lyn's YouTube Video:
"THERAPIST to COACH:  My Story"

FREE C.E. Course!

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Life, Wellness, Career, or Business Coach
By Lyn Kelley, Ph.D., MFT, CPC
5 C.E. Contact Hours -- Includes 53-page manual, quiz, and
Certificate of Completion

See details and ordering HERE

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Congratulate our New GROW CPC's!

Michael A. White, CPC #2357

Surprise, AZ

info@anosurrenderedmindset.com

623-866-9717

www.aNoSurrenderedMindset.com

Specialties:  Life Coaching

Mission Statement:  "I coach groups, couples, and individuals who are ready to move forward and willing to do the work required for growth."

Essay:     
        "For the past seven years as a Licensed Professional Counselor, my work has centered on helping individuals navigate mental and emotional struggles.  While stabilization is a critical part of that process, I’ve found that my deeper passion lies in what comes after.  Once clients reach a place of stability, I naturally shift into guiding them through life decisions, goal setting, and the practical steps required to move forward.  This is where I see the most meaningful change—when individuals begin to take ownership of their lives, build internal motivation, and follow through with consistent action.  In those moments, the work becomes less about maintaining balance and more about creating growth.

        Coaching, for me, is about collaboration.  It’s not just offering direction, but walking alongside someone as they clarify what they want and push past the internal barriers that have kept them stuck.  I provide structure, accountability, and support, but the transformation belongs to them.  What I’ve consistently observed is that many people are capable of far more than they believe—they just need the right environment and guidance to unlock it.  Being part of that process, seeing someone move from hesitation to confidence, from inaction to execution, is what drives me.  It’s the difference between surviving and actually building something meaningful in their life.

        Over time, I’ve realized that while counseling addresses immediate needs, coaching aligns more with where I want to focus my energy long-term.  I don’t want my work to revolve solely around keeping individuals stable; I want to be part of helping them expand, evolve, and reach goals they may not have pursued on their own.  My goal is to transition further into coaching along with my wife of thirty years, working with group coaching, couple coaching, and with individuals who are ready to move forward and are willing to do the work required for growth.  I see coaching not just as a service, but as a space where transformation is intentional, structured, and sustainable."

 ********************* 



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